vincentian spirituality
Widening The Gate (Luke 13:22-30)
by Tom McKenna, CM | August 24, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 0 Comments
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 | August 10, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 1 Comment
“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 | July 27, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
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 | July 13, 2022 | Formation, Reflections | 2 Comments
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.
![Struggles at a Well (John 4:5-42)](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/10/mckenna-tom-reflections-featured-facebook-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Struggles at a Well (John 4:5-42)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Feb 22, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
Some of the traits which come out in the Samaritan woman as she interacts with Jesus at the noonday well could paint her as a hard-hearted and difficult lady.
![Struggles at a Well (John 4:5-42)](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/10/mckenna-tom-reflections-featured-facebook-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
Higher (Matthew 5:38-48)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Feb 8, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
There’s a phrase from the sports world, “setting a high bar.” It means raising the height of the jump just beyond the mark the athlete think he can clear.
![Struggles at a Well (John 4:5-42)](https://b704496.smushcdn.com/704496/en/files/2022/10/mckenna-tom-reflections-featured-facebook-1.jpg?lossy=2&strip=1&webp=1)
A Divine Bias? (Ps 146; I Cor 1:27-30)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 25, 2023 | Formation, Reflections
The word “bias” doesn’t have an especially pleasing connotation. It usually means an unfair leaning toward one group and a blindness toward its opposite.
Gospel Styles (Luke 2:22-40)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Feb 12, 2020 | Formation, Reflections
Have you ever thought of yourself as an evangelizer? There are different ways and styles of being an evangelist.
Spirit Prompts (John 1: 29-34)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 29, 2020 | Formation, Reflections
The Spirit of God is always moving through creation and through human hearts. But there are things we can do which make us more receptive to those movements.
Solid Saving Symbols (Acts 10:37; Mt 3:17)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 15, 2020 | Formation, Reflections
As all of us know, to say that something is symbolic is to claim that some reality, the symbol, carries inside itself much more than what appears on its surface.
Adding to the Scene (Lk 2:1-14)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 1, 2020 | Formation, Reflections
Imaginatively placing resolutions and actions around the manger is a prayer exercise that can draw us closer into what is happening there.
Through the Veil (Isaiah 11; Hebrews 6)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Dec 18, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
Much of life, is spent waiting — and Advent is the time of hopeful waiting.
The King’s View
by Tom McKenna, CM | Dec 4, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
When this King is exercising his Kingship where does he stand and what does he see?
The Core Belief (Lk 20:27-38)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Nov 20, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
Developmental psychologists point to a foundational experience in the life of a child whose effects ripple through the rest of life.
“Nudges” (Luke 19:1-10)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Nov 6, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
…You feel an impulse to do something connected with faith – and you pursue it.
Catching the Meaning (Lk 17:11-19)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Oct 23, 2019 | Formation, Reflections
There’s a nugget of wisdom that goes, “He had the experience, but missed the meaning.”