Christ’s Kingdom was a kingdom of vagrants and paupers. “A rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven” ([Matthew xix, 23]). “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” ([24]).
556
While at the temple with his disciples what act did he commend?
Mark and Luke: That of the poor widow who threw two mites into the treasury ([Mark xii, 43]; [Luke xxi, 3]).
This widow’s offering illustrates the characteristic generosity of the poor and the heartless greed of the church. This text has enabled a horde of indolent priests to prey upon widows and orphans; to filch the scanty earnings of the poor, and live like parasites upon the weak and sickly calves of humanity.
557
Did he practice the virtue of temperance?
“The Son of Man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man and a winebibber” ([Luke vii, 34]).