9.27.24 Homily

In the Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples who they believe He is, revealing both the confusion of the crowds and the profound truth recognized by Peter. This exchange emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding Christ's true nature and His role as the fulfillment of God's promise. In parallel, the book of Ecclesiastes reflects on the fleeting nature of life without God, suggesting that all human endeavors can feel meaningless without a divine purpose. Yet, amid this sense of vanity, there is a hope for something eternal and reliable, a desire planted in our hearts by God Himself. This longing aligns with the timeless truths found in Scripture, encouraging us to seek stability and meaning in our relationship with Him, particularly in understanding the teachings of Jesus, who offers strength and a firm foundation in a world full of uncertainties.

Christ was born to redeem humanity from the law, as described by St. Paul in Galatians. Our hearts long for meaning, and history leads us to Jesus, the Messiah, who takes us from darkness to light and from sin to salvation. When Peter recognized Jesus as the long-awaited one, it affirmed that He fulfills humanity's deepest yearnings. In the end, Jesus promises everlasting life, where there is no more death or sin, only the eternal illumination of Christ. This hope encourages us to move forward in faith and not retreat to our pasts, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey. We are made in God's image, created for something greater, as echoed by the longing found in Ecclesiastes. Thus, by following Christ, we partake in a transformative journey toward eternity and ultimate fulfillment in Him.

Saint Vincent de Paul, celebrated for his immense contributions, was uplifted by the understanding of time and eternity. He was educated through the sacrifices of his peasant parents and initially sought wealth as a priest. However, his journey led him to a profound commitment to serve others, embodying the spirit of compassion and responsibility. His legacy continues through the Vincentians, who built the church and honor his memory with symbols reflecting his dedication. Saint Vincent's early ambition transformed into a lifelong mission to uplift the needy, showcasing how a deep spiritual realization can change one's path from ambition for personal gain to a commitment for the greater good. This transformation inspired a dedicated community that serves the poor, emphasizing the value of empathy and the divine connection that goes beyond time.

Vincent, a young priest ordained at just 19, struggled with vanity and ambition. Despite his father’s sacrifices for his education, Vincent chose to ignore his dad when he arrived in tattered clothes. His life took a dramatic turn when he was kidnapped and enslaved by pirates. During his captivity in Tunisia, Vincent helped convert a woman who eventually freed him, leading him to reevaluate his life choices. This experience changed him from seeking wealth and status to pursuing a more meaningful path. It highlights the potential for personal transformation through hardship, and how the pursuit of worldly things can often lead us away from important values like family and gratitude.

Vincent, once accused of theft, chose trust in God over defending himself with his legal skills. His silence and faith led to his innocence being proven when the actual thief was caught later. Vincent's growth in faith transformed him, making him a holy man dedicated to serving the poor and guiding others towards Jesus, despite being called to high positions. His commitment to helping humanity find their purpose grounded in faith showcased the importance of integrity, trust, and ultimately living for a greater mission beyond oneself.

Many priests struggled due to poor training and a lack of care for their congregation. Despite the Council of Trent’s efforts to standardize training in seminaries, the French often ignored these reforms and maintained outdated practices. Recognizing this, Vincent took action by requiring a two-week retreat for those seeking ordination, which eventually expanded to a two-year training program. This initiative helped create better-prepared priests who were more focused on their pastoral duties and serving the poor. Vincent didn't stop there; he also targeted the appointment of bishops to ensure they were appropriately qualified. By addressing both priest and bishop training, he aimed to improve the overall quality of church leadership and care within the community. Ultimately, his efforts were fundamental in transforming how priests were trained and emphasizing their role in the church.

Father Vincent de Paul was pivotal in transforming the church and society in France by being the chair of a council that selected bishops. His journey from worldly ambition to spiritual fulfillment highlights the importance of faith. Regularly receiving Jesus through Mass allows believers to experience profound change in their lives. Just as one person, like Vincent, can alter history, each person has the potential to impact their community positively. By building our lives on Christ, we can become passionate about loving others and fulfilling our roles in God’s plan. This journey from darkness to light emphasizes that true conversion leads to sanctity and a deeper connection with God. As we prepare for Mass, we are invited to open our hearts to Christ, seeking grace to love and serve as St. Vincent did. In this communion with Christ, we find strength and purpose to bring change.