Living in order to serve

[This presentation was given during the First International Gathering of the Advisors for the Vincentian Marian Youth Association (Paris, July 15-20, 2014)]

General Objective: To offer the advisors and those accompanying the members of the VMY elements for reflection, and analysis, a space to share their experiences and an opportunity to pray with regard to their ministry. It is hoped that at the end of this gathering the participants will be renewed in their enthusiasm to share their lives with the young men and women of our Association.

In order to understanding the “being” of our gathering together here and in order to respond to the call that we have received from the Lord, we ought to understand, first:

[1] How did this all begin?

(a) “THE EXPERINECE BEGAN IN GALILEE … with Jesus of Nazareth … who called the disciples from the midst of their reality as sinners.

(b) In 1830, through Mary, we received a call to strengthen the journey that we had begun, that is, we were invited to renew our Baptismal commitment. How is it that we, as sinners, have the OPPORTUNITY to accompany and to respond to this call of the Mother of Jesus and our Mother?

(c) In the midst of our reality Jesus once again provides us with an opportunity to respond and does so in light of the express call of his Mother, our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

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(i) Why have we been chosen? Because of our merits and/or abilities? Because Mary has fixed her gaze upon our life and has called us by name to journey as members of this Association which finds its origin in the express will of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal?

[2] Consequences and significance of all of this

(a) Work? Privilege? GIFT?

(b) THE PARABLE OF THE SALT DOLL: Once upon a time, after a long journey over mountain and valley, a Salt Doll reached the sea-shore. She was struck at that vast expanse of water. She had never seen the sea before. It was so large, so charming! She felt irresistibly attracted towards it. She stood on the shore, so firm and assured. The sea in front of her looked so vast, so immense, so inviting, so peaceful! She wanted by all means to know what the sea was. Timidly, the Doll came closer to the sea and with a touch of curiosity asked the sea: Who are you?" And the sea replied: "I am the sea." The Doll remarked: "Well, you only told me your name. I want to know more about you. I want and long to experience who you are! Show me more about yourself'." The sea, mysteriously, answered: "I am just what I am. I am the sea." In perplexity, the Doll inquired: "I cannot figure out what you say you are. Yet, I want to know more about you. Shall I be ever to understand who you are? The sea replied: You will never come to know who I am, unless you come closer to me, unless you touch me. … "If you really long to know who I am, please, come forward and allow me touch you!" The Doll came forward and fearfully touched the sea with one of her feet. Immediately, she experienced a very strange, but beautiful a feeling…. Something glorious she could not understand! Then, she tried to move her foot away from the water, but her foot wasn't there anymore! It had dissolved in the sea. In fright and disbelief, the Doll cried out: “What have you done to my foot? Yes, your foot is gone….You have given me permission to touch and experience who I am! If you wish to know more of me, and how wonderful is to abide in me, come closer now! Be ready to lose yourself in me. Then, the Doll gradually, stepped deeper and deeper into the sea. The deeper she went into the water that strange but wonderful feeling of joy grew stronger and stronger, she kept experiencing more and more of the sea. When finally the Doll was about to be completely possessed by the sea, she exclaimed: "Now, I know what the sea is and what I am. We are one!

(c) Some passages to share:

• The kingdom of God is among you…
• Put out into the deep … do not be afraid…
• If you want to follow me … deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.
• There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
• Master, where do you live? Come and you will see. The foxes have dens and the birds have nests but the Son of Man has no place to rest his head.

[3] Basic attitudes to be mindful of:

• We are not the owners or the proprietors of anything;
• We have been entrusted with a great task;
• Jesus steers the boat;
• No one can give what he/she has not received
• The last word: Divine Providence … let us allow ourselves to be led!
• GO … WITHOUT FEAR … TO SERVE (Homily of Pope Francis [2013] at the time of World Youth Day)

[4] TO BE IN JESUS … AND EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BE PROVIDED

Unworthy as we are, God calls us because God loves us and believes that with his grace we can respond. As advisors we ought to accept this call:

To Be/Ability- To Serve/Opportunity

• Humility - Transforming power (Magnificat)
• Gratitude - Availability
• Prayer/Openness - Commitment/Process
• Listen - Word
• People of God (Family/Community) - The Reign of God
• Formation - Historical Occurrence
• Risk-taking - Providential love

Translated: Charles T. Plock, CM