One of Vincent’s instructions to the Daughters of Charity involved the decision on what to do when the obligation for prayer and the obligation for service collided.
Reflections
A Vincentian View: The Good Shepherd
by Pat Griffin, CM | April 24, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
In the 23rd Psalm, the psalmist proclaims, “My shepherd is the Lord.” I imagine that when Jesus prayed these words, he found a depiction of himself.
A Vincentian View: Recognizing the Lord
by Pat Griffin, CM | April 10, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Each year during the Easter Season, I find myself fascinated by the idea that the friends of Jesus do not recognize him in the resurrected form.
A Vincentian View: The Company of Strangers
by Pat Griffin, CM | March 27, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
Some years ago, I read a piece that discussed how much the modern world depends upon the work of strangers for its survival and wellbeing.
A Vincentian View: A Great Symphony of Prayer
by Pat Griffin, CM | March 13, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
In preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis has invited the Christian community to center 2024 around the theme of prayer.
A Vincentian View: Bearing the Marks of Jesus
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 6, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
Paul ordinarily employed a scribe to write down the letters that he dictated for the benefit of his local churches. Sometimes, however, he picks up the pen himself to write a last few lines.
A Vincentian View: The Body of Christ
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jun 22, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
On occasion, some college campuses run a program called “The Last Lecture.” We have done it a few times at St. John’s.
A Vincentian View: The Wisdom of Widows
by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 14, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
One can easily discern the thinking of the authors of the Lectionary in bringing together the two stories which were proclaimed on this past Sunday. We heard two tales about widows and unmatched generosity. I cannot help but to be drawn to Jesus’ telling...
A Vincentian View: “Belonging to God”
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 31, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: “Belonging to God” All of us know what a seal is. In our day, it may take the form of a logo or insignia or symbol which is on a shirt or a scarf or a car or almost anything else. When we see that emblem, we know who made that...
A Vincentian View: A Visit to a Sikh Community
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 17, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: “A Visit to a Sikh Community” On this past Friday, we held an Interfaith Day at St. John’s University. This full day began at 10:00 in the morning and lasted till 10:00 in the evening as we strove to come to an appreciation of some of the...
A Vincentian View: The Listening of God
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 3, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Vincentian View: “The Listening of God” Last time that I had the opportunity to write something, I took the opportunity to reflect on our need to listen. In this past week, I have had my mind turned to thinking about God’s listening to us. I do not...
A Vincentian View: Listen
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 19, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: “Listen” When we look at our current political climate, everyone knows that there is something amiss. Sometimes people describe it as a lack of civil discourse. I believe that. The reasoning given is that people have forgotten how to speak to one...
A Vincentian View: Speaking the Truth
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 5, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: “Speaking the Truth” In recent history in the United States, people have been more challenged to come to grips with the truth. In the political as well as ecclesial spheres, the need to decide who to believe and how much to believe has arisen...
A Vincentian View: Writing Letters
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 22, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: “Writing Letters” When I worked for the Congregation and the Company in Europe, I resolved at the very beginning of my tenure to write home once-a-week. I carried out that commitment faithfully. Little danger exists that my letters will be collected...
A Vincentian View: For the Greater Glory of God
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 8, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: “For the Greater Glory of God” A week or so ago, I had the opportunity to preach on the memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola. As might be expected, I began to think about the Jesuits and then I toyed with the idea of how many Jesuits I could list. ...
A Vincentian View: Speaking the Same Language
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 25, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
A Vincentian View: "Speaking the Same Language" For the past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of preaching retreats in Ireland and England. I also had the opportunity to give some conferences in Paris. All these talks were for our Sisters, the Daughters of Charity....