Vincentian Spirituality

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Gospel: (Luke 10:38-42)

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”

Reflection:

Martha’s hospitality was made edgy because of her becoming burdened with the cooking and serving. Martha is settling to be a servant where Jesus is looking for disciples. Mary’s hospitality was gracious because she focused her attention on Jesus: “she sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” The surprise is that Jesus affirms that the “better part” is to sit and listen—both metaphors for discipleship. The “better part” is to be a disciple! Before we can carry on the mission of Jesus as disciples, we must become disciples by sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him. Practically speaking, this means being attentive to the Scriptures during Mass. It also means taking the time to be with Jesus in prayer—not just saying prayers but being quiet and listening to how Jesus speaks to our hearts. (Living Liturgy, p.176)

Vincentian Meditation:

“Have you noticed that there is no rejection of Martha, no suggestion that she should not have been engaged in preparing the meal? Jesus merely underlines a truth that St. Luke records earlier, namely, that they are blessed who hear the word of God and keep it. He is putting emphasis on a sense of attention to the word of God, if we are to offer that service to others which is the fulfillment of the second great commandment of the law. Hearing the word of God in prayer through reflection is a condition for true selfless loving service of the body of Christ.” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 298)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

In our Conference how can we become disciples more like Mary?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, show us the way to be disciples who “sit and listen,” 

Spirit of God, show us the way.

When we suffer with those who suffer.

Spirit of God, show us the way.

When we hear the cries of the hungry,

Spirit of God, show us the way.

When we meet the broken-hearted.

Spirit of God, show us the way. 

Amen

Opening Prayer for Society Meetings:

L:  In the Name of the Father, etc.

All:  Amen.

L:  Come, Holy Spirit, live within our lives.

All:  And strengthen us by Your Love.

L:  Send forth your spirit and new life will be created.

All:  And the whole face of the earth will be renewed.

L:  Our Father, etc.

All:  Give us this day our daily bread, etc.

L:  Let us reflect on the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ, recalling His unity and presence among us: “Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Silence)

All:  Lord Jesus, deepen our Vincentian spirit of friendship during this meeting and make us responsive to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering, or the deprived so that we may bring them your love. Help us to be generous with our time, our possessions, and ourselves in this mission of charity. Perfect in us your love and teach us to share more fully in the Eucharistic Sacrifice offered for all.

L:  Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, 

All:  Have mercy on us.

L:  Immaculate Heart of Mary, 

All:  Pray for us.

L:  St. Vincent de Paul,  

All:  Pray for us.

L:  St. Louise de Marillac, 

All:  Pray for us.

L:  Blessed Frederic Ozanam, 

All:  Pray for us.

L:  Blessed Rosalie Rendu, 

All:  Pray for us.

L:  In the Name of the Father, etc.

All:  Amen.

Closing Prayer for Society Meetings: 

All:  Father, grant that we who are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist may realize the depth of our needs, respond more spontaneously to the suffering of others, and come to love You more deeply by service to our neighbor.

Grant us also the wisdom and strength to persevere when disappointed or distressed. May we never claim that the fruitfulness of our apostolate springs from ourselves alone. United in prayer and action, may we become a visible sign of Christ and may we give witness to His boundless love, which reaches out to all and draws them to love one another in Him.

We thank You, Lord, for the many blessings which we receive from those whom we visit. Help us to love and respect them, to understand their deeper needs, and to share their burdens and joys as true friends in Christ.

L: That the Cause for the Canonization of Frederic Ozanam, who excelled in the virtue of Christian love, be advanced.

All: Lord, hear us.

L: That our departed friends and relatives, our Vincentian Brothers and Sisters, and those whom we have served, be welcomed into your Kingdom and joined in love.

All:  Lord, hear us.

L: In the Name of the Father, etc.

All:  Amen.