Customer Reviews

On Wealth and Poverty

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When reading this work, please keep in mind that Saint John is a speaker, not a writer. When reading his sermons, it can be tedious at times because he repeasts and phrases ideas in such a way as that it seems tricky when reading, yet very colorful and easily understood when speaking.

The moral implications of the several sermons contained in this 'one sermon' are massive. The sermons all revolve around the story of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke and he explands on how even the slightest of monetary pleasures should be avoided and the money given to the poor instead because there will always be those who need help; children, old and infirmed, injured and disables, etc. The lessons he teached by way of Christ are ones which we need now more than ever.

I have read this book many times. The sermons are timeless and have great power in them. Saint John Chrysostom's words can change the way one views the world. I most emphatically recommend reading this. People love their possessions and rank in the world but when these affectations are examined with Saint John's guidance their importance is relegated to a more sensible, appropriate place.

I completely agree with the previous reviewer, this book is a short read that will make you look at life differently. Chrysostom definitely clears up all of the 'gray area' about who deserves help and who does not, like i said this book has the potential to change your life.

This homily is powerful and relevant for today's world as well as in Chrysostom's setting.
I just think that every rich man who read it will either refute or repent. It is too powerful to the extent that I believe almost all who read it will:

1. Redefined what is "wealth" and "poverty" and along with that, who are actually the "rich man" and "poor man"
2. Rethink of their attitude toward the poor and the rich
3. Repent from their selfishness

Surely I use hyperbole in the above description. But that's the way of rhetoric which Chrysostom and even Jesus himself apply in their sermons.

My critique is that Chrysostom certainly use some speculations in his interpretation. You will find it yourself when you read the book.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from his book:

"the rich man is not the one who has collected many possessions but the one who needs few possessions; and the poor man is not the one who has no possessions but the one who has many desires.

Blessings

In this short book, St John Chrysostom gives four sermons on the Lord's parable of the rich man and Lazarus. He addresses the issue of how people should view wealth and poverty from a spiritual point of view. Too often, people envy those who have wealth and power, whilst they look at those who are poor and destitute as having been abandoned by God. St John Chrysostom however takes a very different view, and explains this from the point of view of the parable.

The wisdom gained from this wise saint can be applied just as easily today as it could have done when the sermons were first delivered centuries ago. In this day and age, when wealth and materialism have permeated every aspect of society and culture, books such as this one come up as priceless spiritual treasures for all Christians who seek to live according to the life in Christ.