Vincentian Spirituality

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 7, 2025

Gospel: (Matthew 3:1-12)

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” … At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan as they acknowledge their sins…. John announced, “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Reflection:

John the Baptist is prophet, judge, precursor. With these three roles we note a parallel with the prophetic, kingly, and priestly roles in Israel that come to fulfillment in Jesus Christ. John is the bridge between Israel of old and Jesus the Messiah. John forcefully reminds us that vindication or punishment is our choice, according to the life we lead. Who is this strange man John? He is the voice that cries out to us an Advent message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For those of us who are totally taken up with the present moment—simply getting up, getting to work, keeping the house, and preparing meals, etc.—it may seem strange to live in light of a future event. The beginning of Advent is a time when the Church reminds us that how we do these everyday things is how we bear fruit and receive everlasting life. (Living Liturgy, p. 10)

Vincentian Meditation:

John knew the Advent secret: He focused his whole life on the coming of Jesus. “I am not the Christ. Another comes after me. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” He realized that his all-consuming vocation was to prepare the way of the Lord. Our vocation is very similar. St. Vincent tells us that the person of Jesus must be absolutely central in our lives, as it was for John the Baptist. As Vincentians we dedicate our whole lives to following Christ. We seek to share in his love and reverence for the Father and his compassionate and effective love for the poor. With him we trust in God’s Providence, which rules over all. For Vincentians, as for John the Baptist, there is nothing else but Jesus. (Maloney, Seasons in Spirituality, p.47)

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

How does Advent call you to “prepare the way of the Lord?”

Closing Prayer:

Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

-keep Jesus absolutely central in our lives.

Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

-prepare the way of the Lord.

Come Lord Jesus, give us the grace to,

-bring love and compassion to the poor and the forgotten.

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.