1. “Rely not on your wealth” – Sirach 5:1

Today’s first reading comes from the wisdom book of Sirach. Here, the author exhorts readers to trust more in God than in money, which has always been and will always been a human temptation. Here are some other powerful quotes from the Church Fathers and Saints on a proper relationship with wealth.

2. “the coat unused in your closet belongs to the one who needs it” – St. Basil the Great

This powerful quote comes from a homily from this great Saint. The fact that he could say this during a time and place less prosperous than our own should convict us.

3. “The rich exist for the poor, and the poor exist for the salvation of the rich” – St. John Chrysostom

This clever reverse shows the dual importance both parties. While it is most often seen in one direction, the rich helping the poor, Chrysostom emphasizes that both sides are necessary, assuming there is faith in the rich who believe heaven to be real and that their charity affects whether they go or not.

4. “God never asks his servants to do what is impossible.” – St. Gregory of Nyssa

This quotes comes from a commentary on the Gospel reading today, Mark 9:41, where Jesus promises those who offer a cup of water in Christ’s name will be rewarded. Gregory shows us the simplicity of generosity that is necessary for salvation from the words of Jesus Himself.

5. “Porters to heaven”

St. Augustine gave this title to the poor to emphasize their relationship to those with wealth. Basically, they relieve wealthy of their excess burden their possessions.