Vincentian Spirituality

THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH

Gospel: (Matthew 2:13-15. 19-23)

When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I called my son.

Reflection:

As parents, Joseph and Mary, were not preserved from hardships. These simple parents surely had apprehensions as they traveled to Egypt. Yet they responded faithfully and obediently to God’s messages. They trusted God’s ways. We too all face challenges in responding to God faithfully and obediently. The holiness of a family is not dependent upon perfection or an easy road. Whether we are a traditional family or a single parent family, whether we have biological or adopted or foster children or no children, whether we live in an expensive home, or a subsidized rental unit makes no difference for living as a holy family. What does make a difference is hearing God’s messages and doing God’s will. Trust in God’s ways. You, too, are a holy family. (Living Liturgy, p.28)

Vincentian Meditation:

In his faithful response to God’s commands, Joseph also knew how to “listen to the word of God and act on it.” Joseph stands with eager expectation at the threshold of transcendence. From the darkness of his own limited understanding, he is continually peering into the mystery of God. Surely, he cannot fathom the mystery of God’s plan, but with loving compassion he bows in reverence to God’s incomprehensible ways. There is something very beautiful about Joseph’s contacts with the transcendent mystery of God. He was not a monk. He was a carpenter, and he raised his son in the same trade. Yet in the midst of his daily manual labor and family life, Joseph was surrounded by the mystery of God and he penetrated it with faith. He trusted in God’s daily providence. When he read the signs of God’s will, he rushed to put them into practice. (Maloney, Seasons in Spirituality, p.52-53)

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

How have you found “God’s daily providence” in your family life?

Closing Prayer:

O God, You bless us with the gift of faith,

-continue to strengthen our trust in you.

O God, You bless us with the gift of family,

-keep them always in your love.

O God, You bless our Conference in countless ways,

-we ask for your continued grace and guidance.

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.