Book 8
Ambrose comments on the passages from chapter 18 of the Gospel of Luke regarding the use of wealth and observing the commandments. At some point he turns to the passage from the Gospel of Matthew 15:1–6
78. [...] the Jews, while they follow the tradition of men, neglect that of God. The disciples, preferring God's tradition, neglected that of men, so that they did not wash their hands when they ate bread, since "he that is washed wholly need not to wash his hands" [John 13:10]. [...] Of this the Jews complained, but were shrewdly rebuked by the Lord, because they observed empty rites, but despised the beneficial. Hence, He says to them, "Why do you say to your father and mother whom the Law says should honour, that which you desire of me to help you is given to God? [Matt 15:4–5]; that is, when a father or mother in need asks their son for contribution to their living costs, because a law-abiding Jew, fearing the Law, seeks a pretext for not giving, he is wont to say, "That which you desire of me to help you is given to God" so that a pious father will fear to accept money consecrated to God [cf. Mark 7:11]. But this tradition is of men, who conceal excuses for their own avarice, but the Tradition of God is that you first feed your parents. For if according to the divine oracle, an insult to a parent is expiated by death [cf. Exod 21:17], how much more the hunger which is graver than death! 79. By this passage, the Lord bridles immoderate boasting. For many, in order to be praised by men, give to the Church what they take from their own families, although mercy should proceed from the duty of piety of home. So give first to a parent; give also to the poor; give to the presbyter from your earthly abundance, so that you may receive from him the spiritual which you lack; indeed, who so honours will be honoured. Therefore, see that he gives back when he receives, and receives, not as a pauper, but as one who will recompense with a greater measure. Give to the poor for his repose, so that you also, sharing from your own poverty, will attain repose. But just as Scripture says that parents must be fed, so they must also be left for God's sake [Matt 10:37; Luke 14:26], if they hinder the commitment of a pious mind.
(trans. Tomkinson 2003: 368-369; adapted)
