St John the Almsgiver
Patriarch of Alexandria, friend of the poor · Feast: 12 November
Word for the day
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and will be repaid in full.” Proverbs 19:17
Life
John was born in Amathus in Cyprus in the sixth century. After his wife and children died, he gave himself wholly to God and to the poor. Around 610 he was chosen Patriarch of Alexandria in Egypt.
He made a list of the poor of the city, whom he called his masters, and provided for thousands of them; he founded hospitals and houses for travellers and helped refugees from the Persian invasion of Palestine. When the Persians approached Egypt around 619, he returned to Cyprus, where he died. His life was written soon after by Leontius of Neapolis.
Lessons
The poor are our masters
John called the poor his masters, because Christ hides in them.
Generosity without calculation
He gave so freely that people said he could not be outgiven by God.
Holiness after loss
Grief over his family became love for the whole city.
Stories
The blanket sold three times (tradition)
A story tells that a rich man gave John a costly blanket; John sold it for the poor, the man bought it back and gave it again, and John sold it again, saying they would see who tired first.
Homily
1. Lending to the Lord
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17).
2. My masters, the poor
John served the poor as one serves a master: with respect.
3. Love grows from grief
His loss became the source of a wider love.
Dear friends, St John the Almsgiver lost his wife and his children. Grief could have closed his heart; instead it opened it to a whole city. As Patriarch of Alexandria he asked for a list of his masters, and when asked who they were, he said: the poor.
Proverbs says that whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full (Proverbs 19:17). John believed it. He fed thousands, built hospitals, sheltered refugees. Tradition says that a costly blanket given to him was sold for the poor again and again.
Who are our masters? Let us look at the poor in our parish with respect, not pity. This week let us set aside a share for those in need and visit one person who suffers. Whatever we give, we lend to the Lord. Amen.
Prayer
Lord God, you made St John the Almsgiver a father to the poor. Through his prayers, open our hearts and hands to those in need, and let us serve them as our masters. Amen.