The altar of almsgiving and mercy is more splendid than the one that rises in this church. Do not protest! The altar here is consecrated by the sacrifice that descends upon it; however, the altar of almsgiving is consecrated even more, because it is made up of this very sacrifice. This one is sacred because, although made of stone, it is consecrated by the touch of Christ’s body; but the other is Christ’s body itself. And thus it is more vulnerable than the one before which you stand, my brother. You can see such an altar everywhere, in alleys and in squares, and every hour you can offer upon it. And just as a priest at the altar calls upon the Spirit, so too you invoke the Holy Spirit, as an anointing poured out in abundance.
(John Chrysostom /349–407/, Homilies on Matthew, 82)
