In his Gospel, Luke shifts the early Christian emphasis away from the expectation of an imminent second coming to the day-to-day concerns of the Christian community in their world.
Mindwalk: Latest posts and thoughts…
St. Vincent Modeled Openness to New Ways
Centuries ago, a Japanese poet, Basho, wrote “I do not wish to imitate what the great ones of the past did. I would rather seek what they sought.” The insight fits Vincent, and the early Daughters of Charity, in so many ways. It also challenges us today to be as open as they were.
Where Was Your Thanksgiving?
There is just so much to do before, during, and after the annual celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. Can we remember to thank God for loving us into being and continuing to love us always?
A Vincentian a Century Ahead of His Time
“Pray, Pay and Obey” was once a pithy aphorism that succinctly captured the Catholic view in the pre-Vatican II church! – Thomas Augustine Judge, CM was raised in that culture. Yet after twenty years a priest he went so far as to say “this is the layman’s hour”. What a radical thought 1919!
Should We Imitate a Servant King?
People should experience in us the loving presence of a new kind of ruler – one from humble origins, who proclaimed the Reign of God, washed feet, died to manifest God’s love for us, rose from the dead and breathed his Spirit on us, so we could live his life as citizens of the Kingdom/Reign of God.
You Must Watch “The Chosen”! Really???
I admit I was turned off by the title of the review... ‘The Chosen’ is the Jesus TV show your very Catholic aunt keeps telling you to watch. And you should." Apparently, Mary Grace Mangano, the reviewer read my mind. She wrote "I could not help but think, oh, a Bible...
Millennials Have Been Described Many Ways
A millennial, learning the Acutis story recently, said “Carlos puts flesh on what a saint who plays video games and goes on the internet looks like. He challenges me to examine my conscience and say, ‘Ok, I’m called to be a saint who uses the internet too. Am I using it to make God’s love known?’”
Pope Francis – The Poor Are True Evangelizers
Sometimes we wish we were among those who walked with Jesus 2000 years ago. Pope Francis boldly says even today we walk with them.
Believers, when they want to see Jesus in person and touch him with their hands, know where to turn. The poor are a sacrament of Christ; they represent his person and point to him.”
When Your Whole World Changes
We use the word “apocalyptic” to describe life-changing events.
In biblical times it meant to reveal something new. The Book of Daniel and today’s reading from the gospel of Mark stand in that tradition.
What Do These Slogans Have in Common?
I have long been aware of how effectively Pope Francis uses stories to challenge, enlighten or motivate his listeners.
Jesus did the same in the story of the so-called Good Samaritan. He asks us to reflect on the three people who passed by the badly injured traveler.
I Flunked My Black Catholic History Test!
Ok! It wasn’t a test. It was just an article about November as Black Catholic History Month. But there was so much I did not know.
If I took a flash quiz based on the article I would have flunked. In a playful mood, I reworked it in the form of a quiz.
Learning to See What Jesus Sees?
What was Jesus Doing? What he always does. Noticing the unseen poor ordinary people.
Culture of Vocations – Mission Impossible?
A Palestinian Jew gathered 12 ordinary people and sent them out on an impossible mission. He created a culture of vocation and mission.