Reflections

A Canadian View: Inter-Generational Trauma, Poverty & Racism, Part One

by Jim Paddon | November 18, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 3 Comments

I would like to examine the relationship between trauma, poverty and (systemic) racism over my next three articles. Part One discusses trauma.

Homeless Persons and “Listening”

by Fr. Michael Carroll, CM | November 18, 2021 | Formation, Homelessness, Reflections | 2 Comments

We all know Pope Francis is advocating for “listening church.” How might listening apply in our efforts with the homeless community?

Acting Out (Mark 12:38-44)

by Tom McKenna, CM | November 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments

When you hear that someone is “acting out” it usually isn’t heard as a compliment.

What is the Prequel of Today’s “Synodal Process”?

by John Freund, CM | November 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments

Here I reflect on a “prequel” to the very first council, the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15). I will also fast-forward to the two-year-long “sequel” taking place right now.

A Vincentian View: Bearing the Marks of Jesus

by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 6, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

Paul ordinarily employed a scribe to write down the letters that he dictated for the benefit of his local churches. Sometimes, however, he picks up the pen himself to write a last few lines.

Dressing an Old Story in Today’s Clothes

by John Freund, CM | Jul 6, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

A good story reflects some reality even if it is told in different clothes.

Roundabout Ways We Take to Get Our Way

by Ross Dizon | Jul 5, 2022 | Formation, Reflections

Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He is the roundabout way that means much more to us than all the other...

“Honor” The Hidden Life

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 2, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Those years between Jesus’ adolescence and public ministry there’s only silence, only the anonymity of what writers have termed The Hidden Life.

Revisioning Our Ministry in the New Year

by John Freund, CM | Jan 2, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change

What Herod and the Wisemen can teach us about revisioning our ministry with people trapped in poverty.

Directions to Get to the King of Every Nation

by Ross Dizon | Jan 1, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Jesus is worthy to receive the worship of every nation on earth. If those coming to worship him ask us where he is, do we know what directions to give them? Not rarely do we hear people say that many today are lost, and so need clear directions. Such a saying comes...

Mercy as the way for the members of the Oyugis Integrated Project in Kenya

by Javier F. Chento | Jan 1, 2019 | Brothers CMM, Formation, Reflections, Spirituality and Spiritual Practice

The word “Mercy” is very dear to us as employees of Oyugis Integrated Project (OIP). Why? Because mercy is seen as bringing life to those situations where all seems hopeless. Mercy is God’s gift to us and in turn, we are exhorted to share that gift with others. Mercy...

Blessings through the Most Holy Name of Jesus

by Ross Dizon | Dec 30, 2018 | Formation, Reflections

As his name so indicates, Jesus is Savior. And his salvation is the fulfillment of the blessings that the merciful God showers on us. Without doubt, it is the Lord who makes the Church grow (Acts 2,47; 1 Cor 3, 7). And those who plant like St. Paul, and water like...

Pope Francis – “Good Politics and the Service of People”

by John Freund, CM | Dec 28, 2018 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family

It is refreshing that Pope Francis’ in his Message for World Day of Peace chooses to focus on “Good Politics and the Service of People.”

Home to Us and Home to Jesus Christ Also

by Ross Dizon | Dec 27, 2018 | Formation, Reflections

The Word becomes flesh and makes his dwelling among us. He wants our home to be his also, though we are slow to understand and accept him. Mary and Joseph cannot find Jesus. He is not in the caravan. They do not see him among the relatives and acquaintances...