Does the bread in your cupboard belong to the hungry man?

Question

Comments on the following from your personal perspective or the perspective of your faith?

"The bread in your cupboard belongs to the hungry man; the coat hanging unused in your closet belongs to the man who needs it; the shoes rotting in your closet belong to the man who has none; the money which you hoard in the bank belongs to the poor. You do wrong to everyone you could help, but fail to help." ~ Basil of Caesarea (a.k.a. St. Basil the Great)

More on St. Basil: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02330b.htm

Answer 1

I like what St. Basil wrote, but I want to elaborate on that.

Where's the sacrifice?

Bread: feed him, but do you invite him to dine with you?

Coat: What if you have two coats, one new and one not so new. Which one are you to give away? The old one?

Shoes: Why the old rotting shoes? Why not new shoes?

Money in the bank: I agree. I give.

My point is: You are to give your best. Give your new dress. Give your new coat. Don't give away stuff you don't want or need. What's the sacrifice in that?

A true sacrifice is to give something you cherish.

Give your best.

Answer 2

It means if you can help someone, do so. So, in effect, it all does belong to everyone.

Although, at this time, there is no bread in my closet, my only pair of shoes are on my feet and I have $0.00 in the bank. I do have an extra coat though if you need it.

Answer 3

Since my husband is always hungry, I guess the bread does belong to him.....

It's a nice quote, and I think people can do what they want and are able to do for others. If I have extra food, clothes, and money, I gladly donate it to others in need.

This has nothing to do with my faith....I just know that it's unpleasant to be in certain situations and I don't want other people to have to experience that.

Answer 4

I am achristian. I believe if there is any way we can help another, we should. If someone came to me hungry, I would be happy to share with them. Clothes and shoes in my closet? We can all go through our closets and find things to give to someone less fortunate. I am not talking about giving some raggedy things we have had forever and wouldn't wear ourselves, throw those in the trash. If you don't want them, why would you expect someone else to wear them? Give them those things that are still nice and wearable that you don't use. If you have the money, you should care enough to try and help others. Being a christian, we are suppose to tithe 10% of our earnings. We are blessed to have it, it all belongs to God to begin with, he gave it to us. We need to care for others whenever we can. If we are jobless, there are other ways of giving of ourselves.

Answer 5

The bread in my cupboard belongs to me, as does the generous nature that would incline me to share it with a hungry man.

I never realized St. Basil the Great was a Communist. How does the Vatican feel about his wealth-sharing scheme?

Answer 6

Just give that extra $5 to Larry Jones Feed the Children or Operation Blessing or Life Outreach International or Migdal Ohr or Meir Panim then you would have done the right thing. Type them into your browsers and see what they are. God bless.

Answer 7

I as a muslim see what he says because that's what we try to live by, too. If you're not using something or don't need it, give it to somebody who does need it. You have no idea how grateful they are for it. I have a friend who was down on her luck. I gave her whatever I had in storage that I didn't need to help her build her life back up. I put a lot in storage just in case somebody needs it. If it's clothing, I'll donate it to the Good Will. We should all try to live like that. It humbles you and brings you closer to God.

Answer 8

Well I am hungry right now, and I got bread that I bought, so yes, it belongs to the hungry me....or, man

Answer 9

Saint Basil was a sworn enemy of selfishness,not too many would like Him today.

Answer 10

Yes, basically your excess belongs to the poor, though just what constitutes excess can be debated.