Griffin

Sometimes the title of a book just sticks in your head—even if you do not remember the exact contents of the book.  For me, one of those texts was called “Prayer is a Hunger.”

The stories in the Acts of the Apostles have much to teach about the growth of the Christian community and its message.

Connected to the beautiful image of the Good Shepherd in John’s Gospel, we have the parallel image of the sheep gate. 

At this time of the year, I find myself drawn to pondering “in-between times.” I think of the time between the Resurrection and the Ascension as such a time.

All of us have heard the expression “Let your conscience be your guide.”  Vincent’s regular insistence upon a good examination of conscience would certainly embrace the spirit of that encouragement.

Meeting this year with the priests of Rome, Pope Leo spoke about the use of Artificial Intelligence—the ubiquitous AI—in the preparation of homilies. 

The word “eleémosuné” is probably not in most people’s everyday vocabulary.  I wrote my master’s dissertation on this Greek word at The Catholic University of America. 

To be the “salt of the earth” means to give flavor, preserve, and purify the world through the Gospel. It involves influencing others positively, drawing out the best in them, and remaining firm in faith. It means serving courageously, especially the poor and marginalized, despite effort, resistance, and cost.

When we celebrate the foundation of the Vincentian community on January 25th, we can be attentive to the fact that it occurs on the Solemnity of the Conversion of St. Paul.  Both events direct our attention to important beginnings and I like to think of them together.