Today we in the Diocese of Richmond celebrate with the universal church St Vincent de Paul but for us he holds the additional position of being our patron. As we listen to the constant bickering about our national priorities I could not but be struck by the words written by our patron and included in the Office of Readings for the day.
Since Christ willed to be born poor, he chose for himself disciples who were poor. He made himself the servant of the poor and shared their poverty. He went so far as to say that he would consider every deed which either helps or harms the poor as done for or against himself.
Let us each of us take these words to heart and pray that leaders around the world, guided by the Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of St. Vincent may reflect this same Le and concern for the poor.
