Want to know one of Jesus’ teachings that I struggle with? 

“Sell what you own and give to the poor.” (Mark 10:21)

This one is tough for me. You see, I have some great stuff. But the truth is, I have too much stuff. There have been a number of times in my life when this realization has rocked my world. Most recently it was about two years ago. Since then I have been trying to give things away, sell things, give more to those in need, avoid buying too many new things, and generally reflecting upon how things, stuff, and possessions, complicate our lives and weigh down our spirits. 

That’s why it’s so helpful to look at some of the saints who have been blessed in life with wealth, but decided to give it all up so that they could better love God and neighbor.

Saint Pammachius, a Roman senator in the 300s, is one such saint.

Born into a noble Roman family in the late 4th century, Pammachius was a well-educated senator. His marriage to Paulina, the daughter of Saint Paula and a close friend of Saint Jerome, anchored him in a devout Christian community.

After Paulina’s untimely death, Pammachius underwent a profound conversion. He was convicted by Jesus’ teaching to the rich young man: “Sell what you own and give to the poor.” And he decided to act on this conviction. He sold his vast estates and used the proceeds to establish a hospice in Rome for the poor, sick, and pilgrims. 

Saint Pammachius’ act of charity was a joyous response to the Gospel’s call to radical discipleship.

If you have ever had to handle someone’s affairs after they die you know that even those of moderate means can leave behind a massive amount of stuff. As relatives sort through it, they often wonder, “Why did he hang onto this stuff all this time?” “Why didn’t she enjoy these things more instead of keeping them packed away?” 

We all have a little of the rich young man from the Gospels in us. We yearn for powerful and profound spiritual experiences, but shy away when we see what is involved. 

Jesus challenges us to assess our attachment to the things of this world, to audit what we have and what we need, to consider if we are using what we have in ways that help or hurt our souls, and to extend generosity to the poor in all its forms.



Feast Day: August 30

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Felix