Homily for Saturday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time (Cycle I) 

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest:

Theme: “True Greatness is Found in Humble Service.”




Introduction

Sometimes we imagine greatness in terms of power, titles, and positions. But God’s idea of greatness is often the opposite—it is seen in humility, service, and love. Today, as we celebrate Saint Vincent de Paul, the patron of charity, we are reminded that true greatness lies not in being served but in serving others.

Life Story

A young boy once told his mother, “When I grow up, I want to be important like our parish priest. Everyone shakes his hand and says ‘Good morning, Father.’”
The mother replied, “That’s lovely, my son. But remember—it’s not the handshakes that make him important. It’s the fact that he spends his life shaking hands with the poor, the sick, and those no one else wants to greet.”
The boy thought for a moment and said, “So… being important means shaking dirty hands?” The mother smiled and said, “Exactly.”

The Word of God

  • Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a – God promises to be “a wall of fire” around Jerusalem and to dwell in her midst. The prophet reminds the people that God Himself is their protection and glory, not wealth or armies.

  • Jeremiah 31:10-13 – The psalm sings of God gathering His people, protecting the scattered, and turning their mourning into joy. God is a shepherd who never abandons His flock.

  • Luke 9:43b-45 – Jesus, at the height of His ministry, announces His passion. While the crowds marvel at His miracles, He teaches the disciples that true glory is not in applause but in self-giving love, even to the point of the cross.

Connection of the Readings

All the readings weave together a vision of God’s way:

  • Zechariah shows God’s protective presence.

  • Jeremiah assures us of God’s tender shepherding.

  • Luke points us to the paradox of the cross—Jesus is glorified not by avoiding suffering, but by embracing it out of love.

This connects beautifully with Saint Vincent de Paul, who found Christ in the poor and broken. His life shows that the greatness of the Church lies not in power or prestige but in her capacity to serve.

Practical Applications / Lessons for Daily Life

  1. Trust God’s protection – Just as God promised to be Jerusalem’s wall of fire, let us stop relying solely on human securities and put our confidence in Him.

  2. Serve with humility – Greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by recognition but by service, especially to the poor, lonely, and forgotten.

  3. Live self-giving love – Like Jesus and Saint Vincent de Paul, we are called to embrace sacrifice for the sake of others.

Reflection Questions

  • Do I measure greatness by how much I am served or by how much I serve?

  • Where is God calling me to be a “wall of fire” and protector for the vulnerable in my community?

  • Am I willing to embrace difficulties for the sake of love, or do I resist the cross?

Inspirational Word

Greatness in God’s kingdom is not about climbing higher but about stooping lower in love. Each act of humble service is a step closer to true glory.

Quote of the Day

Saint Vincent de Paul once said:
“Go to the poor: you will find God.”

Final Thoughts

The world often applauds success, but heaven applauds service. In our Jubilee year and in the spirit of the Synod on Synodality, the Church is reminded that walking together means bending low to lift one another up—especially the weakest.

Conclusion

Today, as we celebrate the life of Saint Vincent de Paul, let us remember: true greatness is not in titles, wealth, or applause. It is in seeing Christ in the poor, loving without counting the cost, and trusting that God Himself is our wall of fire and our joy.

Concluding Prayer

Lord Jesus,
teach me to seek greatness not in power but in service,
not in wealth but in love,
not in comfort but in sacrifice.
Like Saint Vincent de Paul,
help me to see Your face in the poor and broken,
and to serve with joy and humility.
May my life reflect Your love,
and may I trust always in Your protection,
my wall of fire and my eternal joy.
Amen.

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