Principles and Practices - December 9

THOUGHTS ON POVERTY

Ask some one of those who pant with an insatiable heart for earthly riches what is his opinion of those who sold all their goods and gave to the poor, and whether they did wisely or no. Doubtless he will reply that they did wisely. Ask him again why he does not himself practice what he approves in others. 'I cannot,' he will reply. Wherefore? Plainly because avarice is the mistress of his heart, and will not permit him; because he is not free; because the things which he seems to possess are not his; nor is he himself his own master.

-St. Bernard.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930