Christian Mission and Poverty

Chapter 3: Distribution and Justice

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should endure the same that the poor man had endured, and in a higher degree. As therefore, in the case of the poor man, his being laid at the gate of the rich man, and thus seeing the prosperity of another, had made his affliction much heavier, thus also, in the case of the rich man, it made his pain greater, that he, now lying in the place of punishment, also sees the bliss of Lazarus; so that, not only by the very nature of torture, but by the contrast with the other’s honor, he should bear more insufferable punishment . . . “I sent to you,” He might say, “this poor man Lazarus to your gate, that he might be to you a teacher of virtue, and an opportunity for the exercise of benevolence. You did overlook the gain; you were not willing to use aright this means of salvation. From henceforth find it to be a cause of increased pain and punishment.” We learn from this that all those whom we have despitefully treated or wronged will then meet us face to face. Still this man was not in any way wronged by the rich man: for the rich man did not seize any of his property; yet he bestowed not upon him any of his own. And since he did not bestow anything on him, he had the neglected poor man for his accuser. What mercy can he expect who has robbed other men’s goods, when he is surrounded by all those whom he has injured! No need is there of witnesses, none of accusers, none of evidences or proofs; but the very deeds themselves, whatsoever we have committed, will then be placed before our own eyes. Behold, then, it is said, the man and his works. This also is robbery—not to impart our good things to others. Very likely it may seem to you a strange saying; but wonder