What does it mean that Mary is the Queen of Creation?
If These Moccasins Could Speak!
Have you ever walked a mile in another’s moccasins? … in the moccasins of their sufferings?
Challenges of “Walking the Talk”
There are times when I have thought of another “Yeah, talk is cheap”! Other times I have stood on the sidelines in awe, watching how well another ”walks the talk.”
Corinth – Is the Past Prologue?
In “The Tempest,” Shakespeare wrote, “What’s past is prologue!” Antonio is rationalizing the past as setting the stage for their next act, as a prologue does in a play.
Distraction… or Insight?
After communion, I admit to being distracted by watching the line of people coming up to receive the Body of Christ.
Shocking Statements!!!
The front pages of tabloid newspapers scream shocking statements. News pundits and internet “influencers” specialize in shocking “clickbait headlines.”
Do You Have Memories of Your Grandparents?
My personal relationship with my grandparents is complicated. I never knew either my father’s or mother’s parents. Yet I know more about my great grandparents than just about anyone reading these words.
Are Catholic Families Mirrors of God’s Love?
I have had a life-long interest in the family as an image of the sacramental marriages as “Mirrors of God’s Love” or the “church in miniature.”
Episcopal Message Resurfaces (Part 2)
Highlights from Part 2 of a truly prophetic forgotten document published by the U.S. Catholic Bishops more than a quarter-century ago.
Prophetic Episcopal Message Washes Up On Beach (Part 1)
The story echos one that appeared in the Washington Post earlier this year. A message in a bottle that traveled 3,200 miles helped heal a Maryland boy’s grief I knew I had to write something about the escalating violence in our culture. Then, as if discovering a...
New Wineskins Today
This past weekend I experienced a bit of what is sometimes called an “earworm.” Some use this as shorthand for not being able to get a tune out of one’s head. In this case, it wasn’t a tune or the lyrics of a song. I kept thinking of Jesus’ image of the “new...
Sundays with Luke – Stories Within a Bigger Story
Have you ever “binged-watched” your favorite TV series? If you have, you probably saw important themes you missed when you watched isolated episodes.
Dressing an Old Story in Today’s Clothes
A good story reflects some reality even if it is told in different clothes.
Listening to Sounds in the ER
I write this Vincentian Mindwalk fresh from an unplanned 24 hours in our local hospital.
Who Are the Wise People In Your Life?
Hopefully, you are blessed to have some wise people in your life!
Don’t You Understand?
I never gave much thought to what is involved when I hear or ask the question, “Don’t you understand?”
How My Father taught me about “Our Father”
A seminarian opened my eyes! Some 50+ years ago, I was his supervisor in what was then called a field education program. He was sharing something that dawned on him after visiting a local prison.
“Caller Unknown”… the Body of Christ
If you own a mobile phone, it is safe to say you have gotten your share of “unknown caller” notifications.
Re-evaluating Childhood Beliefs
I would be surprised if you haven’t re-evaluated some of your childhood beliefs.
A Master Class – The Gift of Jesus’ Spirit
Some time ago I wrote of my experience with a master teacher. The subject was something I thought I knew. In fact, it was a subject I first “mastered“ when I was about 6 or 7.
Wildfires – Transforming Physical and Personal Landscapes
This Vincentian Mindwalk explores a vastly more powerful and long-lasting wildfire, that has lasted over 2000 years and transformed over two billion lives today.
Vincentian Prayer Images: “The Colors of Charity” • 1
This series is a visual memory of the art exhibition “The Colors of Charity,” which was on exhibit from 15 December 2017 to 25 February 2018 at the Collegio Alberoni of Piacenza.
Questioning God’s First Question
Do you remember God’s first question? It’s one parents often ask their children. But it is also one that has many meanings according to the context.
Memorial Day After Mass Shootings
My feelings have been all over the lot after two mass shootings. The more I learn, the more intense my feelings.
Vincentian Prayer Images: One of the Great Saints of History XXXV
One of the reasons for Saint Vincent de Paul to be considered a key figure in the history of the holiness of the Church is his style of living his vocation. Each week we will present an example.
Are Christians “Woke”… Or “Waking Up”?
Today we increasingly hear about being “woke.” In this Vincentian Mindwalk I will try to move beyond any narrow political meanings.
Politics – Did you know…?
Last week Pennsylvania held primary elections. I take voting seriously! I am also curious. So I decided to ask Google and Alexa what people have said about politics. I found myself on a website that offered a section with literally hundreds of politically-themed...
Vincentian Prayer Images: One of the Great Saints of History XXXIV
One of the reasons for Saint Vincent de Paul to be considered a key figure in the history of the holiness of the Church is his style of living his vocation. Each week we will present an example.
Mother Teresa’s “call within a call”
People, myself included, assumed that “call within a call” means a vocation within her vocation to religious life.
Do You Do the Dishes?
Calls for social change are quickly politicized …therefore quickly colored red or blue, rarely purple. I wonder how St. Vincent would be colored?