John Freund, CM
Author
![Systemic change challenges us to mission](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/07/challenges-us-to-mission.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Systemic change challenges us to mission
Mission challenges us to systemic change Systemic Change is something radical. It does what it says: The prophet Jeremiah: “This day I set you over nations and over kingdoms, to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant” (Jr...
![Yes, You Can Be a Difference Maker](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Yes, You Can Be a Difference Maker
You don’t have to have a glamorous job. Anyone can be a difference maker.
![Why Did Pope Francis Make 10 Startling Statements?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/07/pope-10-things.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Why Did Pope Francis Make 10 Startling Statements?
Pope Francis has a knack for making startling statements that catch people’s attention.
![Yes, You Can Be a Difference Maker](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Send the Elevator Back Down
Is sending the elevator back down enough? Thoughts on accompaniment.
![Where’s the piccolo?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/07/girl-playing-flute.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Where’s the piccolo?
Systemic change does not just happen. It takes the collaboration of many people with different gifts. Each of us has a role in the chorus.
![Yes, You Can Be a Difference Maker](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Do Vincentians Really Have the Smell of the Sheep?
The first time Pope Francis caught our attention with the image of the “smell of the sheep” was a mere two weeks after he became Pope.
![The Power of Stories 2.0](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/07/one-story-at-a-time-narrative-puzzle-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
The Power of Stories 2.0
Yes, stories are wonderful for capturing attention. But I also learned that stories often just capture a moment in time. Narratives are about a movement over time and speak to our worldview. To that degree, they engage and motivate us.
![Yes, You Can Be a Difference Maker](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Does the Daily News Overwhelm You?
We might not be able to accomplish as much as St. Vincent. But we can all do the next right thing… realizing something must be done and asking the Vincentian Question, WHAT MUST I DO?
![Lessons from Nature – Systemic Change](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/geese-in-flight-sunset.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Lessons from Nature – Systemic Change
The gift of a closing prayer drawn from nature.
![Yes, You Can Be a Difference Maker](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2018/06/vincent-life-lessons-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Vincent Was a Life-Long Learner
Vincent was a life-long learner. Vincent didn’t just happen. Vincent spent his lifetime waking up to the demands of the Gospel and the needs of those who were poor. I am reminded of the monk Bede Griffiths, a life-long learner, who said in the 81st year of his life...