Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Vincent
de Paul, P., (27th September, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
Eccl 1:2-11;
Ps 89:3-6.12-14.17. (R. v.1);
Lk 9:7-9.
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: Hurt not.
When Herod heard about Jesus, he was perplexed because some
said that John had been raised from the dead. Herod wondered because he
beheaded John.
The book of Proverbs reads, “The eyes of the LORD are in
every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov 15:3). And He will repay everyone according to their deeds,
cf. Matt 16:27; Rev 22:12.
Herod’s worry confirmed God’s words, “There is no peace...for
the wicked” (Is 48:22; cf. Is 57:21; Gen
50:15). Again, “the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be
put out” (Prov 24:20). God also threatened
to send curses, confusion, and frustration upon the wicked, and in all they
undertake until they are destroyed and perish on account of the evil they do, cf.
Deut 28:20.
We must wash ourselves; make ourselves clean; remove the evil
of our doings and cease to do evil, cf. Is
1:16. Our life is like a mist that appears for a little time and then
vanishes, cf. Jas 4:14. The book of
Proverbs rightly warns, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what
a day may bring forth” (Prov 27:1). We
of perpetrate evils on the grounds of the condition we are in. Saint Vincent de
Paul met with different challenges ranging from poverty, enslavement, and so
on. He did not hurt anybody. Hurt not today that you may have peace tomorrow.
Bible Reading: Jas
4:13-17.
Thought for today: Prepare a peaceful tomorrow.
Let us pray: God, give us heart of flesh to love
you and our neighbours – Amen.
Saint Vincent de Paul – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
God bless you all+
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