St. Augustine references this passage from Ecclesiasticus 30:22-24:
Give not up thy soul to sadness, and afflict not thyself in thy own counsel. The joyfulness of the heart, is the life of a man, and a never failing treasure of holiness: and the joy of a man is legnth of life. Have pity on thy own soul, pleasing God, and contain thyself; gather up thy heart in his holiness: and drive away sadness far from there....in his commentary on Luke 11:37-41, the gospel reading from yesterday and whose human author we celebrate today:
After he had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, "Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.St. Augustine says of the last verse:
To give alms is to show mercy. If thou art wise, begin with thyself: for how art thou merciful to another, if cruel to thyself? Hear the Scripture, which says unto thee, Have mercy on thy own soul, and please God. (Ecclus 30:23) Return unto thy conscience, thou that livest in evil or unbelief, and then thou findest thy soul begging, or perhaps struck dumb with want. In judgment and love give alms to thy soul. What is judgment? Do what is displeasing to thyself. What is charity? Love God, love thy neighbor.
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