Vincent De Paul, Priest, Religious Founder Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102: 16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
Alleluia: Mark 10: 45
Gospel: Luke 9: 46-50
First Reading: Zechariah 8: 1-8
1 And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying:
2 Thus saith the Lord of hosts: I have been jealous for Sion with a great jealousy, and with a great indignation have I been jealous for her.
3 Thus saith the Lord of hosts: I am returned to Sion, and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, The sanctified mountain.
4 Thus saith the Lord of hosts: There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem: and every man with his staff in his hand through multitude of days.
5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls, playing in the streets thereof.
6 Thus saith the Lord of hosts: If it seem hard in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days: shall it be hard in my eyes, saith the Lord of hosts?
7 Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Behold I will save my people from the land of the east, and from the land of the going down of the sun.
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God in truth and in justice.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102: 16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
R. (17) The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
16 And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.
17 For the Lord hath built up Sion: and he shall be seen in his glory.
18 He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble: and he hath not despised their petition.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
19 Let these things be written unto another generation: and the people that shall be created shall praise the Lord:
20 Because he hath looked forth from his high sanctuary: from heaven the Lord hath looked upon the earth.
21 That he might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that he might release the children of the slain:
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
29 The children of thy servants shall continue: and their seed shall be directed for ever.
22 That they may declare the name of the Lord in Sion: and his praise in Jerusalem;
23 When the people assemble together, and kings, to serve the Lord.
R. The Lord will build up Zion again, and appear in all his glory.
Alleluia: Mark 10: 45
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
45 The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 9: 46-50
46 And there entered a thought into them, which of them should be greater.
47 But Jesus seeing the thoughts of their heart, took a child and set him by him,
48 And said to them: Whosoever shall receive this child in my name, receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth him that sent me. For he that is the lesser among you all, he is the greater.
49 And John, answering, said: Master, we saw a certain man casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us.
50 And Jesus said to him: Forbid him not; for he that is not against you, is for you.
Reflection
God’s vision for Jerusalem is a restored people gathered in truth, justice, and peace. Its streets hold the elderly and the children; its future is carried across generations. The Lord hears the humble, releases those who are bound, and gathers people from every direction to belong to him. This rebuilding begins with hearts that are willing to receive rather than compete.
While the disciples wonder who is greatest, Jesus places a child among them and identifies greatness with becoming the lesser one. To receive the child in his name is to receive Christ, and Christ teaches them not to reject someone simply because that person does not belong to their group. His own mission is service and self-giving. The community God builds, then, has room for the small, the overlooked, and those whose work does not fit our expectations. We help strengthen that city of truth when we welcome without seeking status, honor humble service, and recognize grace wherever it is bearing fruit. Such a people can become a home where generations praise God together.
Prayer
Lord God, gather your people in truth and justice, and make our hearts gentle enough to welcome those whom the world overlooks. Free us from the desire to be greater than others. Teach us to receive the child, the stranger, and every humble servant as gifts of your presence. Keep us from jealousy when grace is at work beyond our familiar circles. Through Jesus, who came to serve and give his life for many, make us servants who build peace across generations. Hear the prayers of the humble, and let our lives become praise offered to you. Amen.
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