Meditation XXI. On Avarice. Point I
de Ponte, Meditations on the Mysteries of Our Holy Faith, vol. 1, 1852, pp. 252–253
- 1. AVARICE is an inordinate desire of riches and temporal goods, in which we may sin many ways.
- i. In desiring to take that which is another man's, contrary to the tenth commandment of the law of God; or taking in the deed, or retaining it contrary to the seventh, which is, "not to steal."
- ii. With niggardliness abusing that which is our own, not sharing it, when the law of justice or of charity and mercy obliges us, amongst the needy, but being hard-hearted against them.
- iii. In seeking after these goods with too great care, setting our whole heart upon them, treading underfoot for this reason the commandments of Almighty God and of His Church, and the obligations of our state. Hence spring many sins that are the daughters of avarice; viz., lies, frauds, perjuries, violence, tyrannies, cruelties, suits, discords and innumerable others; upon which the apostle said that "the desire of money is the root of all evils."
- iv. Whoever has made a vow of poverty sins against it in usurping to himself (without leave of his superior) what is given him by others, or in alienating what is given him, or in hiding it; or in employing what he has to a prohibited use, or after an appropriating manner, that is, with an affection so inordinate, as if it were his own, being sad or complaining when by just title they deprive him of it.
- v. We may sin by doing good works principally for temporal interest, or by omitting obligatory works for the same end, treading under foot the rules of our state and office.