Vincentian Spirituality

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD’S PASSION

Gospel: (Matthew 21: 1-11 and 26: 14-27)

When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply,’ The Master has need of them.’” …The crowds preceding him kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!”

Reflection:

From the high hosanna acclamation to the low of betrayal, denial, and abandonment the gospel take us up and down to the brink of life itself. Like the disciples, we also know who Jesus is. Every Sunday we make our profession of faith: “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God…” This Palm Sunday we are invited to reflect on our own knowledge of who Jesus is and how well we confess him in our daily living. It is a daily choice to live the gospel’s requirement that we die to ourselves for the sake of others. This is how we confess Jesus as the Son of God. This is how, rather than denial and abandonment, we come to stand at the cross with Jesus. (Living Liturgy, p 88)

Vincentian Meditation:

“The earth has grown cold. It is for us Catholics to revive the vital beat to restore it, it is for us to begin over again the great work of regeneration, if necessary to bring back the era of the martyrs. For to be a martyr is possible for every Christian, to be a martyr is to give his life for God and his brothers, to give his life in sacrifice, whether the sacrifice be consumed in an instant like a holocaust, or be accomplished slowly and smoke night and day like perfume on the altar. To be a martyr is to give back to heaven all that one has received: his money, his blood, his whole soul..” – Bl. Frederic Ozanam (Letter 90, to Curnier, 1835)

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

Indeed, the “Master has need of us” to rekindle the vital fire which has been extinguished in our world. What form has martyrdom taken for you or for those who are dear to you?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, give us the generosity of martyrs, so that we can give:

to an enemy, forgiveness

to an opponent, tolerance

to our family, love and respect

to all men and women, charity.

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.