Seeing the Face of Christ in Those We Serve
Seeing the Face of Christ in Those We Serve
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME:
Gospel: (Matthew 13: 1-23)
Jesus said: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and
birds came up and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang
up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it
withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and
chocked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or
thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”
Reflection:
If we see ourselves as the sower, the parable takes us in the direction of learning to know God and having union with God. We ourselves are the ones who spread the word of good news. If we see ourselves as the seed, it reminds us that we sow God’s word wherever we are, by word and example. If we see ourselves as the soil, we are directed to examine the cares and distractions of our lives to see if they stand in the way of open eyes, open ears and open hearts. This is our call to discipleship! God is extravagant with the seed, and he is doing everything to prepare the soil so that the word can take root. All we need to do is “see with our eyes, hear with our ears and understand with our hearts(Living Liturgy, p.196)
Vincentian Meditation:
A fellow student challenged Frederic by saying: “Today Christianity is dead. Indeed, you
people who boast about being Catholics, what are you doing? Where are the works which
demonstrate your Faith…?” The Holy Spirit inspired Frederic with these words that
touched the heart and mind of each person in the room: “We must do what is most
agreeable to God. Therefore, we must do what our Lord Jesus Christ did when preaching
the Gospel. Let us go to the poor.” (Ramson, Praying with Frederic, p.86)
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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