“Men are so constituted that even the holiest are disposed to contradict each other.” (CCD 4:232+233)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Keep far away from me, O Lord, the desire to argue and contradict others. When I do fail, give me the grace to be the first to apologize.

“We belong to God by his grace. What else do we wish, then, but to please him? If we are contradicted, this is not surprising; what merit is there in not being crossed? And who is there that can escape it? For every little contradiction, should one stop doing good? Good which gives glory to God?” (CCD III:509)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– There is no such thing as a trouble-free life, devoid of conflict. When these situations do arise, Lord, provide me with the wisdom to view them as challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles.

“The thought that Our Lord himself had much to suffer from his disciples will greatly encourage you, for the more our sorrows resemble his, the more pleasing we are to him. If this were not my consolation, what would become of me?” (CCD 4:103)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– When those close to me fail to understand or support, it is comforting to know you suffered the same pain, Lord. At such times your presence consoles and encourages me.

“That peace which is the portion of the chosen servants of God is seldom unmixed with interior struggles.”
– from Life of Mrs. Eliza A. Seton by Charles Ignatius White, p. 169

– Even in the midst of the most painful experiences of my life, knowing you love me and are within me, Lord, gives me the greatest consolation and sense of peace.

“We are living at a time when one must not incur useless expense. Public distress surrounds us on all sides. It is feared that it may overtake us; and, even should we be spared, compassion should urge us to do all we can for those who suffer.” (CCD 4:280)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Today’s atmosphere of tremendous change and tight budgeting demands a great deal of creativity to maintain our work for the poor and suffering. Gift me, Lord, with the creativity I need to continue that work in spite of the obstacles I face.

“The good God will not fail to supply your need since it concerns His service, and He will do it in one way or another.” (CCD 6:557)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Dear Lord, you are so generous with your gifts and never fail to meet the needs of those who call on you. I praise and bless you for this.

“Teach poor girls as much as you possibly can, and remember that the most necessary thing of all is whatever concerns the knowledge of God and his love.” (SW 618)
– St. Louise de Marillac

– Imparting knowledge to children can be very challenging. Lord, let me also experience the joy of seeing them grow in grace and love for you.

…”we must give them a life worthy of the name.” (CCD XIIIb:159, or X:379)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– The poor need so much more than food and clothing. Dignity and self esteem are much harder to nurture but are nonetheless essential in breaking the circle of poverty. Today, Lord, I will make use of the opportunities of relieving whatever forms of poverty I may encounter.

“We should not indeed be doing enough for God and our neighbor if we supplied the sick merely with nourishment and medicine, and if we did not assist them with the spiritual services we owe them.” (CCD IX:50)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– Lord, let me find ways to provide for the spiritual needs of the poor I serve or at least to support those who can directly supply them.

“It is not the most learned who bear the most fruit, but those who are replenished with the most grace from God. Now who receives more grace than those who are united to his goodness as you are doing, bearing lovingly the duty which he has entrusted to you?” (CCD 7:534-535)
– St. Vincent de Paul

– O God, when I am tempted to envy those who are more gifted than I am, help me to remember that your grace is sufficient for me and doesn’t depend upon human abilities.