Paul Vincent

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi”-which means Teacher-“where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.

Reflection:

We cannot truly be disciples of Christ unless we, too, wait to hear God’s call and respond by transforming our lives, evidenced in the simple willingness to be obedient to God’s will. This means more than keeping commandments, it means that our whole lives are directed to waiting and listening for God’s self-revelation. Sometimes this revelation comes through others-perhaps in their cry for help. Sometimes the revelation comes through prayer in which we take some time to listen to God. However the revelation or call comes, if we respond we will be transformed. And Jesus will turn and ask us, “What are you looking for?”(Living Liturgy, p.42)

Vincentian Meditation:

As a reflection of the whole family of God, Members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule. (US Manual of the SSVDP, p.1)

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

“What were you looking for” when you joined the Society?

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you turned and asked the disciples, “What are you looking for?”
-We heard your call to be a disciple and we followed you.
We thank you for the call to be a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
-May our Conference be a reflection of the whole family of God.
You call us to be united in a spirit of poverty, humility and sharing,
-May we be nourished by prayer and reflection.
You call us to mutually supportive gatherings,
-May we share a deep sense of friendship.
You call us to adherence to our basic Rule,
-May we be faithful to the spirit of St. Vincent de
Paul and Blessed Frederic Ozanam.
Amen