In today’s passages (Lectionary 454 Responsorial Psalm and Lectionary 645 Gospel), the image of God as our shepherd feels so important on the memorial of St. Vincent de Paul.
St. Vincent de Paul died on this day in 1660. He joined the church at a young age so he could leave a life of poverty to find prosperity and influence with the wealthy of France. In this reflector’s opinion, not exactly the start on the path to sainthood. Yet, all our paths to God guided by the Holy Spirit are as unique as we are.
At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
St. Vincent de Paul was captured by pirates and sold into slavery for two years. Upon gaining his freedom and returning to France, the life of the saint we know began. He established his place in the church by serving the poor and empowering others to do the same. Naturally, this is an oversimplification of his life, but it illustrates his experience with his own troubled and abandoned body and soul. As a slave, he remained grounded in his faith. In the church communities he led in France, he witnessed the poor being neglected by their communities and the church. Service to the poor wasn’t just about meeting their physical needs, he chose to serve them both body and soul. Through his dedication to the poor, he led others in his churches to serve the poor through organized efforts.
The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock. (Jeremiah 31:10)
St. Vincent de Paul saw people as Christ saw them, troubled and abandoned. He believed he was guarded by the Lord, and in that safety and love, he guarded other children of God as a shepherd for Christ.
How can we be with those who feel abandoned by society and even God? Can we use our gifts as St. Vincent de Paul did to be with others, seeing beyond their physical injuries and situations to the wounds of their souls?
May we accept God’s invitation as St. Vincent de Paul did to be a sheep and a shepherd.
It is not sufficient for me to love God if I do not love my neighbor. I belong to God and to the poor.” –St. Vincent de Paul
Amy Turbes
Amy Turbes is a spiritual director and has worked at Creighton University for almost 20 years in University Relations.
As a true extrovert, Amy loves connecting people dots. She believes in the six degrees of separation rule and will make sure to figure out how you are connected or how she can connect you to someone. This part of her personality is genetic and has led to fun conversations with strangers.
