John Freund
What Is It like At a Papal Audience?
by John Freund, CM | December 10, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
When I was growing up there was a wonderful series on that still new medium … television.
Whatever Became of Sin… and Compassion?
by John Freund, CM | December 8, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 2 Comments
Compassion literally means “to suffer together.”
I Predict the Synod will…
by John Freund, CM | December 3, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
The Church has begun a three-year process focused on not only truly listening to each other.
Pope Francis – The Poor Are True Evangelizers
by John Freund, CM | December 1, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 2 Comments
Sometimes we wish we were among those who walked with Jesus 2000 years ago. Pope Francis boldly says… even today we do walk with them.
![Have We Outgrown Nativity Scenes?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2021/12/Nativity-Scene-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Have We Outgrown Nativity Scenes?
by John Freund, CM | Dec 24, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
A good number of readers have either witnessed or were participants as children in appropriate costumes and props re-enacted the Nativity scene.
![Who Wants To Change Your Way of Thinking?](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2021/12/change-thinking-FI.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Who Wants To Change Your Way of Thinking?
by John Freund, CM | Dec 22, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Sometimes it seems that everybody wants to change our way of thinking.
![What I Dreaded Became a Source of Life](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2021/12/make-connections-featured.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
What I Dreaded Became a Source of Life
by John Freund, CM | Dec 17, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
It was a moment I think most of us dreaded. In the later stages of formation some 60 years ago I remember hearing the words “Mr. Freund please.”
If Nuns Ruled the World…
by John Freund, CM | Aug 27, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
A self-described agnostic, Jo Piazza, writes… “I may not believe in God, but I do believe in nuns.”
Why Did Jesus Ask So Many Questions?
by John Freund, CM | Aug 25, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Jesus’ communication style focused on two things: He told great stories and asked great questions!
An Unorthodox Orthodoxy Test
by John Freund, CM | Aug 20, 2021 | Formation, Reflections
There are all kinds of orthodoxy tests. We might even pass an orthodoxy oral exam. But how many can claim to actually lead lives reflecting this belief in crisis situations?
Vincentian Embodiment of the Jesus Movement
by John Freund, CM | Aug 18, 2021 | Reflections, Systemic change
Thinking about the Vincentian Movement as being rooted in an awareness of God’s love which radiates out in widening circles.
Have You Ever Been Afraid?
by John Freund, CM | Aug 13, 2021 | Reflections
The feast of the Assumption holds great hope for us.
Can Stories Change the World?
by John Freund, CM | Aug 11, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Parents learn quickly the power of story as a pacifier. But the stories also shape values. Stories and the lived stories of our example are how we learn our values. Jesus knew the power of stories! Do you really want to change things? Tell a story!
Leaven or Fungus for “Thy Kingdom Come!”?
by John Freund, CM | Aug 6, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
Leaven is “a pervasive influence that modifies something or transforms it for the better.” Fungi are the principal decomposers in ecological systems. When are we leaven … and when are we fungi for the Kingdom?
August 6 – Transfiguration… or… Disfiguration?
by John Freund, CM | Aug 4, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Transfiguration – Disfiguration. We have a choice. Which light will we walk in?
Is the Our Father a Radical Prayer?
by John Freund, CM | Jul 30, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
Jesus was a radical who was fully committed to doing God’s will. He showed us how radical he was when laid down his life for us. As he hung on the cross he said “Father, forgive them. They know not what they are doing.” Certainly the words of a radical!