Vincentian Spirituality

THE SOLEMNITY OF THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Gospel: (Luke 9:11-17)

The Twelve approached Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place.” He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” They numbered about five thousand. Then Jesus said, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

Reflection:

There is perhaps no more heart-wrenching sight than the malnourished and starving. These sights demand a response from us. We know there is food in abundance; we know we are a nation that generally overeats. We know that often the world hunger problem is tied into politics. We know all these facts. And so when we celebrate this particular feast and hear these readings we are once more prodded to respond. Our own share in God’s abundant gifts to us demands that those gifts spill out for those in need. The gospel moves from the practical, tangible level to the mystery of God’s abundance and excess; from our being in control to surrendering ourselves so that God provides all we need. (Living Liturgy, p.150)

Vincentian Meditation:

Jesus was not only compassionate with his heart, but he was compassionate also with his hands, and he willed that the compassion should reach the people until the end of time. There are millions who watch pictures of poverty on our television screens and feel generous towards the poor. Their reaction so often goes no further than feeling. Vincentians, however, imitate Jesus in that they are not content to feel generous, they show their generosity by being a sign of God’s love, a sign of God’s generosity, and a sign of God’s service, of his service in a special way to the poor. The most unfortunate people in society are those who have not had the experience of being loved. Before loving others, we must come to the realization that we are at every moment of our lives being loved by God. (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 669)

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

How have you experienced God’s love, God’s generosity and God’s service?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you are the bread that fills the longing of our hearts,

may we be the sign of your love.

Jesus, you are the wine that satisfies our thirst for holiness,

may we be the sign of your generosity.

Jesus, your food strengthens us for the journey,

may we be the sign of your service.

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.