On Social Justice: St. Basil the Great

St Basil’s homilies on the subject of wealth and poverty, although delivered in the fourth century, remain utterly fresh and contemporary. Whether you possess great wealth or have modest means, at the heart of Basil’s message stands the maxim: Simplify your life, so you have something to share with others. While some patristic texts relate to obscure and highly philosophical questions, Basil’s teachings on social issues are immediately understood andapplicable. At a time when vast income disparity and overuse of limited environmental resources are becoming matters of increasing concern, Basil’s message is more relevant now than ever before.