One of the heaviest of feelings is the one of being alone. You hear it in the cry of an infant, and more generally you catch it in the forlorn look of any lonely person.
McKenna
Prioritizing (Lk 14: 25-9)
by Tom McKenna, CM | September 7, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
There are hardly any words in all the gospels more blunt than the stark ones Jesus proclaims in Luke’s 14th chapter.
Widening The Gate (Luke 13:22-30)
by Tom McKenna, CM | August 24, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
One of Jesus’ more intriguing images is that of the gate, the entranceway into his Father’s Kingdom. Entrance depends in large part on the practical steps we take to build the kind of unity, accord and cooperation that reflects his Father’s world.
The Treasures’s Location (Hebrews 11:1-19; Lk. 12:32-48)
by Tom McKenna, CM | August 10, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Lk 12:34)These words of Jesus shine a light on what it is that a given society values — what it treasures most, what tops its list of things most sought after?
Understand & Listen (Genesis 18: Luke 10: 38-42)
by Tom McKenna, CM | July 27, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
Recently I came across an intriguing quote from the 18th century author, Henri David Thoreau, which touched on a theme prominent in the scriptures.
Seeing What’s There (John 9:39)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Mar 8, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
How many times have you heard people use the phrase, “I finally woke up?”
Struggles at a Well (John 4:5-42)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Feb 22, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
Some of the traits which come out in the Samaritan woman as she interacts with Jesus at the noonday well could paint her as a hard-hearted and difficult lady.
“Nudges” (Luke 19:1-10)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Nov 6, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
…You feel an impulse to do something connected with faith – and you pursue it.
Catching the Meaning (Lk 17:11-19)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Oct 23, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
There’s a nugget of wisdom that goes, “He had the experience, but missed the meaning.”
On Noticing (Amos 6; Lk.16:19-31)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Oct 9, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
“Noticing” is high up on the list of how “they’ll know we are Christians” — and certainly how they’ll know we are Vincentians.
Tilting Toward Good (Lk 16:1-13)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 25, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
Over the centuries, the parable of the clever but dishonest steward has caused much debate. Doesn’t Jesus seem to be praising the man for cheating?
More Than One Side
by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 11, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
“Choose up sides,” three famous words that have set up boundaries between countless competing groups.
Gaining Entrance
by Tom McKenna, CM | Aug 28, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
“But anything you do to ‘gather together all your sisters and brothers from all the nations,’ brings with it entrance into the Kingdom of God.”
Believing Love (Rom. 5:5)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Aug 14, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
It’s a challenge to absorb this truth that God’s love penetrates to the tip of our hearts and minds.
Comforting Arms (Isaiah 66:13)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 31, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
Comfort is high among the promises of Jesus’ Kingdom – the Reign of God bringing protection, welcoming, a soothing of painful wounds, a safe harbor.
Stretching the Jar (2 Cor 4:7)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 17, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
The jar made of the stuff of this earth symbolizes the nitty gritty processes of everyday life — the how of getting things done, the down and dirty steps needed to distribute the treasure.