vincentian spirituality
Saints Like Us (Hebrews 12.1)
by Tom McKenna, CM | November 3, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 4 Comments
There’s an instinct to idealize the saints as entirely different from the rest of us, off in another league at some unattainable level of holiness and favor with God.
Stumbling Along ‘The Way’ (Mark 10:35-45)
by Tom McKenna, CM | October 20, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 4 Comments
Most of us know the image backing the word “scandalize;” i.e., somebody tripping over a stone in the road.
The Big Hearted (Micah 6:6-8; Rev 14:13; Lk 8:4-15)
by Tom McKenna, CM | October 6, 2021 | Formation, Reflections | 5 Comments
This homily was preached at a recent anniversary Mass for Fr. Joseph Daly, C.M. — a Vincentian priest beloved of many,
Vincentian Spirituality from an Irish Perspective
by Famvin Media Resources | October 1, 2021 | Formation | 4 Comments
Fr. Mark Noonan, C.M. speaks about Vincentian Spirituality in this video.
Sacramentals (Mt 10:27-32)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jul 13, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
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.
Advance Notice (Lk. 10:1-2)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jun 29, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
When breaking into any new territory, organizations send out what is known as an advance team.
Trinitarian Living (John 16: 12-15)
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jun 15, 2022 | Formation, Reflections
The mystery of the Trinity is definitely that: a mystery who’s depth and range we can never come close to penetrating.
On Pruning Vines
by Tom McKenna, CM | May 9, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
On Pruning Vines (John 15) In his letter to the Church in Rome, St. Paul asserts, “All things work together unto good for those who love God.” (Rom. 8:28) No matter what kinds of things happen, both good and indeed bad, good will rise on the other side of it. It’s a...
On Being Overshadowed
by Tom McKenna, CM | Apr 25, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
On Being Overshadowed (Every year on the feast of the Annunciation thousands of Daughters of Charity the world over retake their vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service to the poor. This was the homily at one of their Eucharists.) I once heard someone say...
Right Religion
by Tom McKenna, CM | Apr 11, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Right Religion (John 2:13ff) Some years ago, a book was published entitled, "When Religion Goes Bad." Premised on the fact that religion exercises a powerful force, it took up instances where that force has been badly used, even in destructive ways. Granting there was...
Following Behind “The Story”
by Tom McKenna, CM | Mar 28, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Following Behind “The Story” Especially in this age of Facebook and Instagram has the power of story come to the fore. That is, increasingly so, the narrative much more than the bullet-pointed outline is what does the most effective job of getting through to hearts...
Why Step Across?
by Tom McKenna, CM | Mar 14, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Why Step Across? (Leviticus 13; Mark 1) A concept that shows up in the history of religions is the one of boundaries, the borders between what is permissible and what is forbidden. These lines in the sand separating the holy from the sinful figure prominently all...
Driven to Disruption
by Tom McKenna, CM | Feb 28, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Driven to Disruption (Mark 1:12-15) If you asked ten people what contact with God is supposed to bring I suspect at least seven would list things like peace, joy, calm, well-being, reassurance. But there's a theme running through Lent which moves in another direction...
Why This Suffering?
by Tom McKenna, CM | Feb 14, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Why This Suffering? (Job 7) If you were charged with collecting a series of writings aimed to persuade people that God is overflowingly good and ever desirous for the good of His people, would you have included the Book of Job? We look in on the main character, this...
Circles of Repentance
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 31, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
Circles of Repentance (Jonah 3; Mk 1:14-15) At the beginning of Mark’s gospel, Jesus issues a no-holds-barred directive: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel!” It’s worthwhile noting that his command does not mean asking forgiveness for this or that sin. More...
The Holiness Quotient
by Tom McKenna, CM | Jan 17, 2018 | Formation, Reflections
The Holiness Quotient (Lk 2: 25-40) The initials “EQ.” Different from IQ, meaning Intelligence Quotient which measures mental ability, they stand for Emotional Quotient and refer to the degree to which one person can read the feelings and mood of another -- or more...