The synoptic passion narratives are similar, but there are unique elements. One is the story of the Good Thief in Luke’s Gospel which we hear on this Palm/Passion Sunday.

by Pat Griffin, CM | June 4, 2025 | Reflections | 0 Comments
I have been blessed with the privilege of visiting the Marian shrines at Lourdes and Knock several times. I have spent some hours in those special places of prayer.
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 21, 2025 | Reflections | 1 Comment
Sister Louise Sullivan, D.C has an article on “The Core Values of Vincentian Education” which provides my regular starting point when I speak of education as an important part of our charism and mission.
by Pat Griffin, CM | May 7, 2025 | Reflections | 2 Comments
Whenever I read John 21:15-19, which is only a few verses from the end of the Gospel, I am drawn to reflect on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his book “The Cost of Discipleship.”
by Pat Griffin, CM | April 23, 2025 | Reflections | 1 Comment
At the opening of my homily during the Easter Vigil, I used an expression of Pope Francis that I like very much.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Apr 9, 2025 | Reflections
The synoptic passion narratives are similar, but there are unique elements. One is the story of the Good Thief in Luke’s Gospel which we hear on this Palm/Passion Sunday.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 26, 2025 | Reflections
Whenever we have the reading from the Book of Exodus in which Moses encounters the Lord in the burning bush, I am immediately put in mind of the Church in which I am celebrating the Eucharist.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 12, 2025 | Reflections
In 2002, Pope John Paul II gave the Church the Luminous Mysteries of the rosary—the so/called Mysteries of Light. One of these mysteries is the Transfiguration.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Dec 4, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
During 2025, our attention for the Sunday Gospels of Ordinary Time finds its focus on Luke’s story of Jesus.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 20, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
Pope Francis’ most recent encyclical (Dilexit nos, “He Loved us,” October 2024) finds a welcome place in our Vincentian reflections.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 6, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
In the Gospels, Jesus mentions the “little ones” on several occasions. He says that they need to be treated with respect (Mt 18:10).
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 23, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
Praying and preaching the psalms has been one of my great joys for many years. The opportunity to take a psalm and reflect upon its meaning has challenged me to study its context and appreciate its message.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 9, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
As Christians, we can pray with and for our Jewish brothers and sisters on these holy days. We can learn from their time of devotion and reflection.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 25, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
Each year, St. John’s University celebrates Founder’s Week. From September 20-27, the days point the University towards St. Vincent and our charism, and they conclude with the great Solemnity on the 27th.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 11, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
Jesus gathers his disciples and asks them an important question “Who do people say that I am?”
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 28, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
We can imagine Jesus spent much of his life in honest labor working with his hands and serving his community by his daily efforts.
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 14, 2024 | Formation, Reflections
As we take pleasure in watching the Olympic Games in these weeks, the images of Paul take on a particular character.