AIIeIuia, Alleluia
by Mike Syslo
Every Sunday, when we go to Mass, there is a short segment of the Mass just before the Gospel when the congregation says or sings the "Alleluia" verse. If it is spoken rather than sung, it is often said very monotone. If it is sung, this version ranges from a very joy filled tune to a funeral dirge. The word "alleluia" is derived from the Hebrew expression meaning "praise Yaweh." Understanding the meaning of the word should automatically indicate that this should be said or sung with exuberance, with vitality. Put the words "praise God" into the funeral dirge and realize how terrible this sounds.
This happens because we reduce the word to just a series of sounds rather than a word that has meaning. It is as if we were saying or singing "fa-la-la-Ia-la." We owe more to our Lord than just repeating a series of sounds when we come to worship Him. Reducing things to its lowest form is a human rationalization mechanism that allows us to do what we want and not worry about what should be.
This can happen in the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The purpose of our Society, which has been expounded from our very founders to our current leadership, is threefold: spiritual growth, fellowship and service. One part of the three is not more important than any other. For Vincentians, there must be a blend of the three. If we try to reduce our purpose to just one, then we lessen the true value of our ministry. Vincent de Paul spoke on a similar issue when he addressed the Vincentian Priestsabout their dual purpose: "A confrere then, who is interested in serving in only one of these works, is a mediocre missionary. Each of us is sent to carry on and bring to fulfillment our dual purpose." I am sure that Vincent would address us in a similar fashion today. We are called to carry on and bring to fulfillment our threefold purpose.
Going through a process of formation is essential to all Vincentians. We must feel loved before we can love. We must understand this ministry before we can pass it on to others. Vincent also spoke on the issue of formation. His statement appears below. I have taken the liberty to change a couple of words (those in italics) to develop the concept that Vincent would speak to us in a similar way.
"I praise God for the number of new members He is sending you. You will always have plentyof them if you take the trouble to form them in the true spirit of their state. . . It is not enoughto teach them how to fill the food box or how to complete the paperwork. What is important isto form them in solid piety and devotion. To do that, Monsieur, we must be first filled withthe above, for it would be almost useless to instruct them on these things without giving example. We must be full reservoirs in order to be able to let our water spill out without becomingempty. We must possess the spirit with which we want them to be animated, for no one cangive what he does not have. So let us ask this earnestly of our Lord and give ourselves to Himto study how to conform our leadership and actions to His … On the contrary, if we tried toact as masters of those under our care, or if we neglected or dis-edified them, this would be agreat hindrance to accomplishing any good … We must be firm but not rough in our guidance and avoid an insipid kind of meekness, which is ineffective … They should be trained forthe ministry … so they may carry on this work. They should be trained to undertake the ministry of the shepherd, that they may know how to represent Christ to all people - Christ,'who did not come to have service done to Him, but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for the lives of many,' and that they may win over many people by becoming the servantsof all.”
On-going formation is the key to developing ourselves and those we welcome into the Society.
The next time you go to Mass, listen closely to the "Alleluia." Listen to how it is spoken orsung. Is it done with vitality? Then let this be a reminder to you each time you hear it. Is our ministry in the Society a reflection of the "alleluia?" Is our ministry one of vitality, of exuberance, or is it a funeral dirge? Are we growing in ministry or are we simply delivering groceries?