Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
Jesus announced early in his public ministry, “The Kingdom of God is at hand!” Emmanuel, “God with us,” is present in Jesus in every moment: at Mass, in our prayer, walking in the woods, in the eyes of a poor person, in the cry of a child in pain, in the cry of joy of a woman giving birth. (Name your own special place where you feel the presence of Jesus.)
Today, we read the wisdom from the author of Ecclesiastes! This oh-so-familiar reading is often read at weddings and quoted at important milestones in a person’s life. There is much here to contemplate – at any point in one’s life.
The Trappist monk Thomas Merton once wrote that when we don’t know what is going on in any given moment or where it might go, “recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.”
Speaking of embracing the present moment, many magnanimous women and men live the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul, who we commemorate today, and honor his memory with their care, their loving presence, their time, and gifts for those on the margins, those living with less or struggling to make ends meet. We thank them for their generosity and for being the hands, the feet, the eyes, and the heart of Jesus.
As you read today’s first reading, reflect upon what your appointed time is at this moment. Ask Jesus to help you stay in the moment, not to bemoan the past or be nervous about the future, but to be present in the now and embrace it with courage, faith, and hope.
Let Us Pray:
Lord Jesus, help me discern today what you are calling me to in this moment. What is it /we need to be busy about?
