The cross stands at the center of our reflection in these days. Lent summoned us to follow Jesus to the Jerusalem that...
Reflections
A Vincentian View: “Caring for the Little Ones”
by Pat Griffin, CM | November 6, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
In the Gospels, Jesus mentions the “little ones” on several occasions. He says that they need to be treated with respect (Mt 18:10).
A Vincentian View: Jesus and Psalm 133:1
by Pat Griffin, CM | October 23, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
Praying and preaching the psalms has been one of my great joys for many years. The opportunity to take a psalm and reflect upon its meaning has challenged me to study its context and appreciate its message.
A Vincentian View: A Story for Yom Kippur – Jonah
by Pat Griffin, CM | October 9, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
As Christians, we can pray with and for our Jewish brothers and sisters on these holy days. We can learn from their time of devotion and reflection.
A Vincentian View: What Must Be Done?
by Pat Griffin, CM | September 25, 2024 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
Each year, St. John’s University celebrates Founder’s Week. From September 20-27, the days point the University towards St. Vincent and our charism, and they conclude with the great Solemnity on the 27th.
A Vincentian View: Separation from the Father
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 30, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
A host of lessons arises within the story of the Prodigal Son. It continues to challenge and suggest as we reflect and recognize ourselves in the text.
A Vincentian View: Synodality and Listening
by Pat Griffin, CM | Mar 16, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
For me, the word most frequently invoked as one reflects upon and participates in the call to synodality in the current Church is “listening.”
A Vincentian View: Your Children’s Children
by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 30, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Nov 16, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 19, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Oct 5, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 21, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Sep 7, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Aug 24, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 27, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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
by Pat Griffin, CM | Jul 13, 2016 | Formation, Reflections
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...