On prayer and the contemplative life · Aquinas, Saint Thomas
2. Again, in our service of men a thing seems to be praiseworthy in
Chapter 14 of 107 · 1 min read
proportion to the need of him whom we assist; hence it is said in Isaias: Deal thy bread to the hungry. But God needs nothing that we can offer Him, according to the Psalmist: I have said: Thou art my God, for Thou hast no need of my goods. Hence religion seems to be less praiseworthy than the other virtues, for by them man is succoured.
But in the service we render to another for his profit, that is the more praiseworthy which is rendered to the most needy, because it is of greater profit to him. But no service is rendered to God for His profit—for His glory, indeed, but for our profit.
