“We build houses that we may have a habitation; not that we may make an ambitious display. What is beyond our wants, is superfluous and useless. Put on a sandal which is larger than your foot ! you will not endure it ; for it is a hindrance to the step. Thus also a house larger than necessity requires, is an impediment to your progress towards heaven. Do you wish to build large and splendid houses? I forbid it not ; but let it be not upon the earth! Build thyself tabernacles in heaven, and such that thou mayest be able to receive others; — tabernacles that shall never be dissolved!”
- Saint John Chrysostom
Reference: Saint John Chrysostom. The homilies of S. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on the statues, or to the people of Antioch. 1842. J.H. Parker. 43.
