You will find out that Charity is a heavy burden to carry, heavier than the kettle of soup and the full basket. But you will keep your gentleness and your smile. It is not enough to give soup and bread. This the rich can do. You are the servant of the poor, always smiling and good-humored. They are your masters, terribly sensitive and exacting master you will see. And the uglier and the dirtier they will be, the more unjust and insulting, the more love you must give them. It is only for your love alone that the poor will forgive you the bread you give to them.
— Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), Priester
Note on attribution: Bekanntes Zitat aus dem Film 'Monsieur Vincent' (1947), gibt aber den Geist Vinzenz von Pauls treffend wieder.
Topics: Service & Love of Neighbour, Humility & Pride, Love
Occasions: For Reflection
Vincent de Paul
Vinzenz von Paul (1581–1660) war ein französischer katholischer Priester, der im 17. Jahrhundert das neuzeitliche Caritaswesen sowie Gemeinschaften wie die Lazaristen begründete. Er steht für die Verbindung von Frömmigkeit mit organisierter praktischer Hilfe für Arme, Kranke und gesellschaftlich Ausgestoßene. Bibellesern zeigt sein Lebenswerk, wie sich Glaube und biblische Nächstenliebe im konkreten Dienst an Notleidenden praktisch bewähren.
All quotes by Vincent de Paul (10)
If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
Mother Teresa
Prayer does not equip us for greater works – prayer is the greater work.
Oswald Chambers
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
There are two ways to do good: to give and to forgive.
Augustine of Hippo
The world consists of nothing but opportunities for love.
Søren Kierkegaard
We cannot do great things on this earth, only small things with great love.
Mother Teresa
The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.
Frederick Buechner
Etty Hillesum