A baby changes everything. Never was that truer than in the birth of the one we call Jesus of Nazareth. The birth of Jesus literally changed everything for everyone.
Formation: Systemic change
Systemic Change Practitioner Call
Mark’s Gospel – Coping With a New Normal
by John Freund, CM | September 1, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 1 Comment
Mark, as any good pastor would, uses Jesus stories circulating in oral tradition to help a community understand how the gospel is “good news”… even in the face of catastrophe and persecution.
Can Stories Change the World?
by John Freund, CM | August 11, 2021 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change | 0 Comments
Parents learn quickly the power of story as a pacifier. But the stories also shape values. Stories and the lived stories of our example are how we learn our values. Jesus knew the power of stories! Do you really want to change things? Tell a story!
Martha Justice Ministry
by Darlene O’Leary | May 13, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
Martha Justice Ministry is a continuation of how the Marthas live Gospel Hospitality through social justice and creation care.
Change Agents – Our Heritage
by John Freund, CM | Sep 23, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
A description of a change agent – “one who can make changes happen by inspiring and influencing others.” How does that fit you, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Vincentian Family?
Vincentian Prayer Images: Long-term Solutions Worth It
by John Freund, CM | Aug 4, 2020 | Formation, Reflections, Vincentian Family
Long-term solutions take time… but are worth working for!
A Parable – Paying attention to details
by John Freund, CM | Jun 26, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
We can learn from Pope Francis how little things can be so significant in a “culture of encounter.”
Does Eucharist Call For Confronting Sinful Structures?
by John Freund, CM | Jun 19, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Does Eucharist call for confronting sinful structures? To some, the question may sound strange, especially when we think of the Eucharist as the sacrament of unity. But that is not the way all recent Popes and the United States Bishops see it. St. John Paul II ......
If You See Something Good, Say Something Good!
by John Freund, CM | Jun 12, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
It is all too easy to fall into the trap of sharing bad news. Rather… let’s SHARE GOOD NEWS! Affirm it, publicize it when we see it!
I Can’t Help Every Homeless Person!
by John Freund, CM | Jun 5, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Have you ever walked past a homeless person lying on his back on the sidewalk? Did it stir up any mixed feelings? Maria Shriver shares an incident in her life.
Quiet Change Agents Giants
by John Freund, CM | May 15, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Jean Vanier changed the attitude of the world to people we might arrogantly label as handicapped. St. Vincent changed the attitude of so many in France towards the poor.
A Mother Knows So Much About Systemic Change
by John Freund, CM | May 8, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Think of it. Mothers everywhere are key agents of the transformation of helpless newborns into independent adults.
Reacting to New Ways of Thinking
by John Freund, CM | May 1, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
I don’t think I ever really appreciated how much of a radical change in thinking observant Jews were asked to make regarding their deeply held identity and beliefs. The Acts of the Apostles reveal the struggles to understand and accept a new way of thinking and living. It did not happen all at once.
Holy Week – Jesus Asks “Do you understand?”
by John Freund, CM | Apr 17, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Holy Week – Jesus washes feet and asks “Do you understand?” God is present in loving service more than power and might.
More Than the Appendix in Bed 404B
by John Freund, CM | Apr 10, 2019 | Formation, Reflections, Systemic change
Doctors need to treat that appendix. But that appendix is not something in a laboratory dish. It is part of the many systems we call a person. And that person is part of many other systems.