Reflections

A Vincentian View: A Simple Man

I would love to have people describe me as “a simple man.”

Mark’s Gospel – Coping With a New Normal

Mark, as any good pastor would, uses Jesus stories circulating in oral tradition to help a community understand how the gospel is “good news”… even in the face of catastrophe and persecution.

Gestures and Words That Heal and Proclaim

Jesus opens our ears and makes loose the strings of our tongues.  He enables us to make gestures that heal and speak words that proclaim God’s kingdom. Amazing magic for the sake of a deaf and mute in a place where pagans live?  If this is what Jesus’ gestures make us...

Vincentian Prayer Images: What Moved Saint Vincent? IX

“…the direction in which missioning moves— toward the poor people of the world, trying to be God’s love for them, and at the same time finding in them God’s love.”

Upset, Dismay, Annoy, Distress

Arms Outstretched, Brow Sweating Blood

Jesus loves us with the strength of his arms and the sweat of his brow.  He dies for us so that we may no longer live for ourselves but for him and others. Loving us to the end, Jesus lays down his life for us.  That is how we come to know love.  It is not a matter of...

Embracing the Discomfort

Embracing the Discomfort

For so long, I had this unsettling feeling of urgency to seek the things I used to avoid for fear of feeling uncomfortable. On top of my responsibilities of a full-time student and employee, I had an extracurricular workload that kept me regularly occupied. And yet, I...

Hearing The Voice (John 10:1-10)

Why Step Across?

Why Step Across? (Leviticus 13; Mark 1) A concept that shows up in the history of religions is the one of boundaries, the borders between what is permissible and what is forbidden. These lines in the sand separating the holy from the sinful figure prominently all...

Upset, Dismay, Annoy, Distress

Everyone, No Matter One’s Nationality

Lifted up from the earth, Jesus draws everyone to himself.  He wants us to die with him on the cross, so that we may have eternal life. One can safely say that everyone looks for self-fulfillment.  We may not be able to define it or specify the right means of...