Vincentian View

Four of Paul’s epistles are called “captivity letters:”   Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. 

Whom would Vincent consider as close to his heart in thinking and serving? 

In recent years, when I have had the pleasure of reading the Gospel story of the Prodigal Son, I have gotten into the habit of giving special emphasis to the first words of the parable:  “A man had two sons. . . .”

This past weekend contained the “moving-in” days at St. John’s. 

“Being Vincent de Paul” can prompt our reflection. The intent, however, should not be to compare ourselves to him but to allow our love for the poor to be inspired by his witness. 

The blessing of abundance carries with it a responsibility.  Jesus points out that truth when he tells the parable of the rich man with the abundant harvest. 

One of Vincent’s instructions to the Daughters of Charity involved the decision on what to do when the obligation for prayer and the obligation for service collided. 

Paul ordinarily employed a scribe to write down the letters that he dictated for the benefit of his local churches.  Sometimes, however, he picks up the pen himself to write a last few lines.

On occasion, some college campuses run a program called “The Last Lecture.”  We have done it a few times at St. John’s.