Vincentian Spirituality

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Gospel: (Luke 12:32-48)

Jesus said to his disciples: 

“ Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

Reflection:

Our “treasure” is something very valuable or our most prized possession. This gospel refers to “treasure” as inexhaustible, secure and incorruptible. This description is of the “treasure” understood as the kingdom God. Interestingly, the way to possess this treasure is not by possessing, but by giving away. We become rich, by not having and then refocusing our hearts on God’s kingdom. If we are preoccupied by possessions, schedules, work, sports, etc., our heart is already filled with exhaustible, insecure, and corruptible matters. The challenge of this gospel is to redirect our hearts to what is our true treasure, Jesus, and then be faithful disciples. The gift is great. Our treasure is Jesus. (Living Liturgy, p.188)

Vincentian Meditation:

“What we as Christians have to watch could be expressed in one word, and that word is more. We always seem to want more money, more pleasure, more power, and it is desiring more that can draw us away from Christ and make us unhappy people.

 So if we have sufficient food for ourselves, our families, and reasonable comfort in our homes, let us be content. Let us spare a thought and some money for those who, unlike us, are suffering from extreme poverty. Thus we will be able to redirect our hearts to what is our true treasure, Jesus, and then we will be faithful disciples.” (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 195)

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

How does this Gospel challenge us?

Closing Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, may you always be our treasure,

fill us with your peace! 

Lord Jesus, may you always be our treasure,

fill us with your strength! 

Lord Jesus, may you always be our treasure,

fill us with your love! 

Lord Jesus, may you always be our treasure,

fill us with your joy!

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.