John Freund, CM
Author
![Surprised By Vincentian Elements at the Coronation!](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/05/Coronation-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Surprised By Vincentian Elements at the Coronation!
I never expected to hear St. Vincent dePaul speaking at the coronation of King Charles III! My ears perked up at the proclamation of what many refer to as the Vincentian Gospel (Luke 4:16).
![Have a Special Place? Does It Matter?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/05/sailboat-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Have a Special Place? Does It Matter?
You know the place! A place that helps you feel a sense of comfort, identity, inspiration… whatever you need at that moment! A place where you are nourished and grow. Let’s explore why such places are important in each of our lives.
![What is the largest conversation in the world?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2020/04/councils-synod-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
What is the largest conversation in the world?
Does the Guinness Book of Records have an award for the largest and longest conversation in the world? If it did, it would probably single out Pope Francis as the most significant discussion leader ever.
![Eyes on Earth Day – Eyes Closed? Glazed? Wide-open?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2020/03/boat-sinking-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Eyes on Earth Day – Eyes Closed? Glazed? Wide-open?
We often use images that speak of another’s awareness of something. Turning a blind eye! Eyes glazed over! Having one’s eyes wide open.
![Emmaus – Why Was Jesus Slow Revealing His Resurrection?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/11/emmaus-fi.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Emmaus – Why Was Jesus Slow Revealing His Resurrection?
Suppose you just discovered you were instantly cured of painful cancer? Did someone wipe out a longstanding debt?
![Could You Be Convicted of “Mercying?”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/04/mercy-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Could You Be Convicted of “Mercying?”
Over 50 years ago, a university student showed me a card. “If being a Christian were a capital offense, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
![Are There Any Roads You Have Not Taken?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/04/roads-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Are There Any Roads You Have Not Taken?
Today I ask are there any roads I didn’t take… or maybe not followed far enough?
![What Is the Real World Anyway?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/04/Real-world-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
What Is the Real World Anyway?
How often have you heard … “But in the real world…? “ “That’s fine in theory… but in the real world…?”
![Does God Love Us “For Better Or Worse?”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/04/better-or-worseFI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Does God Love Us “For Better Or Worse?”
Does “for better or for worse” mean anything in the age of “prenuptial agreements?”
![A Thought Experiment … Dropping the “G” From Kingdom](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2023/04/community-kin-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
A Thought Experiment … Dropping the “G” From Kingdom
Jesus taught us to pray ”Thy kingdom come.” He also taught, “The kingdom is already here in your midst.” How do you put those two together? Some emphasize one or the other.