Gospel: (John 14:23-29)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him…I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

Reflection:

The only way God dwells among us is to let go of ourselves and hand ourselves over to Jesus. On our own we would not be able to succeed; the good news is that we are not alone but God dwells within us and gives us all we need to be faithful. These Sundays before Pentecost remind us that as disciples we never have to feel like the whole task of living the gospel falls on our shoulders alone. God is always present, dwelling within us, to give us the strength we need to be faithful to Jesus’ commands. Only in this way can our everyday lives be fruitful. (Living Liturgy, p.128)

Vincentian Meditation:

St. Vincent was interested in feeding the hungry, visiting the prisoners, caring for the sick, educating the poor. But he was also intensely interested in helping people, particularly the poor, to be reconciled with God, to cherish their faith, and to be loyal to the Church.  In one word, St. Vincent was interested not only in the bodies of the poor, but in their souls also.  There are some people who are only interested in improving the material conditions of the poor. That is important, certainly, but that is only half the work. Every poor person has a soul. Every poor person has a responsibility to save his soul. Every poor person has need of help in that task. It was St. Vincent’s great achievement that he worked to save both the bodies and souls of the poor. He worked to save the whole person. (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p. 255)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How can we better serve the “body and the soul” of those who are poor?

Closing Prayer:                                                                                                        

That we may always be your faithful disciples,

– Lord, send us your Spirit.

That we may serve the whole person of the poor,

– Lord, send us your Spirit.

That we may be open to receive your Advocate,

– Lord, send us your Spirit.

That we may know that God is always present, dwelling within us,

– Lord, send us your Spirit. Amen.