Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Vincent de Paul, P., (27th September, 2016) on the Gospel
and the Memorial
Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23;
Ps 87:2-8. (R. v.3);Lk 9:51-56.
Saint Vincent de Paul was born to a poor peasant
family in Pouy on 24th April, 1581. He was hired as a tutor based on
his brilliant performance in his studies. His earnings helped him in the study of
theology at the University of Toulose. He was ordained in 1600 and remained in
Toulose for a time. In 1605, he was captured and sold into slavery. He escaped
after two years and returned to France. While studying in Rome, he was a
chaplain to the Count of Goigny and also in charge of distributing money to the
deserving poor. He spent his life preaching missions to and providing relief to
the poor and also established hospitals for them. Later, he extended his
ministry to convicts. He founded the Ladies of Charity, and the Congregation of
Priests of the Mission (Vincentians) to help him carry on the ministry. Saint
Vincent helped in the reformation of the clergy and the seminary formation. He
died in Paris on September 27, 1660. Pope Benedict XIII beatified him on August
13, 1729 and was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on June 16, 1737. He is the patron
of charities; horses; hospitals; leprosy; lost articles; Madagascar; prisoners;
Richmond, Virginia; spiritual help; Saint Vincent de Paul Societies; Sacred
Heart Cathedral Preparatory; Vincentian Service Corps; volunteers.[1]
Topic: Not fire for fire.
An unnamed Samaritan town refused to receive Jesus in today’s
gospel because He was going to Jerusalem. James and John wanted to call down
fire from heaven to consume them but Jesus rebuked them. They rather went on to
another village.
The sons of thunder, (cf. Mk 3:17) wanted to match the people power for power. However, it
negates the will of the Master. His command is clear, “...whoever wishes to be
great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must
be your slave” (Matt 20:26-27; cf. Mk
10:43-44). Hence, He did not approve of their proposal.
Jesus never promised us a world where people will be praising
His disciples, “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have
overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). Again,
“...they will deliver you up to tribulation, and put you to death; and you will
be hated by all nations for my name's sake” (Matt 24:9; Matt 10:18, 22).
Yet we are required to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, and to shine
as lights in the world, cf. Matt 10:16;
Phil 2:15.
Saint Vincent de Paul met with different challenges ranging
from poverty, enslavement, and so on. He followed the example of Jesus before all
of them. We are expected to do just the same.
Bible Reading: Matt 20:20-28.
Thought for today: Do not fight.
Let us pray: Lord, grant us a heart that can endure
every kind of hardship – Amen.
Saint Vincent de Paul – Pray for us.
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