We all know Pope Francis is advocating for “listening church.” How might listening apply in our efforts with the homeless community?
Reflections
Acting Out (Mark 12:38-44)
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”?
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.
Why are we here? – THINK before acting
Why are we here? T.H.I.N.K. before acting – How do others know? Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast, Repost from April 2013 Prayer is a blessing. We all need to make the time to pray. Put God #1 on your agenda. Before each meeting pray that the discussion will bless...
Collaboration Between Two Exceptional People
J. Patrick Murphy reminds us in his booklet Mr. Vincent of the collaboration of two exceptional people - Vincent and Louise. In Louise de Marillac Vincent found the perfect partner to build his business model and bring about change that shocked the world. Louise, like...
Vincentian Self-worth
Self-worth is not a phrase that would have been much discussed in the 17th century. You're not going to find it in the lexicon of St. Vincent. But the concept was not foreign to him. He knew that of human worth (and because of that, self-worth) was founded on what God...
A Vincentian View: Giving Your Best
A Vincentian View “Giving Your Best” I have been on vacation for the past two weeks. I feel fortunate that these were the two weeks of the Olympic Games. During the first week, I was with my two sisters and my brother’s family in Northboro, MA. We spent much of the...
Seeds of Future Systemic Changes?
Seeds of future systemic changes….Father Gregory Gay, during his twelve years as Superior General, consistently invited us to think beyond what we were accustomed to, especially in terms of collaboration for systemic change. Here are the questions that he presented in...
Humble before God because Truth Demands It
Jesus is the definitive divine word that teaches us to be humble. He is also the perfect response of humility to the divine word. Jesus goes to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. Since the Pharisees love places of honor at banquets, one can suppose...
Your Sins are Forgiven
"Your Sins are forgiven" – The Largest Room! – St. Anthony's Bread – Christian Ways Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast, Repost from June 2013 “Your Sins are forgiven.” (Luke 36:49) These words of Jesus are so beautiful in our lives. We are forgiven no matter what we...
Rehabilitation with Love
“In this life, we cannot always do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Theresa VLM’s moto is to “do one thing, do something.” Ethiopia has previously been stereotyped as a country that has had many problems. Although there may be some...
Vincent Could Tell a Good Story
J. Patrick Murphy, CM writes of Mr. Vincent that he had a feisty temper, was a good mimic, could tell a good story, and was charming to women. He proposes the following Lesson "Know your gifts, strengths and limits - then leverage them." On March 28, 1659, a year and...
