A Vincentian reading of the Sunday readings
Steadfast in their Prayers, and Trusting
Jesus is the reason why God does not hold back from those who are steadfast in their prayers the blessings they ask...
Host to Jesus, the Word Made Flesh
Jesus is God’s most tender call to us humans. He is at the same time the warmest human host to God that waits at the...
Roundabout Ways We Take to Get Our Way
Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is the roundabout way that means much more to us than all the other...
Sensitivity of Faith in the Face of Death
Jesus wants to bring light to those who live in the shadow of death. If we just have faith and Jesus’ sensitivity, his wish for us will come true. Neighbors and relatives rejoiced with Elizabeth. But they did not really experience her sensitivity to the merciful God....
John Is the Name of the Son of Zechariah and Elizabeth
Jesus Christ is divine mercy in person. It is fitting, then, that his Forerunner has John (“God has shown favor”) for a name. Fitting, too, that Scripture accounts about John instruct us. Neighbors and relatives are going to name Elizabeth’s son after her husband. ...
Sowers of the Seed of the Kingdom of God
Jesus is the Sower of the seed of the kingdom of God. This Teacher wants his disciples to imitate him and be sowers who put their trust in God and are persevering. Our own failures and opposition from people can easily discourage us and make us tire of doing good. ...
Fools on Account of Jesus Christ Crucified
Jesus crucified is the divine foolishness that is wiser than human wisdom. He expects his followers to be fools like him in order to be wise. Jesus comes home. But his own folks do not accept him in the way that the crowd at the door do. That is because he...
Fulfillment of Jesus Christ to the End
Jesus brings fulfillment to the law and the prophets. Accordingly, he gives to the Passover meal its full meaning. To take part in the Eucharist is to share in the fullness of Christ. Jesus and his disciples are pilgrims in Jerusalem. And they celebrate there the...
Trinity: God Who Is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Jesus reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Looking out for others’ interests, we also reveal the Most Holy Trinity. No one has ever seen God. But his Son reveals him. Jesus does not use the word Trinity, of course, nor does any New Testament writer. No,...
Anointing with the Holy Spirit and Mission
The risen Jesus breathes on us. Anointing us so with the Holy Spirit, he sends us to work with him in the evangelization of the poor. The risen Jesus stands in the midst of his disciples. Never mind that it is dark and the disciples bolted the doors. First, he...
Descend to the Earth First to Ascend into Heaven
Christ ascends into heaven, which means he deigned to descend to the earth to bring the Good News to the poor. If we imitate him, we will ascend into heaven also. The apostles look intently at Jesus as he leaves. But a question cuts short their contemplation, “Why...
Remain in the Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ
As the Father loves him, so does Jesus love us. And to remain in his love, that is, to keep his commandment of love, is what he wants us to do. Jesus is saying farewell to his disciples. He comforts them, assuring them that where he will be, there too they will be,...