Jesus makes clear what it means to have eyes and a heart for those who are poor. Those who follow him are to have eyes and a heart for them also.

Jesus, yes, has eyes and a heart for those who are the poor.  That is to say, he is aware of those who are poor and suffer in one way or another; he feels for them. And he goes about, so he may care for them.

In other words, he goes from town to town, from village to village, to do good. He teaches in synagogues and preaches the Good News of the kingdom. He also cures all diseases and illnesses among the poor folks. And he loves and serves those who are poor, and announces salvation to them, to the end. Until he gives up his body and sheds his blood.

But he does not just show that he has eyes and a heart for those who are poor. He says he is them. For he makes it clear that what we do for the least of his brothers, sisters, we do for him. And, by the same token, what we do not do for them we do not do for him.

That he and they are the same also means that he is the first among those he proclaims blessed. Yes, he proclaims blessed those the world deems cursed, fools, weak.

Hence, to be Jesus’ cannot mean anything but to have eyes and a heart for those who are poor. In fact, St. Vincent says that a Christian who does not feel for those who suffer is just a drawing that makes fun of a Christian (SV.EN XII:222). And, of course, such a saying comes through more pointedly since our saint embodies it to a high degree. Needless to say, we who are of Vincent’s family have to embody it too.

Lord Jesus, you who willed to become poor, give us eyes and a heart directed toward the poor; help us to recognize you in them—in their thirst, their hunger, their loneliness, and their misfortune.  Enkindle within our Vincentian Family unity, simplicity, humility, and the fire of love that burned in St. Vincent de Paul.  Strengthen us, so that faithful to the practice of these virtues, we may contemplate you and serve you in the person of the poor and may one day be united with you and them in your kingdom.  Amen.

27 September 2024
Solemnity of St. Vincent de Paul
Is 52, 7-10; 1 Cor 1, 26-31; Mt 5, 1-12