Seeing the Face of Christ in Those We Serve
Seeing the Face of Christ in Those We Serve
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THIRTY-FIRST IN ORDINARY TIME:
Gospel: (Matthew 23:1-12)
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen…They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one earth father; you have one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection:
Jesus tells us that there is only one God-(one Father, one teacher, one master) and all our direction comes from keeping God central. When our focus is right, then our relationships are right. God as center leaves us servants-both of God and of one another. Keeping our focus on God doesn’t allow us to seek honors and recognition. It allows us to serve God in one another. The surprise and good news is that when we keep our focus on God and serve one another, God exalts us! (Living Liturgy, p.268)
Vincentian Meditation:
“Let us stop saying, ‘It is I who have done this work.’ For every good thing ought to be done in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. God pours out his inexhaustible gifts on the humble, those who recognize that all the good done by them comes from God.”
–St. Vincent de Paul- (McKenna, Praying with Vincent, p.74)
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.
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