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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
For not only by the words he has before used but by these also, he is desirous of making the commandment light. Nor yet from this consideration alone, but from that of the recompense also, again he maketh it easier; and uttereth higher things than they deserve, saying, "That there may be equality at this time, and their abundance" a supply "for your want." Now what is it that he saith? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
That is, you are rich in possessions, while they are rich in boldness before God. Therefore give them from the abundance of your possessions what they do not have, so that you may receive in return the boldness in which they are rich and in which you are lacking. See how he subtly disposes them to give even beyond their means. …
Cyprian
Of this same thing also in the second Epistle to the Corinthians: "Let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may be the supplement of your want, that there may be equality: as it is written, He who had much had not excess; and he who had little had no lack."
Western Saints
Gregory the Dialogist
Learn therefore, brothers, to despise all temporal things; learn to scorn passing honor, to love eternal glory. Honor those whom you see as poor, and those whom you observe outwardly as despised by the world, consider them inwardly as friends of God. Share with them what you have, so that one day they may deign to share with you what they have. …
Thomas Aquinas
He discloses his intention when he says, "but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want." As if to say: I do not seek your affliction, but an equality, namely, that your abundance supply their want. This can be explained in three ways. First, as an equality of quantity; secondly, an equality of proportion; thirdly, an equality of the will. …
Bonaventure
Again, 2 Corinthians 8: Let your abundance supply their want, so that their abundance also may be a supplement to your want. The Gloss: "Let your abundance of earthly things supply their want, so that conversely the abundance of their spiritual merits, who are devoted to divine things, may be a supplement to your want." If, therefore, it pertains to the perfection of the Lord's body that its members share with one another in the manner of giving and receiving: it contributes to the perfection of the Church and of the Gospel that the …
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