Have you ever tried to answer that question for yourself? It’s a great question that can reveal things that have been hidden in your consciousness. In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I share their experience and what they learned. I also share how it triggered a fresh appreciation of “The Word became flesh.”
Year: 2022
Forgotten Traumas of the First Christmas
Our version of celebrating Christmas often has little to do with the reality behind Christmas.These days, chaotic and commercialized, press in our consciousness. Who has time to think about the deeper dimensions of Christmas or Christ’s Mass? In this Vincentian Mindwalk let’s explore the forgotten traumas of the first Christmas.
Who is the “Keeper of Memories” in Your Family?
Almost every family has one. You know… the person who remembers the family history, the stories of Uncle… and Aunt…, the in-laws, and the outlaws. They are often the ones with boxes of family photos and letters. In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore how we are part of that tradition.
How NOT to Imitate Christ
What does it mean to “imitate Christ”?
The answer to that can range from a literal crucifixion, through legalism, to “putting on the mind of Christ.”
“I do not wish to imitate what the great ones of the past did. I would rather seek what they sought.” Basho
Did You Know That Pope Francis…
Did you know Pope Francis has Twitter accounts in nine languages and almost 53 million followers? He recently wrote,’Thank you to all who follow me on this account which was opened 10 years ago to proclaim the joy of the Gospel. Let us continue to build up this network as a free space to promote encounter and dialogue and to value what unites us.”
How Many Languages Does Mary Speak?
Each December 12 many celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I slipped into questioning mode about the many apparitions of Mary. My questions begin with how many languages does Mary speak.. and why?
How do you handle conflict? An Examination of Conscience.
A simple fact of life. We don’t always agree… especially on things that are important to us.
A painful fact of life. Disagreements and conflicts can get out of hand.
But, there is another fact of life. We can and should learn from disagreements.
How can disagreements and conflicts be a learning experience?
Tell me who your friends are…
“Tell me your friends, and I will tell you who you are.” In this Vincentian Mindwalk I offer a way of understanding Pope Francis through how and for whom he prays.
Any Difference Between St. Peter and Pope Francis?
There is deep polarization in the church today. But many do not realize the deep polarization that existed in the Church 2000 years ago. In both eras, we see the eternal struggle for balance between two necessary poles – what is of value in the past and the need to adapt to new situations. How St. Peter then and Pope Francis now try to discover the core truth in apparently conflicting positions. What can we learn from how these two shepherds faced division then and now?
Should You Rethink How You Think?
In our polarized world, everybody wants to change our way of thinking. Does God also want us to change? What change of thinking is God asking… and how would it change how we live?
Your Mission As God’s Storyteller
Pope Francis writes movingly that we are not only God’s story but that we must also be God’s storytellers… that story as lived in us and in our brothers and sisters. Vincentians accept the special vocation to tell God’s story.
It is the mission of Vincentians to focus on sharing stories of the forgotten and marginalized.
Mom, How Long Until Christmas?
As children, Christmas could not come soon enough. Now it comes and goes in a flash.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore what it meant to wait for the Messiah coming then… and now recognizing Jesus who into our lives everyday.
Where Do “Thanks” Go After Thanksgiving Day?
Each Thanksgiving a family spokesperson reminds us of additions to the family, milestones achieved, significant people no longer present. If only momentarily, people are united in giving thanks and saying Amen.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I ask what happens to all the ’Thanks” after Thanksgiving Day.
Gratitude for Blessings in Disguise?
It’s impossible on the basis of any given experience to accurately assess the true consequence to our lives.
Unless we appreciate the full context of any situation, we can’t know what the result will ultimately be.
Just think of “Good” Friday and Easter Sunday.
“Home for the Holidays”
For many of my years, “Home for the Holidays” was in the back of most people’s minds come Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I reflect on a practice that seems to be non-existent. Going to God’s House to give thanks on Thanksgiving.
RINOs, DINOs and the Duck Test
“If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.” Sometimes it is referred to as “the duck test”.Jesus had his own way of saying it. “By their fruits, you will know them”. As I was thinking about the feast of Christ the King, I wondered how the “duck test” might apply to followers of Christ the King.
The “Public Relations” Plan of the Early Church
Jesus did not found the church as an institution with a slick “Public Relations” plan. He started a movement that developed into the community we know as the early church.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore how this came to be.
I’m Glad God Didn’t Listen to Some Naysayers
Who were Jesus’ friends?
Who are our friends?
What is the difference between our friends and Jesus’ friends?
How Does House-lessness Differ From Home-lessness?
Peter Day believes we tends to address “houselessness” (physical needs), rather than homelessness (relational/spiritual/emotional needs).” I knew I needed to explore the distinction between houselessness and homelessness. Here I present these excerpts to see if they resonate with you as well.
Learning From Luke This Past Year
Luke found himself in the midst of a major culture clash. In this Vincentian Mindwalk I would like to share with you the Luke I thought I knew. The Luke I have discovered And what it has meant for me.
Who is My Neighbor the Day After Election Day?
Catholicism is the lone major religious group in America where both sides of the nation’s political divide are roughly evenly represented. Does Jesus challenge us to love even our opponents?
Changing Our Clocks, Do-overs, and Fast-forwards
Changing Clocks! It is an annual ritual in many parts of the world. What happens to those hours lost and hours gained? In this Vincentian Mindwalk I will explore this annual ritual as something of a metaphor for our lives.
What Jesus Saw In the Temple
Jesus is doing what he always does in the gospels.
What catches his eye and draws his heart are those in most need: those who need forgiveness.
Jesus sees the widow.
How Many Saints Do You Know?
You probably know more saints than you think!
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore what Pope Francis calls the holiness of the saints next door.
Driving a Car For the Last Time
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I invite you to share my surprised reaction to no longer driving a car… and what I learned from it.
Could Jesus Be In the Details?
Jesus in the details! Did you do a double take?“ Isn’t it “the devil is in the details”! In this Vincentian Mindwalk let’s explore the implications of Jesus’ attention to details.
This Train Is Bound For Glory
I lived with a Vincentian priest who was a railroad buff. I think of him today under two headings – his love of riding trains and his scrapbook of memories of his rides. I also think of Mary’s scrapbook of memories riding the glory train.
What Do 25,000 Teens Know About Jesus?
A recent Barna study of responses from nearly 25,000 teens aged 13-17 across 26 countries may shock some… And raise further questions. In this Vincentian Mindwalk I offer food for thought about possible paths forward.
Jesus and the Culture Wars of Today
Do you really think “culture wars” are new? Far from it! Jesus lived in the midst of culture wars! The Acts of the Apostles are a record of how first-century Christians coped with their own culture wars
In this Vincentian Mindwalk I invite you to look at the realities of those days. Jesus’ response should challenge us in the midst of our culture wars.
Ways of Looking at the Church – Pope Francis
How do you look at the Church today? That’s a question we must ask ourselves.
Here I present Pope Francis’ own words describing three ways of looking at the Church.
Do you look at the Church from above, around you, and as a whole?
Rom 16, 13 reads: "Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother—a mother to me also." If this…
Have a blessed Holy Week!
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Generally, I love the laconic nature of Mark's Gospel. The Passion narrative is very compelling in its starkness, with one…
Father John, Blessings to you as you step cautiously down that new path. Grace and Peace be with you!