Michael Pakaluk on Works of Mercy and Bearing with Annoyances

"''Which then is better, tell me? To be rich or to be poor? To be in power or in dishonor? In luxury or in hunger? It is quite clear: to be in honor, enjoyment, and wealth. Therefore, if you would have the realities and not the names, leave the earth and what is here, and find yourself a place to anchor in heaven: for what is here is a shadow, but all things there are immovable, steadfast, and beyond any assault.' Thus said St. John Chrysostom in one of his homilies on the Gospel of Matthew.

"Using an old image, he likens human life to the piloting of a ship and concludes his exhortation . . ."

In a recent commentary, Dr. Michael Pakaluk, Professor at the Busch School of Business, Catholic University of America, reflected on the work of mercy that involves bearing with the annoyances of others.

To access Dr. Pakaluk's complete essay, please visit:

Boston Pilot: Echoes: Michael Pakaluk: The unspeakable wealth of almsgiving (9 SEP 22)