VER. 37 — 41. ST.LUKE. 419 causeHe seeksto savethosewhom He has redeemed at a greatprice,He teachesthattheywho have been defiled afterthegraceofbaptismmay againbe made clean. CHRYS. Now He says,givealms,not injury.For alms- givingis thatwhich isfreefrom allinjury.It makes all7.2°"n thingsclean,and is more excellentthan fasting; whichJoan- thoughit be the more painful,the otheristhe more pro fitable.It enlightensthe soul,enrichesit,and makes it goodand beautiful.He who resolvesto have compassion on the needy, willsooner ceasefrom sin. For as the physicianwho is in the habitof healingthe diseasedis easilygrievedby the misfortunesof others;so we, ifwe havedevotedourselvesto the reliefof others,shalleasily despisethingspresent,and be raisedup to heaven. The unctionof almsgivingthen is no slightgood,sinceit is capableof beingappliedto everywound. BEDE. He speaksof " what isoverand above"our ne-quod cessaryfood and clothing.For you are not commanded ^ togivealms so as to consume yourselfby want,but that aftersatisfyingyourwants,you shouldsupplythe poor to theutmost of your power. Or it must be taken in this way. Do thatwhich remainswithinyour power,that is, which is the only remedy remainingto thosewho have beenhithertoengaged in so much wickedness;givealms. Which word appliesto everythingwhichisdone withpro fitablecompassion.For not he alonegivesalmswho gives foodto the hungry and thingsof thatkind,but he also who givespardon to the sinner,and praysforhim,and re proveshim,visitinghim with some correctingpunishment. THEOPHYL. Or He means," That whichisuppermost."For wealthrulesthecovetousman'sheart. AMBROSE. The whole then of thisbeautifuldiscourseis directedtothisend,thatwhileitinvitesus tothe studyof simplicity,itshouldcondemn the luxuryand worldlinessof the Jews. And yet even they are promisedthe abolition oftheirsinsiftheywillfollowmercy. AUG. But iftheycannotbe cleansedexcepttheybelieveAug. on Him who cleansesthe heartby faith,what isthiswhich He says,Givealms,and beholdallthingsare cleantoyou? Let us giveheed,and perhapsHe Himselfexplainsittous. 2 u2