What it Means to See Beyond Myself and See Others

As Vincentians, we have each answered a profound call—a vocation that goes beyond mere service or charity. This calling seeks not only to grow us spiritually but to draw us closer to the Lord through our service to the poor. In serving those in need, we encounter individuals whose lives may differ greatly from our own. Yet, it is in these encounters that we experience the transformative power of God’s grace and the true essence of our mission.

Seeing Beyond Ourselves

One of the greatest challenges we face as human beings is seeing beyond our own perspectives. We naturally filter the world through the lens of our experiences, beliefs, and biases. However, as Vincentians, we are called to something greater: to leave ourselves behind and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. It is in this openness, this vulnerability, that we can truly "see" others—not just as they appear on the surface but as children of God, created in His image.

St. Vincent de Paul reminds us, “We must love our neighbor as being made in the image of God and as an object of His love.” This is no easy task. It requires us to be generous not only with our time and possessions but, most importantly, with ourselves. We must be willing to step outside our comfort zones, to break down the barriers of prejudice and judgment, and to see the face of Christ in each person we serve.

The Beauty of Difference

The people we serve often come from backgrounds that may be unfamiliar or even uncomfortable to us. Yet, it is precisely in these differences that we find the beauty of God’s creation. Blessed Frédéric Ozanam once said, “The knowledge of social well-being and reform is to be learned, not from books nor from the public platform, but in climbing the stairs to the poor man's garret, sitting by his bedside, feeling the same cold that pierces him, sharing the secret of his lonely heart and troubled mind.”

Diversity enriches our work. It teaches us to listen, to learn, and to grow in ways we could never achieve on our own. When we embrace the differences of those we encounter, we deepen our understanding of God’s infinite creativity and His boundless love for humanity.

Building Inclusive Communities

As Vincentians, our mission is not just about meeting material needs. It is about fostering a sense of belonging and creating communities where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. St. Vincent de Paul reminds us, “Charity is certainly greater than any rule. Moreover, all rules must lead to charity.” In this spirit, we strive to build communities that welcome all—regardless of their background, faith, or circumstances.

The work of inclusion is the work of love. It requires us to listen to voices that have been silenced, to make room for those who have been pushed aside, and to create spaces where every person feels they belong. Blessed Rosalie Rendu wisely noted, “Be kind and love, for love alone can give you the key to all hearts.” It is through this kind of radical hospitality that we build the Kingdom of God on earth.

Facing Our Biases: The Challenge to Change

The negative reactions to diversity and inclusion often arise from deeply ingrained biases and misunderstandings. These biases can lead to harmful stereotypes and cultural insensitivities, as we’ve seen in various instances throughout history. One example close to my heart is the issue in Springfield, Ohio, concerning Haitian immigrants. Sometimes, we are unaware of the power of our words and how damaging they can be when accusing people of engaging in culturally insensitive or unfounded practices, such as the rumor of eating pets (cats and dogs). While such claims are not based on widespread reality, they reflect the dangerous assumptions that arise when we fail to understand and respect other cultures.

As Vincentians, we are called to challenge these biases within ourselves and in our communities. This requires more than passive acceptance—it calls us to engage actively in acts of kindness, respect, and understanding. By fostering empathy, we can break down the barriers that divide us and build bridges of deeper connection across cultural divides.

We must rise above these biases, seeking the truth with humility and approaching all cultures with respect and sensitivity. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, we begin to see others as they truly are—human beings deserving of dignity, love, and respect, regardless of their cultural background. In doing so, we can "See the Face of Christ and Be the Face of Christ" to every person we encounter, untainted by judgment or unfounded accusations.

Allowing the Holy Spirit to Work Through Us

Our mission as Vincentians is not something we can accomplish by our own strength. It is only through the grace of God that we are able to see others as they truly are, and to serve them with the love and dignity they deserve. The Holy Spirit works through us when we surrender our own agendas and allow God’s love to shine through our actions. St. Vincent de Paul encourages us, “Extend mercy towards others, so that there can be no one in need whom you meet without helping.”

This surrender allows us to "See the Face of Christ and Be the Face of Christ" to those we serve. We become instruments of God’s mercy and love, bringing His presence to those who need it most.

Seeing with Compassion

Compassion is at the heart of our Vincentian mission. We are not called to simply provide material aid but to see and respond to the deeper needs of those we encounter. Louise de Marillac captured this sentiment beautifully when she said, “The poor have much to teach you. You have much to learn from them.”

When we approach others with compassion, we recognize their humanity, their struggles, and their inherent dignity. It is in these moments that we encounter Christ Himself, and it is in these moments that we are called to be His hands and feet in the world.

Conclusion: A Commitment to See and Serve Others

In the end, our mission as Vincentians is about much more than meeting immediate needs. It is about seeing beyond ourselves—beyond our biases, beyond our comfort zones, beyond our assumptions—and truly seeing others as God sees them. Blessed Frédéric Ozanam reminds us, “Let us do without hesitation whatever good lies at our hands.”

As we continue this journey of service, let us commit to seeing the face of Christ in every person we encounter. Let us open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through us, so that we may become instruments of God’s love in the world. And in doing so, may we not only see the face of Christ but also reflect His love and mercy to all those we serve.

Pam Matambanadzo
International Vice President – America 1
Society of St Vincent de Paul (SSVP)