Most of us are trying hard to not only reach out to the poor in ever new and imaginative ways; but, at the same time, growing in our own personal holiness. Every time I am with members of the society it is very obvious: not just at meetings, but at the golf dinner last month, the annual “Top Hat Award” dinner and board meetings at the office downtown. Whenever we get together there is something more there.
That is amazing in our noisy, busy World!
Fr. Bob Maloney who was the 23rd Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentians, wrote some beautiful and prayerful reflections while serving the confreres so well. A delightful book he penned was “Turn Everything to Love,” subtitled “A Rule of Life for Lay Members of the Vincentian Family.” Not long ago I got a copy and it has the size and weight and strength to both fit and oblige me to carry around in my pocket.
Like most of the “rules” written as guides to many communities the aim is try to get everyone more or less on the same page. Whether St. Francis, St. Ignatius, St. Benedict or even more recent rules like the “Rule of Taizé” from the Ecumenical Monastic Community in Burgundy, France, they all have a timelessness. Their observances add to the beauty of creation and the glory of God and Church.
They also make every effort to be practical!
St. Vincent, Fr. Maloney notes, often prayed his followers have “the spirit of Our Lord, who was equally gentle and firm.” He continues to encourage us to embrace such “paradoxical qualities:” creativity and humility, listening and advising, flexibility and stability, animating and directing, serving and governing, trusting and planning, etc. To take time and sit prayerfully understanding our own personal paradoxical qualities would help us center on the unique way God works through our Vincentian hearts.
Noticeable too in St. Vincent’s life and in “The Rule” is the call I also see everywhere among our Vincentians: simplicity. (Take time yourselves to appreciate that at your next meeting and then enjoy it. Amazing in our World!)
He then encourages us concretely: Work hard as servants do. Be faithful to your state in life. Use time well. Be disciplined in eating and drinking, the key is moderation. Curb the desire to always have more. Be modest regarding material possessions. Praise God faithful in the morning and in the evening. Develop a balanced life style.
He goes on advising the practical strategy for us all.
Enjoy all you’re doing! We could change the World