Readings: Zechariah 2:5-9,14-15, Jeremiah 31:10-12,13, Luke 9:43-45
“He who scattered Israel will gather him and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.” (Jeremiah 31:10).
As this week comes to a close, the words of the Prophet Zechariah are worth repeating. They are words of hope and encouragement spoken at a time of fear and despair. Zechariah says: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord that day, and shall be my people, and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
And to add to this, our Psalmist says: “The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” Amid life’s challenges, it is easy for us to be overcome by fear. The man of faith has fears, but they do not control him. He remains calm and consistent, knowing he is under the shepherd’s hands. Like Jesus, he can afford to sleep soundly in a boat while the disciples panic.
The man of faith will continue to do what is right, regardless of threats from different sides. Like Daniel, he would not only pray but also open his windows to pray, despite hearing the decree from the king stating that no one should pray in the land. (Daniel 6:6-10). Was Daniel scared? Sure, since he was human. Did his fear control him? No. He acted based on faith.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus speaks to his disciples about his imminent death, followed by betrayal, agony, rejection, and shame. Jesus’ disciples could not understand because they were taken over by fear. It was only after the resurrection that they came to understand what Jesus had been saying.
You feel paralysed with fear now because you find it hard to imagine a better tomorrow; you still cannot see any light at the end of your tunnel, but know this: if Jesus rose from the dead, your trials will end one day.
Today, we remember St. Vincent de Paul. This man of God was born on 24 April 1581 in Pouy, France. Rising from humble peasant roots, he became a central figure in the Catholic Church’s mission to help those in need. Educated by the Franciscans and studying theology at the University of Toulouse, he was ordained in 1600. His life took a dramatic turn in 1605 when pirates captured him and sold him into slavery in Tunis. After two years, he escaped and returned to France, where he continued his education in Avignon and Rome.
In France, Vincent dedicated himself to serving the poor as a chaplain and pastor. He founded hospitals and expanded his efforts to aid convicts by establishing the Ladies of Charity and the Congregation of Priests of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians. His work led to significant reforms within the clergy and the establishment of seminaries, positively impacting the lives of thousands. Alongside St. Louise de Marillac, Vincent co-founded the Daughters of Charity, ensuring that his legacy of service continued. He passed away at the age of 80 on 27 September 1660, in Paris, becoming a symbol of Church reform and generosity.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach me to remain strong despite my fears. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Zechariah 2:5-9,14-15, Jeremiah 31:10-12,13, Luke 9:43-45)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu