VinFormation » Who is My Neighbor?

Going With God’s Flow

mwatson — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:56:05 +0000

Meditation on Being a Neighbor to Others

mwatson — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:20:15 +0000

Not unlike the priest or the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan who did not want to risk violating ritual purity laws and being prevented thereby from performing their ministry, I sometimes avoid and ignore others because I consider them as mere objects that get in the way of my realizing, say, a pet project or attaining a particular goal. I fail to be a neighbor to others because I refuse to get near and recognize that they, like me, are persons too. I often forget that my indifference to any person anywhere is really indifference to every person, including myself, everywhere. If, however, I get close enough to those I tend to shy away from when I see them in the street, I may just discover, as St. Vincent de Paul did after he stopped running away, that they especially bear the likeness of Christ Jesus, himself the image of the invisible God and the first born of all creation, that these poor are my lords and masters, that in serving them I serve Jesus Christ, that to leave prayer to attend to them is really to leave God for God (cf. Ps. 31:11-12; P. Coste: IX, 246, 319; X, 332, 680; XI, 393)

Charity to One’s Neighbor, Historical Perspective

mwatson — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:10:52 +0000

The Church in France at the Time of the Birth of Vincent de Paul

…those living in the cities had the advantage of preaching given in the parishes and other churches. Assuredly there was greater knowledge and light there, but unfortunately the knowledge remained sterile and the light was often without warmth. Charity, which is known by its works, was practically unheard of. The spiritual works of mercy in favor of one’s neighbor were little known among the laity. Alms were usually but a pittance. Even wealthy people believed they did enough in giving a small coin to a beggar. On some special occasion they considered a larger alms a major act of charity.

Such was the state of the Church in France when God, rich in mercy and mindful of the great needs of the Church in one of the main regions of the world, raised up his faithful servant Vincent de Paul, among several other great and saintly persons. Filled with his Spirit and strengthened by his grace, he began with untiring zeal to repair the damages and apply the proper remedies.

from Abelly, Book One, Chapter One

To Inflame the Heart of My Neighbor

mwatson — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:59:34 +0000

Our founder’s wish, expressed in one of his last conferences to his missionaries:

“Our vocation is to go not into one parish, nor into only one diocese, but throughout the earth. And to do what? To inflame the hearts of men. It is not enough for me to love God if my neighbor does not love him as well. (May 30, 1659 – SV 12: 262)

Who is My Neighbor?

mwatson — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:37:21 +0000

What are some scripture passages that come to mind as you spend time with this image?

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Luke 19:1-10.

“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-7 Parable of the Lost Sheep.

“Recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.” Luke 24:13-35 Emmaus Account.

Account of the Multiplication of the Loaves. John 6:1-15.

“Let the little children come to me.” Matthew 19:14

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-30

What does this image say to you about the primary purposes of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul? Namely, to grow in holiness, to serve the poor, and to build friendships.