A Vincentian reading of the Sunday readings

Curses that Turn Out to Be Blessings

Jesus became a curse to free us from curses and fill us with blessings.  He became sinner and poor to make us just and rich. Those who are to catch men and women have much to learn still.  And today the one who has called them teaches them about curses and blessings....

Fishers of Men and Women, Sinners All

Jesus is the leading fisher of men and women.  Those he calls are also, though sinners, to be fishers of other sinners. Jesus tells Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.”  And Simon answers, “Teacher, we have worked hard all night and have...

Lover of Sinners and Outcast

Jesus is a lover of those whom religion and society shun:  sinners, widows, orphans and strangers.  They are dear to true Christians too. It seems the leaving out of “vengeance,” when Jesus read Is 61, 1-2, did not bother his fellow Nazareth citizens.  For they still...

Program of the One Anointed with the Spirit

Jesus is Good News to the poor.  To be such news is his program as the One that the Father has anointed with the Holy Spirt and sent.  True to what the voice from heaven told him at his baptism, the Son takes up the Servant’s program.  We heard two Sundays ago that...
Cut off from Us All Self-Sufficiency

Home to Us and Home to Jesus Christ Also

The Word becomes flesh and makes his dwelling among us.  He wants our home to be his also, though we are slow to understand and accept him. Mary and Joseph cannot find Jesus.  He is not in the caravan.   They do not see him among the relatives and acquaintances...

Cut off from Us All Self-Sufficiency

Connection, Meditation and Conversation

The child Jesus lying in the manger draws us to himself.  Connecting with him truly, we cannot but have connection with others. We warm up easily to the figure of the shepherd because of its connection to Christmas.  And one can safely bet that shepherds do not lack...

Cut off from Us All Self-Sufficiency

Visit and Gladden Us, Lord, and Set Us Free

Jesus is the mighty Savior that God raises up for us.  Through him, God comes to visit us and set us free once and for all.  So, we jump for joy, and try to infect others. The visit of the angel Gabriel is contagious.  For soon enough, Mary too has the urge to visit...

Cut off from Us All Self-Sufficiency

Good News of Jesus in a World of Bad News

Jesus embodies the Good News that he brings to those who live in a world of bad news.  He expects Christians to do likewise Sadly, women, children and those with disabilities often do not count.  But the good news is that Jesus protects women against heartless and...