Reflections

A Surprise Gift From Pope Francis

by John Freund, CM | February 10, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment

Much to my surprise, Pope Francis seemed to comment on yesterday’s Mindwalk. Of course, I know he never read it … but his reflection today certainly fit! See if you agree with his comments on “Blessed are the poor in Spirit.” Pope Francis begins with a question Who...

Embracing the Tears and Joys of Motherhood with Mary of Nazareth and Elizabeth Ann Seton

by Danielle Bean | February 9, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments

Like the Blessed Mother, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s faith-filled devotion helped carry her through the pains and trials of motherhood, and can inspire us today.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing”

by Sister Susan J. Smolinsky, SC | February 9, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment

It was at Mass in 1974 that I first heard the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” – a poem written by James Weldon Johnson in 1899

Higher (Matthew 5:38-48)

by Tom McKenna, CM | February 8, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments

There’s a phrase from the sports world, “setting a high bar.” It means raising the height of the jump just beyond the mark the athlete think he can clear.

The Virtue of Holy Indifference

by Fr. Binoy Puthusery, C.M. | Jul 24, 2023 | Formation, Reflections

In Christian spiritual tradition, the state of perfect acceptance of the will of God by an entire resignation is...

Merciful Commitment • A Weekly Reflection with Vincent

by Mitxel Olabuenaga, C.M. | Jul 22, 2023 | Formation, Reflections

"So then, if there are any among us who think they’re in the Mission to evangelize poor people but not to alleviate...

Are We a “Listening” Community?

by John Freund, CM | Jul 21, 2023 | Formation, Reflections

I suspect we have all heard stories about or even lived with someone who was “hard of hearing.”

Encyclical ‘Fratelli Tutti’: Summary and Commentary (Part 3)

by René Stockman | Nov 14, 2020 | Formation, Reflections

Bro. René Stockman offers here a short summary of chapter 3 of the Encyclical Letter “Fratelli Tutti”, followed by a more personal reflection.

Thinking Through the McCarrick Scandal

by John Freund, CM | Nov 13, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family

The “McCarrick Report” is gut-wrenching. How do we make sense of it? What can we learn?

A Homeless Veteran and Cancer Survivor

by Fr. Michael Carroll, CM | Nov 12, 2020 | Formation, Homelessness, Reflections

Lucrecia is a cancer survivor and was in the army for four years. She lives homeless in a tent in Los Angeles’s Koreatown.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic, 20: Love Triumphs and Transforms People

by Juan Carlos López López | Nov 11, 2020 | Formation, Reflections

We have awakened and reinforced feelings of unity, prudence, commitment and love for others. We have also had feelings of sadness caused by the reports of so many infections and deaths.

A Vincentian View: Healing

by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 11, 2020 | Formation, Reflections

Right now, healing, hope, and life mix together in my head and heart. They rest firmly within the Gospel message, and find application in our Vincentian charism.

A Dangerous Reading of the Good Samaritan

by John Freund, CM | Nov 11, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

A recent voter reflects on one of the most dangerous passages of the New Testament. – the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Ability to Hasten the Coming of the Lord

by Ross Reyes Dizon | Nov 10, 2020 | Formation, Reflections

Jesus shares with us his anointing and mission to bring the Good News to the poor. He gives tasks to each one according to one’s ability. By the grace of God, we have the ability to believe in Jesus. But when he comes after a long time, will he find faith on earth?...