Vincentian Spirituality

 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME 

Gospel: (John 6:24-35)

Jesus said “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” … “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

Reflection:

If Jesus is the bread from heaven given for us and we are the body of Christ, then we must conclude that we ourselves are to be bread from heaven that fosters eternal life for others. Jesus gives himself as bread from heaven. We give ourselves to others, as bread from heaven, when we confirm our belief by means of the everyday actions we do. Treating another as the body of Christ is believing. Taking time to be in touch with our spiritual needs is believing. Reaching out in compassion to others is believing. Self-giving is believing. (Living Liturgy, p.182)

Vincentian Meditation:

In your ministry, as St. Vincent says, first do and then teach. As a follower of Christ, a servant of the poor, you will touch the hearts of God’s people especially when you give vibrant witness:

• through the language of works, performing the works of justice and mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, helping to find the cause of their hunger and thirst and the ways of alleviating them;

• through the language of words, announcing with deep conviction the Lord’s presence, his love, his offer of forgiveness and acceptance to all;

• through the language of relationships, being with the poor, working with them, forming a community that shows the Lord’s love for all. (Maloney, He Hears the Cry of the Poor, p165)

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.