Fr. Louis Abelly, CM, a friend of Vincent’s and his first biographer, explained Vincent’s constant attention to and consciousness of the presence of God. Vincent, he said, reminded himself of God’s presence, and of his own promises to God, through his “pious custom of uncovering his head and making the sign of the cross whenever he heard the sound of the clock marking the hours and the quarter hours.” [Abelly, Bk 3, 56] He followed this habit alone and with others, at home and while traveling. Time itself was a constant reminder to Vincent of God’s presence in all places and all things.

Passing through the city and countryside, he observed in everything around him not only the beauty of God’s creation, but the completeness of His presence, His grace, and His providence. Trees filled with fruit and fields filled with grain were tangible signs of God’s great love for us; flowers in bloom displayed God’s beauty and perfection. “What can compare,” he asked, “to the beauty of God, who is the source of all the beauty and perfection of creatures? Is it not from God that the flowers, the birds, the stars, the moon, and the sun derive their luster and beauty?” [CCD XIIIa:160]

He impressed the importance of the practice upon all of his followers, even writing into the schedule of work for the Daughters of Charity that whenever they might be forgetful or fall short in their work, that “a Sister designated for this purpose will say, ‘Let us remember the presence of God.’” [CCD XIIIb:163] This practice reminds us, he taught, that God is everywhere, from the mountaintops to the valleys, on heaven and earth, “reading our hearts and penetrating even the most secret folds of our conscience.” [CCD XI:359] God, then, was to Vincent a constant presence whether or not we acknowledged Him. He walks with us, and sees not only our actions, but our thoughts and intentions. He asks us to do His will, but always grants us the graces we need to do it. Our practice of remaining in His presence, then, is not only an act of devotion, but an act of gratitude.

To remain always in His presence is to detach ourselves from the worldly, as in contemplative prayer, which Vincent taught is to place our souls “in the presence of God, [and do] nothing but receive what He gives.” [CCD IX:330]

In all God’s creation, Vincent saw God’s presence most vividly in the poor. After all, the very God who put on the cloak of humanity to visit our humble home chose to do so not as a king, a warrior, or a man of wealth and power, but instead as a humble carpenter, sharing in our suffering and poverty. Where else should we expect Him to await us? Who better to remind us of His presence? “You are serving Jesus Christ in the person of the poor,” he said. “And that is as true as that we are here.” [CCD IX:199]

Contemplate

How often do I forget God’s presence in my life?

By Timothy Williams,
Senior Director of Formation & Leadership Development
Society of St. Vincent de Paul USA.