McKenna

“Something More” (Exodus 3:1-15)

by Tom McKenna, CM | March 23, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments

Through the ages, the episode of Moses and the burning bush has figured into the religious experience of many.

Storing Up (Luke 6:42-45)

by Tom McKenna, CM | March 9, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 3 Comments

In a Lukan parable, Jesus uses the image of “storing,” accumulating and building up a certain quality inside one’s heart.

Moving Ahead (Jeremiah 1:17-19)

by Tom McKenna, CM | February 23, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment

“Call,” a notion that figures prominently in the Scriptures, God summoning people to change direction. Heading nowhere in particular, someone senses an inner prod to take some new course.

One More (Luke 5:1-11)

by Tom McKenna, CM | February 9, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 4 Comments

I can imagine Peter’s consternation when Jesus challenges him to head out one more time. Likely shaking his head, Peter nonetheless gives his “ok, one more!”

Acceptance — And Ingenuity (Luke 16:1-13)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 21, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

Scripture Scholars tell us that the meaning behind the word “parable” is curve, as in throwing a curve.

Prioritizing (Lk 14: 25-9)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 7, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

There are hardly any words in all the gospels more blunt than the stark ones Jesus proclaims in Luke’s 14th chapter.

Widening The Gate (Luke 13:22-30)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Aug 24, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

One of Jesus’ more intriguing images is that of the gate, the entranceway into his Father’s Kingdom. Entrance depends in large part on the practical steps we take to build the kind of unity, accord and cooperation that reflects his Father’s world.

Believing Love (Rom. 5:5)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Aug 14, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

It’s a challenge to absorb this truth that God’s love penetrates to the tip of our hearts and minds.

Comforting Arms (Isaiah 66:13)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 31, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Comfort is high among the promises of Jesus’ Kingdom – the Reign of God bringing protection, welcoming, a soothing of painful wounds, a safe harbor.

Stretching the Jar (2 Cor 4:7)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 17, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

The jar made of the stuff of this earth symbolizes the nitty gritty processes of everyday life — the how of getting things done, the down and dirty steps needed to distribute the treasure.

Eucharistic Attitudes (Lk 9:11-17)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 3, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

As we gather around the table of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday to celebrate the giving of his Body and Blood for us, we would do well to reflect on what it is we’re sharing in.

The Trinity, Up Close and Personal (Romans 5:5)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jun 19, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Central to the Creed is belief in the Trinity, the conviction of a three-ness in the one Godhead, the Divine as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Achievement to Implementation

by Tom McKenna, CM | Apr 24, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Certain stories might well be styled “echoing” because they reverberate with the inner story a person tells about herself.

Solidarity

by Tom McKenna, CM | Apr 10, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

A saving solidarity: when someone is suffering, not only sympathizing but carrying them through…doing something to lift the burden.

The Inner Compass

by Tom McKenna, CM | Mar 27, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

All of us possess something like this, a hidden spot where we can feel the deep push and pull of God’s Spirit. We might even call it that inner compass.