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, also named Gregory) 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’s 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: