It is only in my later years that I have realized how he has influenced the Church of today!
John Freund
Dead Horse Theory
by John Freund, CM | September 29, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 2 Comments
The tribal wisdom of the American Indians says that when you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount.
The Gift and Challenge of Vincentian Imagination
by John Freund, CM | September 24, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
We talk, perhaps too glibly, of the Vincentian charism. For a moment, I would like to reframe the conversation. Let’s talk about the Vincentian imagination!
Catechetical Sunday – Beyond Prepping For a “Regents Exam”
by John Freund, CM | September 22, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments
This reflection started out as a reflection on Catechetical Sunday but wandered off into a reflection on the mind of Christ. I finally came full circle and thought of catechesis as helping someone put on the mind of Christ.
Is “OUR Father” a Challenging Prayer?
by John Freund, CM | September 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family | 0 Comments
Is “Our Father” a Challenging Prayer? It was for the early Church. Pope Francis thinks it is a challenge for today. Let’s listen to voices we don’t normally listen to.
Mary’s Memories – the Rosary As Her Scrapbook
by John Freund, CM | Oct 29, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
You all know what a scrapbook is. It is not about throwing away scraps. It is about keeping memories alive.
What Questions Get You Thinking?
by John Freund, CM | Oct 27, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Oprah Winfrey got me thinking with two questions.
The Contagion of Christianity
by John Freund, CM | Mar 12, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
Do others experience God’s love for them mirrored by our lives? Is it any wonder that Jesus speaks of the final judgement in terms of what we do for the unrecognized, bruised and broken Christ in our midst?
Lost Your Identity?
by John Freund, CM | Mar 5, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
If we lose proof of who we are and the joys and sorrows of our lives, something very precious is gone.
I Can’t Do Everything!
by John Freund, CM | Mar 3, 2021 | Systemic change, Vincentian Family
I need to remember that while I can’t do everything, I must do something.
Ever Given Up On a Dream?
by John Freund, CM | Feb 26, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
Pope Francis, in “Envisioning and engendering an Open World,” presents a world where we move beyond the original fault of self-centeredness to recognizing the worth of every human person.
Seeing Beyond My Nose
by John Freund, CM | Feb 24, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
“Move us to create healthier societies and a more dignified world, a world without hunger, poverty, violence and war. May our hearts be open to all the peoples and nations of the earth.”
This Lent – Where’re Ya Going?
by John Freund, CM | Feb 19, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
At the beginning of Lent, we have an opportunity to think about where we are heading on the journey of our life. In his Lenten letter, Pope Francis reminds us that Lent is a journey to Easter.
Learning From a Vincentian Nobel Prize Nominee
by John Freund, CM | Feb 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
A Vincentian priest has made it his life’s work to “go out to the margins” of society and try to restore dignity to the “living scraps” of a “throwaway culture”. Pedro Opeka CM, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize… again.
Identity Politics In the Early Church
by John Freund, CM | May 6, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
We often read Acts 6 with a focus on the institution of the diaconate without realizing that the underlying problem was one of race, class, etc. Let’s read Acts 6 as a solution to the identity politics in the early church.
Vocation Sunday With Pope Francis and Two Vincentians
by John Freund, CM | May 1, 2020 | Formation, Reflections
Both Pope Francis and our Superior General have written letters in advance of Good Shepherd or Vocation Sunday.. Read how keys points affected one Vincentian.