Symbol: images of various saints and blesseds, a lighted candle centered with other candles placed around it.
Let us pray:
Gracious God, in your goodness you have called us to be evangelizers of the poor, thus following in the footsteps of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ and those of Saint Vincent de Paul. Yes, you have called us to be diligent and bold as we go out to provide for the needs of our suffering sisters and brothers. With the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, enable us to proclaim the Good News and to give witness to the Kingdom wherever we may serve. In that way no one living on the peripheries throughout the world will be deprived of the joyful proclamation of the mystery of salvation.
As we contemplate your Son, who lived among us, may we move from the table of the Word and the table of the Eucharist to the table of poor and there, may we share with others the Bread of Life. May we clothe ourselves in such a manner than we are able to respond effectively to the challenges of the present-day world. We pray in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen
Scripture
A reading from the gospel according to Saint John (John 3:1-8)
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely, he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” The word of God.
Let us listen to the words of Vincent de Paul
Let us make the intention today, and begin tomorrow, to combat our satisfactions and attachments, one after the other. Have no doubt, indeed, have no doubt that, if you are faithful, Our Lord will help you to succeed; thus, from being slaves to ourselves and to things that we like apart from God, we will attain the freedom of his children, subject only to the will of this Heavenly Father (CCD:XII:199).
Reflection:
Many people have a desire to see Jesus, but because of their limitations that goal is never achieved. They need to overcome the obstacles that prevent them from this discovery and only then will they encounter God’s goodness and mercy.
Vincent de Paul during the years of his early priesthood sough an ecclesiastical position that would provide him with an honorable retirement, but God’s plan was different and Vincent was transformed and converted. The poor enabled Vincent to change his life and at the same time they gave meaning to his life and to his priesthood. The events that took place in Folleville (listening to the dying man’s confession and then preaching about general confession) and in Chatillon (the organization of the Conference of Charity as a result of the visit to the house of the family whose members were all infirm) gave Vincent an interior joy as he served those men and women in need.
Today the Lord continues to invite all people to become holy, to live with love and to give meaning to all of their daily tasks. May Pope Francis’ call to holiness encourage and strengthen us to put aside our pride and vanity that so often prevent us from recognizing God’s gifts (cf. Gaudete et Exsultate, #126).
Questions:
[1] What are we saying when we refer to someone as being holy?
[2] Reflecting on the life and ministry of Vincent and Louise, what elements should become part of our search for holiness?
Closing Prayer and Blessing:
Let us Pray:
Loving God, set our hearts on fire with the desire to serve you! You have called us to evangelize our neighbor and to work on behalf of their salvation in imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Teach us by your example and grant us all the virtues proper to true evangelizers. Fill us with zeal so that we might set the world on fire. In your mercy grant us these graces, you who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
