Jesus did not establish the church as an institution with a slick “Public Relations” plan. His followers were attracted by his message. They became a movement that developed into the early church.
Can you explain how?
Mindwalk: Latest posts and thoughts...
Street-level Encounters – a Parable
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, explore with me a street-level parable about the latest buzzword in many religious circles – “encounter.”
Have Catholics Seen Such Polarization Before?
There is so much polarization in our world today. And it is not just political.
Polarization is on full display at all levels of the Church today… hierarchy, clergy, laity, vowed religious.
Is this the first time in history that the Church has been so divided?
Cert…
When Did Christians Become Soldiers?
For three centuries early Christians could not conceive of themselves as soldiers. What happened?
Yes! I Actually Attended a Session of Vatican II
Freshly ordained in May, 1965, I was privileged to attend one of the final sessions of the Second Vatican Council. In this Mindwalk I share my journey into the church of Vatican II and Pope Francis.
How Have You Changed?
The question “How have you changed” is more complicated than you might realize!
Before you answer, listen to this story.
Praying the Our Father With New Ears
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.
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”?
Do These Images Speak To Polarization Today?
Two images, in particular, remind me of the limitations of what I see.
They are helping me be more humble when I think of my conversations with those who do not view things the way I do.
As certain as I am of what I believe in, what I see is not the whole story.
Have You Read the Declaration of Independence Recently?
I try to read the declaration of independence each year. This year I got distracted by the thought of Jesus’ “declaration of DE-pendence”
Is July 4 a dangerous memory?
Americans see Independence Day as one of the three significant holidays of the summer.
Are you aware of the biblical roots of our declaration of independence?
Is Exodus a dangerous memory?
Lessons From Those Flying Geese
Just about everyone in North America has seen flying geese in their trademark v-formation. On the ground we have found them messy and dangerous.
Yet fighter pilots ave leaned from them!
Is there anything we can learn about about church community today?