Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (365 - 403), said, God sells righteousness at a very low price to those who wish to buy it: a little piece of bread, a cloak of no value, a cup of cold water, a mite.
Righteousness is an attribute that implies a person's actions are justified. When we attain to the righteousness of God, we live a life which is well-pleasing to God. In other words, righteousness is the act of doing what is right in God's eyes.
The righteousness of God is based on the two commandments from which all other commandments derive: love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments are the foundation of righteousness.
As Bishop Epiphanius pointed out, the price of righteousness is sold at a very low price: a piece of bread, a cloak of no value, a cup of cold water, a mite. And if these things sound familiar, they should; they are from Matthew 25:31-46 – I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was naked and you clothed me. These are things which many of us have readily available or are taking up space in our closets.
We are working to strengthen our ties with Ft. Vannoy Elementary School. In doing so we reflect the righteousness of God through a snack pack, clothing for children, and donations collected at our monthly potluck. A little piece of bread, a cloak of no value to us, a mite. These things are sold at a very low price to those who wish to purchase them.
And while the price of purchasing these things may be very low, the cost of neglecting them are exceedingly high. For what will it cost us if we neglect those in need? What will it cost us if we neglect the most vulnerable in our society? What will it cost us if we gain the world at the expense of others?
The world is a big place with big problems. God has never asked us to solve everything; but God has asked us to love our neighbor and provide aid and care on a personal level. It is these small things that, added up over time, will have a big and life-changing impact. The ability of a child to be nourished and clothed by strangers can show that God's love transcends man-made boundaries and barriers.
The price of righteousness is low: a little piece of bread, a cloak of no value to us, a cup of cold water, a mite. The price is low, but the value for the Ft. Vannoy children is beyond measure.
The food basket sits at the back of the church waiting to gather the little piece of bread. The clothing barrels sit in the parish hall ready to receive a cloak that has no value to us. The mite collection is out at potlucks ready to accept your donations.
What is the price of righteousness? A little piece of bread, a cloak of no value to us, a mite.
May these words of Bishop Epiphanius echo in your hearts.
Amen.
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