We are faced with a choice – once again unleashing Hiroshima or rejoicing and living in God’s kingdom. Which will I commit myself to?
Year: 2022
A Blessed Who Wore Blue Jeans and Nike?
What is the name of the new Blessed who wore blue Jeans and Nike? He is the first millennial to be named “Blessed “. He is presented as a role model for youth, a “saint of the ordinary,” and a possible patron saint for IT workers.
A Science Fiction Parable – Future, Past, and Present
Using a science fiction parable, this Vincentian Mindwalk explores the vastness of God’s creation to gain perspective on our future, past and present.
If These Moccasins Could Speak!
Pope Francis uses the image of moccasins to describe his 5,000-mile pilgrimage, not of conquest but of contrition. In this Vincentian Mindwalk, Francis’s own words speak directly without media filters.
Challenges of “Walking the Talk”
We all face challenges of walking the talk.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I look at some current events through the lens of “walking the talk”. These events have special significance for those who walk in the footsteps of St. Vincent, bringing “good news” to those on the margins of society.
Corinth – Is the Past Prologue?
Is the past prologue?
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I explore whether and how the church in Corinth 2000 years ago images the church of today… and tomorrow.
Distraction… or Insight?
How did a distraction in church turn into an insight?
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I explore a Eucharistic interpretation of an ancient Indian greeting. “The divine in me bows to/greets the divine in you.”
Shocking Statements!!!
The OUR Father is not just a memorized formula or ritual title. Believing… and living accordingly… these words are truly a radical challenge for each and every one of us. We gloss over the implications of “OUR” We unconsciously think of “MY” father.
Do You Have Memories of Your Grandparents?
Pope Francis speaks from his heart when he speaks of his grandparents. I was not surprised when he declared a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
We celebrate it each year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents July 26.
Are Catholic Families Mirrors of God’s Love?
This Vincentian Mindwalk started out as a virtual journey to Rome for the 10th World Meeting of Families.
To my surprise, it developed into a reflection on what the church can learn from “happy marriages.”
Episcopal Message Resurfaces (Part 2)
The Catholic community is in a position to respond to violence and The increasing threat of violence in our society with new commitment and creativity. More of the same is not sufficient. Business as usual is not enough.
Prophetic Episcopal Message Washes Up On Beach (1)
As if discovering a bottle with a message, I found a truly prophetic document published by the U.S. Catholic Bishops more than a quarter-century ago.
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I invite you to make your own judgment about how prophetic it was … and still should be.
New Wineskins Today
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I share thoughts about the wineskins or frameworks of our thinking about God.
Independence Day – A Dangerous Memory?
This Vincentian Mindwalk reflects on the “dangerous memory “ of the Exodus and Independence Day in our past, present, and future.
Unfinished Work of the Prolife Movement
Unfinished Work of the Prolife Movement – Only when we show through our actions the goods of unconditional love and radical hospitality at the core of the culture of life movement will we change hearts and minds.
Dressing an Old Story in Today’s Clothes
A good story reflects some reality even if it is told in different clothes. The story of today’s polarization over abortion echoes a story told around 500 years before Christ. It is the story of group of blind persons arguing about their experience … and certitudes about what they each touch.
Sundays with Luke – Stories Within a Bigger Story
Over the next 20 Sundays Luke tells us stories from along the road to Jerusalem through Galilee. But this is no sightseeing journey. Luke wanted to show how all followers of Christ were invited…and challenged by Jesus.
Listening to Sounds in the ER
An unplanned visit the Emergency Room of our local hospital helped me realize the difference between hearing and listening. This led me to experience the visit in ways beyond the focus on myself.
Who Are the Wise People In Your Life?
Too often, we cannot see the forest for the trees. Our wisdom figures help us to step back and see where individual pieces of the picture puzzle fit. The wise person helps us see what is not always evident.
Don’t You Understand?
Sometimes I have said “Don’t you understand”? Something was so obvious to me!
Other times, with perhaps deeper frustration, I have felt, “You don’t understand (me).
When I thought about it, I realized… “It’s complicated!”
There are many ways and levels of understanding.
How My Father taught me about “Our Father”
A seminarian taught me not everyone is blessed with a father like mine! Without a direct word, my father taught me so much about Our Father. DId anyone help you recognize God as a loving parent?
“Caller Unknown”… the Body of Christ
“Caller unknown” often leads to the marketer’s purgatory of Voice Mail , or even to the marketer’s hell of the Spam Folder. Do we really listen to the calls of the poor… or put their cries in voicemail?
Learning To See As God Sees
Reading Pope Francis’ reflections, I was able to shift my focus and see more clearly what each of these seven gifts of the Spirit look like. I found much food for thought and personal prayer.
Re-evaluating Childhood Beliefs
A great theologian started me thinking. He wondered whether if the word Trinity was missing from the vocabulary of everyday Christians would any notice. Just think of the last time you prayed to the Trinity. I have had to re-evaluate my thoughts about the mystery we call the Trinity.
A Master Class – The Gift of Jesus’ Spirit
I thought I knew its meaning… until I “binged” on a master class on the Our Father given by Pope Francis.
In 16 five minute or so master classes I saw it as if for the first time.
This year I have had a similar experience when Pope Francis shared his insights into Pentecost and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Let Me See Again!
“Let Me See Again!” I never saw any connection between the life-changing experience of a blind beggar being given his sight and the Pentecost gift of Jesus’ spirit under the appearances of tongues of fire.
Now I cant “unsee” it.
Wildfires – Transforming Physical and Personal Landscapes
Wildfires are clear and present dangers!This Vincentian Mindwalk explores a vastly more powerful and long-lasting wildfire, one that has lasted over 2000 years and transformed over two billion lives today.
Memorial Day After Mass Shootings
My fear this Memorial Day is that once again nobody we do anything about mass shootings. Perhaps I look in the look in the mirror and ask what I can do.
Stop – Look – Listen… Rules For Our Roads
STOP – LOOK – LISTEN! As I celebrate 57 years of priesthood, I think about how many roads I have crossed, am crossing, and still have to cross. In this Vincentian Mindwalk review my life using the metaphor of the “rules of the road”.
Are You Looking Up… or Around You?
A late 19th-century artist, James Tissot, graphically posed a question for us today. In his depiction of the Ascension, he asks, “Why do you stand looking up into heaven? (Act 1:11) Instead of looking up to the heavens, should we be looking for Jesus’ footprints around us?
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!
I have never thought about the people that were named in the Gospels. I would agree that they may be…
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!