It is no secret that we tend to label people very quickly. No doubt there is some utility to labels even if today they are used like arrows of insult. Labels try to identify who we represent.

To my mind labels lead a question for followers of Vincent and Louise. “Who do we represent?”

This question came to mind as I read Vincentian Bishop Varghese’s thoughtful presentation on discernment during the retreat day prior to electing a new Superior General. He reminded them of the legitimate expectations of the Church, the poor and the confreres.

It occurred to me that those of us in the various branches of the Vincentian and even those walk quietly in the way of following Christ the Evangelizer of the poor could well reflect on who we represent in our actions.

He then presented some guidelines, such as:

(a) Ask yourselves what is the will of God for the Congregation in this Assembly, maintaining an attitude of prayer, allowing the Lord to guide you and challenge you and being willing to accept and surrender to God’s will.

(b) Ask yourselves what do the poor expect of you as missionaries and as servants; what are their most pressing needs, hopes and desires.

(c) Ask yourselves what does the Church expect of you; thus, maintain a spirit of obedience to the church authorities and their teachings; seek to promote dialogue and respect for the needs of the local ordinaries.

Do we “Allow the person of Jesus to think, reflect, speak and listen through you so you can produce the “fruit that endures,” the fruit that Christ wants from you”?