St. Peter of Damascus | It is better to have nothing to give and still to be full of sympathy for all.

Possessions, rather, are a great weakness. Indeed, it is better to have nothing to give and still to be full of sympathy for all. And if we do have something to give to those in need, we should ourselves be detached from the things of this life, and yet feel deeply involved with our fellow men.

Neither should we, in our arrogance, take it upon ourselves to teach others when we have not yet proved ourselves by our own actions; though we make the excuse that we are thereby helping the souls of the weak, the truth is that we are ourselves weaker than those we claim to be helping.

For every action must be done at the right time and with discrimination, so that it is not inopportune or detrimental.

For a weak person flight is always best, while the total shedding of possessions is far superior to giving alms.


St. Peter of Damascus