Patristic writings address our problem more fully and explicitly than does the New Testament. I shall start with suggestive indications on one side and the other, then consider explicit confrontations between nearest and neediest. I shall then examine, at length, a type of patristic claim which, if valid, may tilt the scales decisively in favor of the neediest.

NEAREST

What Mark 7:9 – 12 obliquely suggests, the Fathers directly state: honoring one's father and mother consists of more than sentiments and words; it means helping them in their need. However, all should be helped in their need, whereas the Fathers assign a certain priority to parents and other near relatives.

In his commentary on the Song of Songs, Origen states an order of charity preferring relatives to nonrelatives and some relatives to others. Ambrose takes up the theme. “Good-will starts first with those at home, that is, with children, parents, brothers, and goes on from one step to another throughout the world.” Augustine agrees: “It is necessary that love, like a fire, should cover the nearest terrain before it spreads farther afield.” Caesarius elaborates:

The just and proper order of almsgiving is that first you should provide for yourself and your family sufficient, moderate food and clothing, but nothing rich or luxurious; secondly, as I said, you should generously give whatever you can to those of your relatives who are poor; and, thirdly, you should not allow your servants and maids to be hungry or cold.