There certainly is much truth in a certain saying of a philosopher, “Every rich man is either wicked or the heir of wickedness.” [See Letter 120.1, PL 22:984 (821).]That is why the Lord and Savior says that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. [Mat 19:23.] Someone may raise the objection, “How did wealthy Zacchaeus enter the kingdom of heaven?” He gave away his wealth and immediately replaced it with the riches of the heavenly kingdom. The Lord and Savior did not say that the rich would not enter the kingdom of heaven but that they will enter with difficulty—St Jerome