An invitation from the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy asked me to create a reflection for their digital Advent + Christmas crèche calendar for 2022

In the Gospel of the day, we hear the crucified Christ ridiculed at the end of his life.  Listen to the way in which each group mocks Jesus.

The stories in Luke 15 (the lost sheep, coin and son) forcefully draw our attention to our importance in the eyes of God.

All of us have become familiar with the incentive that has become part of our national effort to protect each other and our country:  “If you see something, say something.” 

Four of Paul’s epistles are called “captivity letters:”   Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. 

Whom would Vincent consider as close to his heart in thinking and serving? 

In recent years, when I have had the pleasure of reading the Gospel story of the Prodigal Son, I have gotten into the habit of giving special emphasis to the first words of the parable:  “A man had two sons. . . .”

This past weekend contained the “moving-in” days at St. John’s. 

“Being Vincent de Paul” can prompt our reflection. The intent, however, should not be to compare ourselves to him but to allow our love for the poor to be inspired by his witness. 

The blessing of abundance carries with it a responsibility.  Jesus points out that truth when he tells the parable of the rich man with the abundant harvest.