An Ideal Church Community

I often speak of the rich and the poor. I would rather not have to speak in these terms. If everyone acted according to the teachings of Christ, there would be no rich and poor; all would be equal. This is because the rich would continue giving away their wealth until everyone had the same. Since only a minority have truly embraced the teachings of Christ, this is not going to happen. But we can make a start; and the place to start is the Church. Let the rich give liberally to their church congregations. Then let each congregation use this bounty to support widows and orphans, the sick and the crippled. And let those whom God has called to perpetual virginity be the primary means through which this bounty is channeled. Hospitals and schools can be built where those in need can come, and where those called to celibacy can serve them. The rich would take no pride in their gifts, because those receiving the gifts would not know their names; their gratitude could be directed only to the Church. So let your particular church become in this way a reflection on earth of the glory of heaven.

-St. John Chrysostom

Well churches are halfway there. I love church fundraisers and the weekly ways that the church asks me to give. I love knowing that Pastor knows where to send our charitable contributions - that the needy in our parish know to come to him, and that the rich in our parish DO give. On the other hand, we fall short of St. John's dream in many ways.

First of all, the rich have not given away so much that they are like the poor. I don't blame them entirely. It would be irresponsible to give away so much that your own family is not taken care of, or that you are not taken care of in your old age, or if there is a disaster. Then again, if you have become such a generous giver, then I am sure people will help you in your time of need.

Second, there are not enough religious to take care of the administration. Yes, Pastor does a good job for our church. But what about the school attached? In the olden days, schools and hospitals were run by nuns - sisters who only needed lodging and food, not large salaries like the teachers and nurses in today's hospitals. How do we get more people into the religious life? Why has it lost its appeal? I don't know the answer to that. But I believe it starts in the home. Much like parents should teach their children good morals and charity, they should encourage children to THINK about going into religious life. That is one of the most charitable things a person could do.