Page 56 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS

towards Heaven, his eyes fixed as though gazing silently on some
object unseen to all save himself alone, his body motionless as a
statue. For some time it was impossible to rouse him. At last he
slowly came to himself, as if awakening from a deep slumber. On
seeing himself surrounded by his companions, his humility was
disturbed. Covered with confusion, he said quickly:
“It is nothing. It is nothing. Let us now think of getting something
to eat.”
Thus did he tear himself from the Divine Embraces, to provide
even for the bodily needs of others. That night they passed in an inn
close to the holy grotto. The morning was consecrated to devotion.
But next day there came a new difficulty. Once more their funds were
at a low ebb. The money so generously given them by the kind
chaplain was all but exhausted. How were they to get another dinner?
Gerard told them all to sit down without more ado, for God would
surely provide. In a few moments — it was a day of abstinence— the
table was covered with several dishes of excellent fish. Where could
the fish have come from? Great was the excitement to find out.
Gerard held his peace. The hermit who did their commission was
then questioned on the subject. He said in reply that the previous
night the Saint, on perceiving that he had almost come to the end of
his resources, had knelt in prayer before the Altar of the Archangel,
when suddenly a stranger came up to him, and placed a roll of money
in his hands, with the words:
“Take that, pray for me, and do you love God more and more.”
It was now time to think of returning. When they asked for the
account, the innkeeper sent in an exorbitant charge. This Gerard was
not going to pay. He said quietly:
“Unless you are satisfied with what is really due to you, you will
lose all your mules.”
That very moment in rushed mine host's son.
“Come, father, come quickly!” he cried; “I cannot understand
what has happened to the mules. They are rolling about the ground
in a frightful way — come quickly!”
The man then knew that he had to deal with a Saint. Terror
stricken, he cast himself at the feet of the Servant of God, imploring
his pardon.
“I pardon you gladly,” said Gerard, “but never forget that God
takes the side of His poor. It will go badly with you if you ever

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