Find a way to be generous of spirit

Fri Dec 20, 2013

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM

HIS EXCELLENCY SIR FREDERICK N. BALLANTYNE, G.C.M.G., MD, DSc

GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

My fellow Vincentians, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I would like to remind you of a passage in the Holy Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew.{{more}}

In this passage, Matthew reports how Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand by sharing only five loaves of bread and two fishes.

There are, of course, several interpretations of this “miracle.” I, too, have a layman’s perspective of the meaning of this passage.

I see Jesus sending us two messages.

Firstly He displays a spirit of caring generosity as He ensures that the entire congregation is fed.

Secondly, I see Him trying to convey to us that even though the bounty is small – only five loaves and two fishes – there is yet enough to feed the multitude.

It is this second interpretation which is most relevant to us Vincentians today.

We are going through very difficult economic times and there are “few loaves and few fishes” to be distributed, but we must find a way to be generous of spirit to ensure that all share in the scarce resources.

Of course, some might well ask: If there are no loaves and no fishes, what shall we do? My answer is simple; we are all blessed with the gift of love. Let us be less selfish and share some of this love with our neighbour, the poor, the homeless and all those less fortunate.

What a wonderful Christmas it would be if we can see warring factions embrace each other and say Merry Christmas, I wish you well, I love you, we are all God’s children.

My family and I take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas filled with joy, love, laughter and generosity and a most prosperous New Year.