Symbol: a cardboard house, a market and some work tools
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 Luke (Luke 6:20-26)
And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way. The word of God.
Let us listen to the words of Vincent de Paul
That is a long explanation of this teaching; and yet, it is not all; we have to realize that, by these words, Seek first the kingdom of God and His justice, Our Lord is asking us not only to seek first of all the kingdom of God and his justice in the way we have just explained; I mean it does not suffice to act in such a way that God may reign in us, seeking his kingdom and his justice in this way, but, in addition, we should desire and see that the kingdom of God is brought and extended everywhere, that God reigns in all souls, that there is only one true religion on earth, and that the world may live other than it is doing, by the strength and power of God and the means established in his Church, and, lastly, that his justice may be sought and imitated so well by everyone through their holy lives, that he may be perfectly glorified by them in time and in eternity (CCD:XII:116).
Reflection:
Scripture reminds us that God listens in a merciful manner to the cries of the poor (Psalm 9:13). The Church of God, moved by the Spirit, ought to reveal God’s mercy toward those who are poor … and should do that by listening to the cries of people and by become a voice for those who are voiceless.
It should be understood that the mission of the Church is oriented toward the salvation of all men and women and that salvation demands that people live in a Christian manner, sharing their possessions, leaving their comfort zones, responding in an affective and effective manner to the needs of those most vulnerable. We should recall that Scripture denounces injustice and promotes solidarity and equality. Therefore, the Church ought to interpret the signs of the time and commit itself to serve those who suffer and to move out to an encounter with Jesus present in the person of those men and women who are poor. Through our activity may we respond to the Pope’s Francis invitation to become a poor church for the poor … yes, when the Church draws closer to those who are marginalized and oppressed, and struggles and ministers on behalf of their liberation then the Church reveals herself as an authentic institution.
Questions:
[1] In my daily life, do I opt for the weak and the poor?
[2] Am I willing to be uncomfortable and share my possessions with those who are in need?
[3] Am I compassionate and merciful toward my neighbor?
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.
