Daily Thought For April 23, 2015

God Blesses The Generous

An old man lived a common life with another brother, and he was an old man with a merciful disposition. Once in a time of famine, people began to come to his door to take part in a love-feast, and the old man ministered bread to everyone who came. But when his brother saw this, he said: “Give me my share of the bread, and do what you like with your share.” The old man divided the bread into two, and went on giving away his own share as usual. But a multitude flocked to the old man, hearing that he gave to all comers. And God, seeing his purpose, blessed that bread.

But the brother who had taken his share, gave none away: and he ate up his bread, and said to the old man: “I have only a little of my bread left, Abba: so take me back to a life in common.” And the old man said to him: “I will do whatever you want.” And again they began to live together and have everything in common. Again, they had plenty of food, and again the needy kept coming to receive a love-feast.

One day the brother happened to go in and see that there was no bread left. And a poor man came, asking for the love-feast. So the old man said to the brother: “Give him some bread.” And he said: “There is none left, father.” And the old man said: “Go in, and look for some.” The brother went in, and saw the bin full of loaves. He was afraid at the sight, and took some and gave to the poor man. And he recognized the faith and goodness of the old man, and glorified God.


The Sayings of the Fathers Chadwick, O. (Ed.). (1958). (pp. 148–149). Philadelphia: Westminster Press.