His teachings on generosity and social justice are also significant. When the crowd asked him what they should do to repent, John replied, ‘The person with two tunics should share with he who has none and those who have some food should do the same’ (Lk 3: 11). Thus he was teaching the importance of sharing one’s goods with the most needy ones and about responsible use of resources.
These characteristics of John the Baptist make him a model for bursars/treasurers, those who manage the material goods of a community or an institution. His simplicity of life, his generosity to the poor and his call to social justice are qualities which inspire bursars to act responsibly, in fairness and solidarity, in managing the resources confided to them.
In the document ‘Spirituality of the Provincial Bursar’ Sr Maura, former Superior General, speaks to bursars:
Our Foundress was no doubt influenced by Francis, but then she also brought to her research into God’s ways her feminine qualities and her profound reflection on the needs of universal mission. Her contemplative attitude was fundamental to this missionary service, as with all other services.
In service, one spirit
The missionary spirit that we seek to bring to this complex service can find some useful reference points in the message of John the Baptist. Like a lamp which lights up our way, not only negatively through denunciation, but also positively by bringing into being what we have promised.
So, we are called firstly to a change of heart, to change interiorly, to have compassion on the poor, to prepare the way for the Other who must come, of whom John declared, ‘He must increase and I must decrease’ (Jn:30).
Once a prophet has shown the way, he/she can disappear: the work is accomplished. It is in this sense that a bursar brings to a province a certain cohesion and solidarity and an authentic desire to serve others.
Let us ask the Virgin Mary to help us grow in service and solidarity, just as she told us to:
‘Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5).
