St. Vincent de Paul – September 2021 Reflections

In today’s gospel Jesus tells his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward.” On September 27, the Church will celebrate the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. The members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are on the front line in laboring for the poor, they are among the first to know their real needs.

This month, through your gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to assist families by providing them food, utility, rent and other bills. God Bless You!

In today’s Gospel Jesus called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Your gift to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will help hungry children feel the arms of Jesus around them.

In today’s Gospel Jesus says “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” The cross of Jesus and the crosses of his members can evangelize us: the sick, who bear illness with courage; the grieving, who hope against hope; the dying, who clearly trust in the resurrection; the suffering of our poor brothers and sisters who are hungry and homeless, but who still trust in God’s love.

Is there a neighbor or friend of yours who is in temporary need because of a loss of a job or an illness? Please leave a message for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul…we want to help!

In today’s Gospel we hear how Jesus “makes the deaf hear and the mute speak!” In living the gospel, we must open our ears to hear and recognize all the everyday opportunities for making God’s presence known especially to those who are poor and suffering. On September 9, the Church also celebrates the feast of Blessed Frederic Ozanam, the founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Frederic heard the call of Jesus to love and serve those who are suffering.

Is there a family you know who needs assistance? Please call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can “make God’s presence known” to those who are suffering and poor?