John Freund, CM
Author
![Making a List and Checking it Twice … Mindful of the Homeless](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/07/homeless-alliance-fb.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Making a List and Checking it Twice … Mindful of the Homeless
I must admit I never thought much about checking my Christmas list for gifts for the homeless. Now I can’t get that question out of my head.
![“His Love… Keeps Surprising us Today, Here and Now!”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/11/advent-reflections-fb.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
“His Love… Keeps Surprising us Today, Here and Now!”
In this third reflection on the Advent letter by Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM, we are invited to meditate on "His Love... keeps surprising us today, here and now!" These weekly reflections, based on the letter of the Superior General, are offered with the hope that they...
![Between First Aid and Systemic Change](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/12/parish-people.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Between First Aid and Systemic Change
I was personally stopped cold by this post in America Magazine A 12-step Advent examen on what it means ‘to be parish’. It hit me as expressing something between the cracks of first aid and systemic change.
![Advent and the dented coin – Taking another look](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/11/advent-1200-680.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Advent and the dented coin – Taking another look
Taking another look is particularly relevant during Advent. We journey toward the birth of Jesus.
![“His Love… Keeps Surprising us Today, Here and Now!”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/11/advent-reflections-fb.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Inventive Unto Infinity – A Presence Hidden in Plain Sight
I must admit that I never saw the connection that was hidden in plain sight. In the Eucharist, for those who believe life is changed, not ended.
![Advent and the dented coin – Taking another look](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/11/advent-1200-680.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Hold the Shepherds and the Wise Men!
The wise men and shepherds were seekers. Their lives were not filled up with themselves and their personal needs. They were open and looking for the long-awaited one.
![“His Love… Keeps Surprising us Today, Here and Now!”](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/11/advent-reflections-fb.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Three Pillars of Vincentian Way of Life
The Advent letter by Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM, invites us to live this time with depth and intensity. We are going to prepare some weekly reflections based on the letter, which we hope will help us all to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord. In this first...
![With Sharp Political Differences How Do We Serve as the Voice of the Poor?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/05/systemic-change-generic-facebook.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
With Sharp Political Differences How Do We Serve as the Voice of the Poor?
"With sharp political differences, how do we remain unified as Vincentians?" This is a direct quote from the Voice of the Poor portion of the website of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. It raises serious questions for Vincentian Family efforts to serve as the...
![Christ the King – To Whom Do You Owe Allegiance?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2017/11/christ-the-king.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Christ the King – To Whom Do You Owe Allegiance?
How should Vincentians deal with the politics of power? Can we learn anything from what St. Vincent did in his context?
![Migration as a Shock to Established Systems](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2016/09/god-the-migrator-facebook.png?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Migration as a Shock to Established Systems
Many around the world fear the impact of migration on the “system” in which they currently live. But what is the historical impact in terms of Christianity?