Day Two
Provider and Almoner
Provider and Almoner
The term ‘provider’ (provisor: Paschal II, 1113) describes Gerard as a man capable of planning and foreseeing what the pilgrims, the poor and the sick would need and where help was required. Prudent organization put Gerard in the best possible position to fulfill his duties as an ‘almsgiver’ (elemosinarius: in a document of Count Adalbert de Perigord, 17th September 1116).
In today’s world, we stand in need of efficient organization of the Order* and its aid services which are active throughout the world. But organization must not become an end in itself or be smothered in paperwork. Its objective must be to act to bring assistance promptly and effectively.
We must never forget what the Lord says to us: whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you...let your alms be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you (cf. Mt. vi:2).
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, friend of the poor and of the sick:
Grant to all people in this world an increase of peace and freedom.
Lord hear our prayer.
Give us a ready ear and open hand for those in want.
Lord hear our prayer.
Grant that we may never be entangled in worldly considerations, techniques and
statistics.
Lord hear our prayer.
Grant that all projects and planning maybe for the love of our neighbour.
Lord hear our prayer.
Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory be to the Father…
Pray for us, Blessed Gerard
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray.
Almighty and merciful God, let not the concerns of this world keep us from hastening towards your Son but let the guidance of heavenly wisdom make us into his companions, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent)
*The Order in question is the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta.
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