Whenever I have taught the Epistles of Paul or instructed lectors on these texts, I emphasize that one must read these letters as if they were addressed to oneself and to a Christian community gathered to hear them.
Reflections
A Vincentian View: Journeying Together – To Bethlehem
In an earlier post, I noted how the Holy Father’s summons to “synodality” attracts me. His call to “journey together”...
A Vincentian View: Journeying Together – Joseph and Mary
Pope Francis has decided that an emphasis in our Catholic community for the next few years will focus our attention on the concept of “synodality.”
A Vincentian View: Your Children’s Children
A Vincentian View: Your Children’s Children May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see Jerusalem’s prosperity all the days of your life and live to see your children’s children (Ps 128:5-6) Last year at this time after Thanksgiving, I wrote about my grandnephew...
A Vincentian View: Remembering
A Vincentian View: “Remembering” “God gave us memories so that we could have roses in December.” (J. M. Barrie) That line still sticks in my mind from high school because it flows out of my sentimental heart. It reminds me of the importance of memories and their...
A Vincentian View: Human Stories
A Vincentian View: “Human Stories” This past Saturday at St. John’s University, we launched the first of our ongoing series on interfaith dialogue. In collaboration with the Diocese of Brooklyn, the Vincentian Center at SJU will attempt to put together a whole day...
A Vincentian View: “Our” Kids
Vincentian View: “Our Kids” Founder’s Week (September 20-27) at St. John’s University celebrates St. Vincent de Paul whose spirit rests at the heart of our University. This year, the theme for our remembrance was “Vincentian Education: Illuminating minds, creating...
A Vincentian View: The Joy of Being Found
A Vincentian View “The Joy of Being Found” Our Gospel of Sunday, September 11 contains the entire fifteenth chapter of Luke’s Gospel and the three parables therein. The ideas of being “lost” and “found” and “joyful” are central in each story. Listen again to the words...
A Vincentian View: Payback
A Vincentian View “Payback” Imagine a world in which everyone had all that they needed, not too much and never too little. No one was hungry—there was always enough food. No one was naked—adequate clothing was available to all. No one needed shelter—everyone had a...
A Vincentian View: Giving Your Best
A Vincentian View “Giving Your Best” I have been on vacation for the past two weeks. I feel fortunate that these were the two weeks of the Olympic Games. During the first week, I was with my two sisters and my brother’s family in Northboro, MA. We spent much of the...
A Vincentian View: Listening
A Vincentian View: Fr. Patrick J. Griffin, CM “Listening” Do you set aside books which you say that you are going to read when you get the chance? I try to do that during the summer. There are, of course, junk novels which I select for guilty pleasure, but there are...
A Vincentian View: The Cross and the Crucifix
A Vincentian View Fr. Patrick J. Griffin, CM “The Cross and the Crucifix” How close are you to a cross at this very moment? Could you reach into your pocket and find the cross on the end of your rosary? Is one attached to your collar or around your neck? Is there...
