The writer of Ecclesiates laments the fleeting nature of this life. It seems as though what has happened in the past simply happens again. There is nothing essentially new. Nothing lasts forever. Nothing in this life is ultimately satisfying. The writer hungers for something more meaningful, something more fulfilling.

In the Gospel today, we hear a similar yearning. The tetrarch, Herod, wonders about the identity of Jesus. There is something special, something new about Jesus. Herod desires to meet Jesus, to see him in some way.

Today the Church celebrates the life of St. Vincent de Paul. He was born to a peasant family in France in the 16th Century. While travelling, Vincent was kidnapped by pirates and sold as a slave in North Africa. Eventually he escaped and converted his former master to Christianity. After he returned to France, Vincent eventually became a priest. He founded the communities known as the Lazarists and the Daughters of Charity.

Vincent also hungered to see Jesus. He discovered Christ in a special way in the poor. Vincent lavished care on the homeless, prisoners and others in need. He encouraged others to do the same. Amidst a world filled with fleeting things, the discovery of Christ in the poor brought fulfillment to Vincent.