May 15 T Fifth Sunday of Easter
In the Gospel today, Jesus says “I give you a new commandment: love one another. . . This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Pope Francis has said, “Let us pray that God grant us the grace of knowing a world where no one dies of hunger.” To love all our needy brothers and sisters and to advocate for them the grace of a good life is a key principle of Vincentian spirituality. The “Voice of the Poor,” the Society’s advocacy wing speaks out for those in need by promoting systemic change. Our patron, St. Vincent de Paul, wrote, “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. Since God surely loves the poor, he also loves those who love the poor. For when one person holds another dear, he also includes in his affection anyone who loves or serves the one he loves.” Throughout the pandemic, we have reminded our readers that of those affected by COVID the poor and marginalized have been hit hardest. Now, as we can begin to see the distant light at the end of this tunnel, we must not forget that although many of us look forward to a “return to a normal,”, the poor are faced with greater challenges as eviction moratoria end and the cost of living skyrockets. Let us not forget the poor in our prayers and in our charitable giving.
Consider mailing a generous check made out to “The Society of St. Vincent de Paul” to 1275 B Street (the St. James parish office).
As you consider your gift to the poor through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in your heart you will also find the good news of God's love. Donations may be addressed to Society of St. Vincent de Paul 1275 B Street, Davis, CA 95616.
For further information about our conference and its work, please contact our president, Dick Hoenisch, at .
St. Vincent de Paul of Davis
assistance line: 530-979-4338