Memorial of Saint
Vincent de Paul, priest
(Job 3:1-3.11-17.20-23; Luke 9:51-56)
Let’s picture life in the year 1600 when St. Vincent de
Paul was ordained. Arguably the most tumultuous
century in all history has just ended.
Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. The Spanish colonized
America. Martin Luther called the Church
to reform. But for all the splendor of
these accomplishments Europe lacks holiness.
Vincent would supply this need.
Vincent spent time as a slave and time in the royal
court. He founded a congregation of men
dedicated to seminary teaching. But he
is best known for his dedication to the poor.
He not only helped found a congregation of women to assist the poor, he
attended the needs of the poor himself.
Equally remarkable, he created a spirituality of the poor that touched the
heart of France. In the gospel Jesus
likewise surprises his disciples with a fresh idea of holiness.
Going up to Jerusalem, Jesus admonishes James and John
for wanting to use power to destroy others.
As God’s anointed one, he shows forbearance to all and expects the same
of his followers. In the city he will
allow himself to be crucified. His
purpose is to win universal reconciliation through obedience to the Father’s will.
Working with the poor often demands such submission as
Jesus’. They do not always respond as graciously
as we think they should. But we must not
give up the endeavor. We shall be all
right. As Vincent taught, “Those
who are resolved to depend utterly on God shall never be poor.”
