First Reading: Zechariah 2:5–9, 14–15a
Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10, 11–12ab, 13
Response: The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
Alleluia: 2 Timothy 1:10
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:43b–45
St. Vincent de Paul, my grandfather was a devout devotee of this saint. We used to call him Vincent sometimes.
Today leads us into a deep reflection on the example of St. Vincent de Paul and the Gospel message of Christ’s mission of self-giving love. Give to others and be charitable, not just in material things but emotionally as well.
The first reading from the prophet Zechariah offers us a vision of God’s protective presence. The Lord promises to be “an encircling wall of fire” around His people, dwelling among them and drawing many nations into His covenant. This is not only a promise for Israel but also a reminder to us that God is always in the midst of His people, guarding and guiding them like a shepherd. The responsorial psalm echoes this same assurance: “The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” In our struggles and uncertainties, this is the image we are invited to hold onto, God’s unfailing care.
In the Gospel, we find Jesus at the height of His ministry, admired by the crowds for His miracles and deeds. Yet He turns to His disciples with a sobering truth: “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” Even in moments of recognition, Jesus never loses sight of His mission, obedience to the will of the Father, even unto death. The disciples could not yet grasp the meaning of His words, but we know that His surrender was the path to salvation for all.
St. Vincent de Paul embodied this same spirit of selflessness. He did not seek admiration or recognition but gave his life for the service of the poor and the formation of priests. His legacy teaches us that true discipleship means aligning our lives with the priorities of Christ: serving others, embracing sacrifice, and seeking God’s will above all else.
This is our challenge today. Do we pursue applause and comfort, or do we choose the deeper joy that comes from living faithfully according to God’s plan? Like Jesus, and like St. Vincent, we are called to love concretely, in works of charity, in words of encouragement, and in the courage to stand with those most in need.
As we continue with this Eucharist, we pray for the grace to let Christ transform us. May His Body and Blood strengthen us to live with the same spirit of humility and service, so that our lives, too, may become an offering pleasing to God.
God bless you, and have a wonderful weekend.
Pal Ronnie
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