Homily, July 24

Eucharist , July 24, 2015

Saint Charbel Makhluf

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Charbel, a hermit and monk who lived in Lebanon and died some one hundred twenty years ago. He is well known for the miracles that he performed for both Muslims and Christians. He spent his time in work and prayer (in action and contemplation) at his hermitage, thus imitating the example of Jesus and Saint Vincent and countless other men and women who are members of the Vincentian Family. Indeed, it could be said that Saint Charbel was a good Vincentian.

God, our Father and the Father of Jesus Christ, help us to maintain a balance in our life, to take the time in order to behold you and to behold our neighbor, to contemplate you and serve you in our brothers and sisters. Thus imitating your Son, and following the example of Mary and Vincent and Saint Charbel we can be true worshipers of your love and thus able to proclaim that love in our surroundings. In this way the world will come to know you, to love you, and to follow you. Amen.