George Leo Haydock

He that hath two coats, &c. St. John exhorts them to works of charity towards the poor, by giving what is superfluous. (Witham) — Here we are taught that whatever we have more than our own wants require, must be bestowed on those who are in need; for the love of that God, of whom we have received all. (St. Basil, in Avar.) — Charity to the poor is frequently recommended in Scripture, as a powerful method of redeeming sin, and reconciling us to divine mercy. This was Daniel’s advice to king Nabuchodonosor: “May my counsel please thee, O king, and do thou redeem thy sins with alms and mercy to the poor.” (Daniel iv.) Hence St. Chrysostom says: “The poor are physicians, and their hands are an ointment for your wounds.” (hom. xiv. in ep. 1. ad Tim.) — See the unbounded love of God; he offers us his mercy, provided we will relieve our indigent brethren! (Haydock)