Vincentian Spirituality

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

October 26, 2025

Gospel: (Luke 18:9-14)

Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 

But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflection:

The Pharisee was righteous and his boast before God was true: he does exemplary things (fasting and paying tithes), even more than is expected. His prayer, however, while addressed to God in thankfulness, is actually filled with himself and his own pride. He “took up his position,” presumably one where he will be seen and recognized. He praises himself rather than God. He does not acknowledge who God is but, rather, he simply exalts himself. 

Tax collectors, on the other hand, were hated and known for their unscrupulous practices. But the tax collector’s prayer allows God to be God and to show mercy. The tax collector stands afar off, but his prayer draws him near to God. Justification is addressing God as God and letting God be God. It is acknowledging humbly who we are before God: sinners in need of mercy. Good works alone don’t justify us—but only humility in the face of our all-holy and merciful God brings exaltation. (Living Liturgy, p.232)

Vincentian Meditation:

It was precisely because the Pharisee despised others that he was not accepted by God, nor his prayer either. It is easy to despise others almost without knowing it. The next time we read this parable, we would do well at the end of it to stand for a moment at the door of the Temple and ask if we despise anybody. It is only when we have answered this question with a no that we can enter the temple and begin the prayer of the publican: “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 585)

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

In our service to those who are poor is there anybody we “despise” or judge?

Closing Prayer:

For the grace to love those who are despised and rejected,

-Lord, hear our prayer.

For the grace to serve those who need our compassion and mercy,

-Lord, hear our prayer.

For the grace of humility and honesty,

-Lord, hear our prayer.

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.