Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Vincent de Paul, P., (27th September, 2017) on the Gospel
and the Memorial
(Wednesday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in
Ordinary Time (I))
Ezra 9:5-9;
Tob 13:2.4.6-8. (R.v.1);
Lk 9:1-6.
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: Call to duty.
In today’s gospel Jesus sent the twelve out with the authority
over the unclean spirits. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff,
nor bag, nor bread, nor money – not even an extra tunic” (Lk 9:3). They should stay in any house where they are welcomed
until they leave the place and should shake off the dust on their feet while
leaving the place where they are not welcomed. The twelve preached the good news
and also cured the diseased.
Considering Jesus’ instruction to the twelve it looks as if
God was about to repeat what He did during the Israelites’ journey to the
promise land; they spent forty years in the wilderness yet their clothes did not
worn out, and their sandals did not worn off their feet; cf. Deut 29:5. He also provided bread,
meat, and water for them all through their journey, cf. Ex 15:23-25; 16:4, 10-15, 21, 35; 17:2-6. Otherwise, how could they survive?
In a parallel passage, there is a clue to how Jesus wanted
them to survive: labourers deserve their food (Matt 10:10). And in Luke, Jesus sheds more light, “Remain in the
same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the labourer
deserves to be paid.... eat what is set before you” (Lk 10:7,8).
Jesus is telling us in today’s gospel that we all have our respective
tasks with regard to the spreading of the gospel. The faithful is to provide
for their ministers. If ministers of God leave their work in search of bread,
bag, money, tunics and so on surely they will find these but not without
inflicting serious injuries to the souls they are to pasture. Simply put, souls
will be lost. And dearest ministers of God remember Pauline maxim, “If anyone
will not work, let him not eat” (2Thess
3:10). Saint Vincent de Paul discharged his duties very well. We all are emulate
him.
Bible Reading: 2Thess 3:6-15.
Thought for today: You have a role in the spreading of the gospel.
Let us pray: Lord, help every one of us to do our
parts in your vineyard so that the gospel will continue spread to the ends of
the earth – Amen.
Saint Vincent de Paul – Pray for us.
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