McKenna

Paul and Jesus warn of the danger of letting our possessions take hold of us. Gospel poverty does not simply consist in having less, but in living freely with regard to what we have, trusting in God, and being willing to share with those in need. Saint Vincent de Paul takes up this call, presenting poverty as a bond that frees us from earthly attachments and draws us closer to God.

The New Testament’s question of questions: “Who do you say I am?”  

Over the years, how many threshold moments have we Vincentians faced? Inside what thresholds might we be standing in the present day?

Over the years, how many threshold moments have we Vincentians faced? Inside what thresholds might we be standing in the present day?

St. Paul’s image of treasure in earthen vessels reveals the mystery of human fragility inhabited by God’s inexhaustible presence. Though suffering, persecution, and weakness may crack us, divine love sustains, heals, and refills us. St. Vincent’s words echo this truth: our weakness does not prevent virtue but becomes the place where grace enables it to flourish.

We’ve all heard the saying “I never would have guessed.” That is, what is going on at the present time would never have led me to predict this future outcome. This theme figures prominently in the stories of two early Saints, Peter and Paul.

On the feast of the nativity of John the Baptist, Luke’s gospel highlighted a particular setting. And that is the desert.

Someone once pointed out the marked difference between meeting and inviting; i.e. meeting another person as opposed to inviting that person.

We all know what it is like when something suddenly dawns on us. Just when we think we understand a situation, a new insight breaks through and opens up an unexpected perspective.