Vincentian Spirituality

JAnuary 17, 2021

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME:

Gospel: (John 1:35-42)

John was standing with two of his disciples and as he watched Jesus walk by, John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?”

They said to him, “Rabbi”-which means Teacher-“where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.

Reflection:

We cannot truly be disciples of Christ unless we, too, wait to hear God’s call and respond by transforming our lives, evidenced in the simple willingness to be obedient to God’s will. This means more than keeping the commandments, it means that our whole lives are directed to waiting and listening for God’s self-revelation. Sometimes this revelation comes through others—perhaps in their cry for help. Sometimes the revelation comes through prayer in which we take some time to listen to God. However, when the revelation or call comes, if we respond, we will be transformed. And Jesus will turn and ask us, “What are you looking for?”(Living Liturgy, p.42)

Vincentian Meditation:

Our Identity Statement tells us: As a reflection of the whole family of God, Members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.

PRAYERS

JAnuary 17, 2021

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.