“Some persons look and never see; others see and never look.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, is it possible to have sight and yet be blind? Never let me be so preoccupied with my own temporal concerns that I blot out the needs of my poor brothers and sisters who have so little, while I have so much.

“We cannot have peace with God, with our neighbor and with ourselves, unless Jesus Christ grants it to us.”
– St. Louise de Marillac

Teach me how to pray, Lord, remembering that you are always willing to provide me with what I need if I but ask.

“We should consider that day happy in which we have either prevented any evil or done any good.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, empower me to be your instrument of peace today, realizing that even one person can make a difference.

“What can shut us out from the love of Him who will ever dwell within us through love?”
– St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Divine Lord; let nothing ever separate me from your love, on which I greatly depend.

“Have the courage to own up to one’s omissions and blunders.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

To admit to my failures takes a lot of humility and courage. Rather than yielding to despondency, let me see these occasions as times of growth, painful as they may be.

“Charity opens the heart and triggers dialogue so much desired by the Church. It unveils to the poor man, the true image of God.”
– Rev. Joseph Jamet, C.M.

Lord, keep me mindful that few problems will not respond to dialogue undertaken with good will and respect.

“Always, the hand of God is outstretched for those who wish to clasp it.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, what would I ever do without your support? Take my hand and lead me because so often I don’t know where to go or what to do.

“It is an obligation for us to inconvenience ourselves for the service of the poor.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

Lord, teach me patience in the face of obstacles I sometimes meet as I perform my daily work. Help me to do this work even when it is unappealing. With you all things are possible!

“Overcome your timidity and go out boldly into the slums and visit those unknown to you who have never come near your parish church.”
– Bl. Frederic Ozanam

What is my attitude toward the homeless, the derelict, the abused or the AIDS sufferer? Lord, give me the courage and compassion to seek out the poor more directly.

“God wishes you to attend to your patients’ spiritual necessities as well as their physical needs.”
– St. Vincent de Paul

Sickness is a very vulnerable time in anyone’s life. Heavenly Father, keep me aware that you are at work in those who are suffering and how necessary it is to support the spiritual healing that may be taking place.