Incline your ear to me and hear my word. — Psalm 17:6
Mass Readings: Job 1:6-22 / Luke 9:46-50
A priest in France in the 17th century, St. Vincent de Paul was moved by the suffering of the poor. He preached the Good News among them and also collected food and supplies for them. He founded the Congregation of the Mission, known as the Vincentians. He was a spiritual adviser to St. Louise de Marillac who directed his Daughters of Charity. Its members visited the sick and cared for prisoners and orphans.
The good done by saints lives on. I once worked for DePaul University, which educates many first-generation college students. An education lifts families into the middle class. Our parish is St. Louise de Marillac and a St. Vincent de Paul Society is active there. The group helps families in need. The earthly life of Vincent ended, but good works in his name continue.
Prayer: Lord, help me remember to put aside my daily worries and care for the most needy among us.