Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest
“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it. They were afraid to ask him about this saying.”
If I was one of the disciples, I would also be afraid to ask Jesus what he meant. I used to have the feeling that I was disappointing Jesus with the sins I commit. But as St. Vincent de Paul once said, “If temptations are necessary for everyone, they are also a source of merit for those to whom God grants the grace of turning all things to good.” When the devil thinks he is advancing his kingdom with thoughts and sins, God is already two steps ahead of him, and eventually advances the Kingdom of Heaven! The creature cannot outdo the creator!
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections