Homily for the Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul

In today's Gospel, after praying, Jesus asked His disciples two questions: "Who do the crowds say that I am?" and "Who do you say that I am?" 

The first was broad and straightforward; the second was deeply personal and profoundly challenging. 

When that question is posed, it asks us to say who Jesus is personally for each of us. It is easier to imagine what He means to people in general; it takes a lot more introspection to say what He means to me personally. But it is the answer to that second question that matters most. Jesus wants us to express our personal faith in Him. He asks us, "What do you believe?" and then sends us forth to share our faith.