I got hooked by Pope Francis Wednesday reflections on the Our Father. I am into my ninth decade of praying it. I have read many thoughtful commentaries. Yet the Holy Father is helping me pray the Our Father anew.
Mindwalk: Latest posts and thoughts…
Are We a “Listening” Community?
Hearing is the simple physiological act of hearing sounds. Listening means paying attention to sound, hearing something with thoughtful attention, and giving consideration.
Be Honest! Do We Prefer To Serve the “Good Poor”
Who do I prefer? When
I am honest with myself, I realize I prefer to serve. those whose poverty I understand.
Are there conditions on who we serve? – Do we feel good serving the “good: the “good poor”?
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?