Asia Minor was afflicted with a severe drought in AD 368, resulting in a famine in Caesarea, the city where Basil (329-379) served as bishop. He had already given away his substantial inheritance and joined a monastic order. Some of his wealthy friends hoarded their money and made a killing on the increased demand for basic goods and services during the famine. Basil preached a forthright sermon, “To the Rich,” centering on Jesus’ admonition to love our neighbors. He didn’t mince words, “You excel in wealth and fall short in love…You have made your enjoyment more important than helping the poor.” He likened it to someone taking a seat in a theater and then barring everyone else from attending so that this one person alone could enjoy the performance. When Basil died in 379, his close friend Gregory of Nazianzus (one of three Cappadocian fathers along with Basil and his brother) memorialized his fallen comrade and honored him as a paragon of virtue. Gregory referenced the wonders of the ancient world, such as the pyramids, yet said they pale in comparison to the “new city” Basil built. The Basiliad was a series of sprawling buildings adjacent to the church Basil served that provided free medical care for the poor, housing for the homeless, temporary lodging for travelers, and a separate treatment facility for lepers. Its trade schools made it possible for the poor to learn marketable skills to escape poverty. While there is debate as to whether it qualifies as the first modern hospital, there is little doubt it was the first Christian hospital staffed by physicians and cared for by priests. Basil’s sermon about wealth found its mark. He has been long remembered for his words, “The bread you store belongs to the hungry, the garments hanging in your wardrobe belong to the naked, the shoes in your closet are for the barefoot, the money you keep hoarded away is money for the poor.” Basil put his theology into practice. We join Basil in praying that God would pierce our souls with love:
Basil of Caesarea
O God and Lord of the Powers, and Maker of all creation,
who, because of your clemency
and incomparable mercy,
sent your Only Begotten Son
and our Lord Jesus Christ
for the salvation of mankind,
and with His venerable Cross,
tore asunder the record of our sins,
and thereby conquered the rulers and powers of darkness;
receive from us sinful people, O merciful Master,
these prayers of gratitude and supplication,
and deliver us from every destructive and gloomy transgression,
and from all visible and invisible enemies who seek to inure us.
Nail down our flesh with fear of you,
and let not our hearts be inclined to words or the thoughts of evil,
but pierce our souls with your love,
that ever contemplating you,
being enlightened by you,
and discerning you,
the unapproachable and everlasting Light,
we may unceasingly render confession and gratitude to you:
The eternal Father, with your Only Begotten Son,
and with your All-Holy, Gracious,
and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
St. Gregory, “Funeral Oration 43 on Basil the Great.”
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.