It has been awhile. Again, a lot of things have been taking up much of my time. I should have posted this yesterday in time for the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. The message also suits me well and those who are buried neck-deep in commitments. I know it is really hard to decide which comes first. Often, it becomes a matter of urgency. Like what happened yesterday. An unexpected message from my sister for a favor that I had to squeeze into my already tight schedule.
Then I noticed that the left rear tire of my brother's jeep was flat. It was good that a neighbor, who's also a friend of my brother was around to give a hand. It took up much of my time until I realized it was time to cook dinner.
I am still struggling to juggle my schedule. There are just too many things to do that challenge my time management skills. Well, I was able to finally sit and collect my thoughts. We could use this timeless wisdom from St. Vincent de Paul:
"The service of the poor is to be preferred to all else, and to be performed without delay. If at a time set aside for prayer, medicine or help has to be brought to some poor man, go and do what has to be done with an easy mind, offering it up to God as a prayer. Do not be put out by uneasiness or a sense of sin because of prayers interrupted by the service of the poor: for God is not neglected if prayers are put aside, if God's work is interrupted in order that another such work may be completed.
Therefore, when you leave prayer to help some poor man, remember this — that the work has been done for God. Charity takes precedence over any rules, everything ought to tend to it above all; since it is itself a great lady, what it orders should be carried out. Let us show our service to the poor, then, with renewed ardor in our hearts, seeking out above all any abandoned people, since they are given to us as lords and patrons."
