LAZY END OF SUMMER - SUMMER OBSERVATIONS

When I run into Vincentians who are new to being Spiritual Advisors, I am often asked, "Where do I get the reflection materials for our conference meetings?" There are online prepared reflections, but we need to always try to provide what is needed right now by the conference or council.

Gospel readings offer opportunities for reflection and discussion at our meetings and the ones we have enjoyed during July are what I consider some of the best. All that is needed is a brief snippet to promote excellent discourse among fellow Vincentians. For example:

July 7 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Home Visiting

The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. He said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few… Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this house!'"

• Isn't that what we do as Vincentians? We go into homes where, quite often, Jesus hasn't been present and we bring his love as we try to feed, clothe and provide. We prepare the way for Jesus to come into those homes. Are we doing a good job? How could we do better?
• Could we try using 'Peace to you and your home' as a greeting when we visit?

July 14 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Charity and Social Justice

The Good Samaritan. Blessed Frederic said, "Charity is the Samaritan who pours oil on the wounds of the traveler who has been attacked. It is Justice's role to prevent the attacks.”

• Is charity without justice really showing love?
• Where am I, where are we, in Social Justice?

July 21 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time - We are so busy!

Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me with all the work by myself? Tell her to help me."

• Do I sometimes resent being a 'Martha', someone who does most of the work? What does Jesus' response say to me?

July 27 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Money, money, money

Jesus' words: "Ask and it will be given you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."
From Blessed Frederic: "I am now convinced that when one does a deed of charity one need not worry about where the money will come from; it will come.

• How much do I (do we) trust God to provide for our material needs?
• Does my conference tend to hold on to money, just in case, or do we freely share?

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If I didn't speak with you at the AGA in Windsor this June, perhaps we will meet in Brantford for the ONRC Fall meeting on September 20/21. Hope to see you there!
Denise