Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul (April 24, 1581 – September 27, 1660). The experience and needs of the poor turned St. Vincent de Paul’s heart and energy to a life of care and compassion for those in need. St. Vincent’s example is especially important today when not only is there suffering and starvation in the world, but so many people are lost and suffering from a spiritual starvation.

We are all beggars before God. Our hearts and hands are empty. We have nothing to offer to God but our love for Him. He sent His Son to die a criminal’s death for our salvation. He rose from the dead and set us free from Sin and Death. We beg Him for the gift of faith which will lead to eternal life with Him in heaven.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:51

Your goal as a husband and wife in marriage is to get each other to heaven. It is the only thing that really matters. We are nothing more than one beggar leading another beggar to find bread, the living bread that has come down from heaven.

When we put Jesus Christ at the center of our marriages and families, it helps us focus on the important things in life. All our actions should be done in charity, seeking to please God in all we say and do. Nothing else in life is more important than getting your spouse and children to heaven.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?… your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 6:25,33

These are the words Jesus spoke to the multitudes in His Sermon on the Mount. They are just as relevant for us today. We need to put Jesus Christ first in our lives before all other things. He will feed the deepest longing in our hearts and souls.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

May the grace of God fill you to overflowing with all good things. St. Vincent, pray for us.