But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
Ver. 41. But rather give alms] So Daniel counsels Nebuchadnezzar,Daniel 4:27. Ralph, Bishop of Chichester, A. D. 1070, drawing towards his end, delivered unto the poor with his own hands whatsoever he had in the world (I inquire not with what intention), leaving himself scarcely clothes to cover him. Alexander V, Bishop of Rome, was liberal to the poor (saith the historian), that he left nothing for himself, so that he would merrily say that he was a rich bishop, a poor cardinal, and a beggarly pope.
Of such things as ye have] Gr. As are within, τα ενοντα, either within the platter (send morsels to the hungry) or within your hearts; for riches get within their owners many times, and do more possess them than are possessed by them;
" difficile est opibus non tradere mentem. "