MEMORIAL SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, WEDNESDAY, TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

St Vincent de Paul

(1581-1660)

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Lk 9:1-6

Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority

over all demons and to cure diseases,

and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God

and to heal the sick.

He said to them, "Take nothing for the journey,

neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money,

and let no one take a second tunic.

Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there.

And as for those who do not welcome you,

when you leave that town,

shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them."

Then they set out and went from village to village

proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

REFLECTION

Faith, Hope and Charity are the crux of our relationship with God. Many times people are healed because of their strong faith in God, other times the fulfillment of life's expectancies are realized through trusting in God's Divine Will.

And with this faith and trust we can shine in His light and are brought closer to people with a better understanding of other's problems and worries. And many will experience the love of God through our services.

I truly appreciate it when the Gospel readings go hand in hand with the saint of the day. Today we celebrate St Vincent de Paul who devoted his whole life to the service of the poor. He founded a congregation of priests for missionary work, helping the poor, slaves, homeless, and the hungry.

Imagine if God judged us by our external appearances or by the gifts He gave us. What would become of us? We, on the other hand, can fall into that trap of seeking the best for ourselves, not knowing the true service and meaning of sacrifice.

Instead, through the light of faith, we see that the poor take the place of the Son of God who chose to be poor. And because of this nature of God, we are entrusted with their care. The priests are entrusted with the power and the authority over all demons and the cure of diseases. Therefore, to be closer to God, we must be aware of the worries, distresses, frailties of those around us (including ourselves) and offer up our service to one another as a prayer to God.

Charity is by far the greatest gift of all. Our total dependence on God in doing His work is again emphasized and strengthened through love.

God Bless You

Humility is nothing but truth, and pride is nothing but lying. You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile.

(St Vincent de Paul)