I don’t know how many times over the years I have read or spoken the opening prayers used by the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Canada but there is one section that always resonates with me.

It reads:

“Lord Jesus, deepen our Vincentian spirit of friendship during this meeting. Make us responsive to the Christian calling to Seek and Find the forgotten, the suffering or the deprived, so that we may bring them your love. Help us to be generous with our time, our possessions and ourselves, in this mission of charity. Perfect in us your love and teach us to share more fully in the Eucharistic sacrifice offered for all.”

I often think that if all Vincentians, including myself, spent more time thinking about these words, there would be much less judgemental attitude towards those living in poverty and much more love shown for both these new friends and our fellow Vincentians.

How often do we really seek and find the forgotten, the suffering or the deprived? While we have many examples of doing this, we can also fall into the trap of feeling burnt out, having done all we can or perhaps feeling at a loss as to how we can help others anymore. If we can remind ourselves to never be satisfied waiting for a call for help but rather to continue to look at other ways we can seek and find those in need. Indeed, even when we do have contact through a home visit or other means, do we use this opportunity to seek and find what more is needed or what more can we do for the person or family?

I believe if we can remember our mission as we share in the Eucharistic sacrifice during Mass, it can help us to discover ways we can use our time and possessions to do more, to give those in need real hope for a better life and future for themselves and their families. This mission of charity can and should be expanded to include the mission of seeking justice and where needed, change.

About the author:

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and is past president of the Ontario Regional Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. He is currently chair of the National Social Justice Committee of the Society in Canada. He is married to his dear wife Pat and they have six daughters and eleven grandchildren. Jim has been a member of the Society since the 1970’s.

Opinions expressed are the author’s own views and do not officially represent those of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.