Know and Show Mercy Joyfully – Be Still in Silence – Our Lady Knows – Vincentian Love is Justice

Vincentian Day of Pray and Fast – Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Know and Show Mercy Joyfully – Be present to those we serve and be joyful.  Think of yourself in their place and do not try to change who they are.  Laugh and be joyful.  Going to the bible would not be as important as simply being with them. Be present to them.  You can pray quietly and know God is there.  Showing Mercy is the best we have to offer. Hear their story, the choices they made, and their struggles. Don’t feel as if you have all the answers. A person who is willing to be a bit vulnerable is much more relatable than a “know it all.’ This is Mercy and the right thing to do with joy.  Let them feel the love you share with your visit.  We are all called to do the will of the father and proclaim the Son with the help of the Holy Spirit. When we enter into the homes we are on their turf.  We have the Trinity with us, we are strengthened for this important mission. In communion with the Trinity, we can live out God’s purpose for our lives with certitude and joy.  We do not preach the Gospel, we live it.  We know the Mercy of our God and the goodness of His Son whom we serve.  So we are called not only in this year of Mercy but always to show our Mercy and love to all in need and do so with a joyful heart.

Be Still in Silence – And know I am your God. “It is in silence that we can hear God speak to our hearts.” – St. Vincent de Paul – You speak to me, Lord, but often I can’t hear you because I don’t take time to listen in silence. I will plan to take time today for quiet reflection.  These words are ones we should try to live by.  If you want a place to really be close to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and I will add to Mary Mother of God and all the saints.  Do so in Silence.  Find your special place and turn off all distractions.  When we are still and surrendered to God, we find peace even when the earth gives way, the mountains fall, or the nations go into an uproar and kingdoms fall. When life gets overwhelming and busyness takes precedence, remember Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Run to Him, lay down your weapons and fall into His arms. Acknowledge that He is God and that He is exalted in the earth. Be still and know that He is God.  When we love others as Jesus loves them, our faith has become our salvation. As it was for the woman in the Gospel, Jesus says to us: “Now you can go in peace.”  Stop, listen and feel God in the silence of your heart.

Our Lady Knows – She knows us by heart and she will lead us to the surest and quickest path to holiness. Remember that scene in the Gospel at the marriage feast at Cana? Only Mary noticed that the wine was running short. She felt bad for the young couple and wanted to spare them the humiliation of not having enough for their guests. What did she do? Without making any fuss, she quietly approached Jesus and simply said, “They have no wine.” See the charity of Mary! See how she noticed the needs of others and was so delicate in speaking to Jesus. Call on Mary often especially before a visit or when you are confused or unsure of what to do.  Include her in your prayers of help along with the Trinity.  She knows and will give you her heart.  She cares and will help you through your service.  It is her Son you are serving and she will always serve Him.  Let her be part of your life and Vincentian duties.  Sometimes we need all the help we can get.  We have Vincentian saints and holy people who taught and continued from the very beginning.  They are all still there to help us.  All of these Holy people know, so bring on the holiness to your case and get to know our Lady better.  It will make a difference.

Vincentian Love is Justice – Love is what breaks us away from the power of sin. Love is what makes us behave justly. God’s Justice overcomes sin with love.  We know our sins are forgiven.  Do you think about the sin around you?  We know God forgives, but do we.  It is good to forgive those who are against you.  When we look at the poor who are imprisoned either physically or emotionally we need to give them Vincentian love which is justice and mercy and I could add friendship.  We need to forgive them in our hearts, if we have bad thoughts of them.  We should leave the judgment to Our Lord.  We need to bring our gifts to lift everyone up in poverty. We are curing them and changing them by love justice and mercy.  This is the broken Jesus behind bars or addicted to alcohol or drugs.  We need to fix Jesus in the poor with love, mercy and justice.  Sometimes it is hard, but don’t let your feelings hinder the lifting up and healing.  If we are stumped with a case, this is where we can collaborate with experts who will help us with the needs of the broken Jesus.  We of course pray always for those sent to us.  There is also help we can bring to those in need on budgeting, financial security and getting their rates lowered.  Find a professional who will donate their time to this.  We are not experts, but we must always be there for anyone who God puts before us and serve with love and give justice and mercy to those who seemingly have nothing.  This is our calling.  It is what we do.

Blessings,

Lynn