Daily Meditation. Saturday 27 September 2025. St. Vincent de Paul

Saturday 27 September 2025 – Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest

Readings
•First Reading: Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15.

•Responsorial Psalm: Jeremiah 31:10-12, 13.

•Gospel: Luke 9:43-45.

Introduction.

The prophet Zechariah announces that Jerusalem will be “without walls,” because the Lord Himself will be a wall of fire around her and her glory within (Zc 2:9). In the Gospel, while people are full of admiration for Jesus, He speaks quietly to His disciples of His coming Passion (Lk 9:44). Both readings point us to a deeper trust: God’s presence, not human defences, is our true security.

Main Point
“God Himself is our protection and strength trusting Him gives courage, even when His plan is hidden” (Zc 2:9; Lk 9:44-45).

Homily
Zechariah overturns the people’s expectations: no need for walls, because the Lord Himself will be their wall of fire. His presence makes Jerusalem secure and open to all nations.

In the Gospel, the disciples cannot understand why Jesus speaks of suffering at the very moment when His popularity is soaring. The meaning is “hidden” from them, but Jesus asks them to hold His words in their hearts. In both cases, human logic walls, success, applause is not what ultimately protects or saves. Only God’s presence does.

Concrete Example:
Think of a parent or a catechist who keeps serving quietly even when there is little recognition. Their “security” is not in praise or applause but in the conviction that God is with them. Like St. Vincent de Paul, who served the poor and formed priests with few resources but with immense trust in God’s providence, we too can rely on the “wall of fire” of God’s presence.

Ways Forward for Daily Life
•Recall God’s presence: Each morning prays, “Lord, be my wall of fire and my glory today.”
•Hold His Word even when unclear: When Scripture or events seem puzzling, keep them in your heart in prayer, trusting that God will reveal their meaning in time.
•Serve without seeking applause: Like St. Vincent de Paul, focus on loving action rather than recognition, confident that God sees.

Summary
God Himself is our protection and strength. Trusting Him gives courage, even when His plan is hidden from us (Zc 2:9; Lk 9:44-45).

Prayer
Lord Jesus, you are my wall of fire and my glory. Strengthen my trust in you when I do not understand your ways. Help me to serve with courage and quiet faith, as St. Vincent de Paul did. Amen.