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.

Never Alone (John 11:1-45)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Mar 22, 2023 | Formation, Reflections

One of the heaviest of feelings is the one of being alone. You hear it in the cry of an infant, and more generally you catch it in the forlorn look of any lonely person.

Seeing What’s There (John 9:39)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Mar 8, 2023 | Formation, Reflections

How many times have you heard people use the phrase, “I finally woke up?”

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.

Tilting Toward Good (Lk 16:1-13)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 25, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Over the centuries, the parable of the clever but dishonest steward has caused much debate. Doesn’t Jesus seem to be praising the man for cheating?

More Than One Side

by Tom McKenna, CM | Sep 11, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

“Choose up sides,” three famous words that have set up boundaries between countless competing groups.

Gaining Entrance

by Tom McKenna, CM | Aug 28, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

“But anything you do to ‘gather together all your sisters and brothers from all the nations,’ brings with it entrance into the Kingdom of God.”

Believing Love (Rom. 5:5)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Aug 14, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

It’s a challenge to absorb this truth that God’s love penetrates to the tip of our hearts and minds.

Comforting Arms (Isaiah 66:13)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 31, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

Comfort is high among the promises of Jesus’ Kingdom – the Reign of God bringing protection, welcoming, a soothing of painful wounds, a safe harbor.

Stretching the Jar (2 Cor 4:7)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 17, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

The jar made of the stuff of this earth symbolizes the nitty gritty processes of everyday life — the how of getting things done, the down and dirty steps needed to distribute the treasure.

Eucharistic Attitudes (Lk 9:11-17)

by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 3, 2019 | Formation, Reflections

As we gather around the table of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday to celebrate the giving of his Body and Blood for us, we would do well to reflect on what it is we’re sharing in.