Reading Jesus’ parable about the two Sons, it struck me how often in the Gospels Jesus leans in favor of the ones who are out of favor.
McKenna
A Very Personal Question (Matthew 16:13-20)
by Tom McKenna, CM | September 6, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
To get at a pivotal question in Matthew’s 23rd chapter, consider the distinction between two types of answers, one standard and the other personal.
Prayer Visuals (I Kings: 19; Matthew: 14)
by Tom McKenna, CM | August 23, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
From Deep Within (Romans 8:26-7)
by Tom McKenna, CM | August 9, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
There’s a way of looking at our religion as a series of truths to be acknowledged and then followed out.
Drinking At The Fountain of God’s Word (Isaiah 55: 10-11)
by Tom McKenna, CM | July 26, 2023 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
With this hot weather scorching many parts of the globe, it’s not hard to appreciate the metaphor the prophet Isaiah offers as a picture of how it is between ourselves and God — more specifically, between ourselves and the Word of God.
More Than (Matthew 20:1-16)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Oct 4, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
There’s an ancient (1964!) song entitled “More Than”– More than the greatest love the world has known/ this is the love I give to you alone.”
A Faith Dynamic (Matthew 18:19-20)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 20, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
“Listen and Respond.” If there ever were a pair of words to stir up action, these are the ones.
Acceptance — And Ingenuity (Luke 16:1-13)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 21, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
Scripture Scholars tell us that the meaning behind the word “parable” is curve, as in throwing a curve.
Prioritizing (Lk 14: 25-9)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 7, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
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 | Aug 24, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
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 | Aug 10, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
“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 | Jul 27, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
Recently I came across an intriguing quote from the 18th century author, Henri David Thoreau, which touched on a theme prominent in the scriptures.
Sacramentals (Mt 10:27-32)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 13, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
The years-ago world of sacramentals — as you might remember, these were the scapulars and medals and holy cards and statues you’d find in a Catholic home.
Advance Notice (Lk. 10:1-2)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jun 29, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
When breaking into any new territory, organizations send out what is known as an advance team.
Trinitarian Living (John 16: 12-15)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jun 15, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
The mystery of the Trinity is definitely that: a mystery who’s depth and range we can never come close to penetrating.
Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory (Rev. 22: 16; Jn 17: 20-26)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jun 1, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
The word Glory shows up frequently in the Scriptures, all those praises of God’s Glory and in particular Jesus’ petitions to His Father asking to give the disciples (and all of us) the Glory that the Father has given Him.