Reflections

Branches that Remain on the Vine

Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches.  That we remain in him, and he in us, is what makes us bear much fruit. In Ps 80, the Shepherd of Israel is asked to bring back his people.  This people started out as a vine that God brought out of Egypt and transplanted. ...

Vincentian Prayer Images: Walking Through Each Day with St. Vincent VII

St. Vincent told the Daughters of Charity: “You see, Sisters, even though we don’t see God, faith teaches us that His holy presence is everywhere…”

Called to Ecological Conversion

One of the themes threaded throughout Laudato Si’ is the need for an ecological conversion.

Can You Put Yourself In This Picture?

I am not an Ethiopian at the beginning of a thousand-mile journey. Actually, I am on a lifelong journey of trying to “put on the mind of Christ,” to see things as Jesus, the stranger in my life, sees them.

Are We Loved Enough?

Are We Loved Enough?

Will we stand alone, or will we stand with others, being a part of what is good in them, being more together than ever we could be alone? Our sisters and brothers in the body of Christ touch us, change us, soften us, and call us forward with their love.

Better for Us Is Shame, Rather Than Praise

Better for Us Is Shame, Rather Than Praise

Jesus is the embodiment of the truth that it is better to receive shame than praise from the world. The world cannot accept the Word.  The Word is in the world but the world does not know him even.  Though coming to his own, the Word is still not acceptable.  Worldly...

On Love of God

On Love of God

One of the contemporaries of St. Vincent who influenced him on his journey of conversion was St. Francis de Sales. The two famous books of St. Francis de Sales, namely, “Love of God” and “Introduction to Devout Life,” played an important role in his spiritual growth....

Inspired to Serve

Inspired to Serve

Coming into contact with a Vincentian University has changed many lives. From their "10 under 10" series, here's a story of someone inspired by the charism at St. John's University. When the financial crisis hit, Elisa Sciortino was a recent St. John’s graduate who...