Almost every family has one. You know… the person who remembers the family history, the stories of Uncle… and Aunt…, the in-laws, and the outlaws. They are often the ones with boxes of family photos and letters. In this Vincentian Mindwalk I explore how we are part of that tradition.
What does it mean to “imitate Christ”?
The answer to that can range from a literal crucifixion, through legalism, to “putting on the mind of Christ.”
“I do not wish to imitate what the great ones of the past did. I would rather seek what they sought.” Basho
Did you know Pope Francis has Twitter accounts in nine languages and almost 53 million followers? He recently wrote,’Thank you to all who follow me on this account which was opened 10 years ago to proclaim the joy of the Gospel. Let us continue to build up this network as a free space to promote encounter and dialogue and to value what unites us.”
Pilate’s somewhat cynical question is among the most famous questions of history. In a somewhat prophetic message for World Communications Day 2020 Pope Francis offered what amounts to a “mindwalk” on truth
Helping another to speak what is in their heart requires listening … and connecting. St. Vincent’s canvas and oils were his gifts of helping people to see what they had not seen. With his genius for organizing he involved them in the solution.
John Allen’s reflection in Crux sees an opportunity and a challenge for Catholics to play a major role in healing our deeply divided nation.
True optimism is the ability to see the emptiness of half the glass while choosing to focus the fullness of the other half of the glass.
“ Elizabeth experienced a wide range of challenges and joys as a daughter, wife, mother, laborer, and convert to Catholicism. God’s love and the hope for eternal life gave purpose, meaning, and direction to Elizabeth’s life. She changed “Why, God?” into “With God’s help, why not?”
Parents, for the most part, “learn on the job.” What can learn about our role as church today as we celebrate the feasts of the Holy Famiily and Mary Mother of the Church as well as the upcoming “Year of Joseph”?
Jesus’ mission was all about teaching us to pay it forward. After all, God has first loved us and wants us to pass on the gift of God’s in our lives! Isn’t this what Jesus did? And it changed and is changing the world!
Let us not settle only for what is necessary. The Lord does not want us to narrow our horizons or to remain parked on the roadside of life. He wants us to race boldly and joyfully towards lofty goals.
I am wondering if I am the only one unable, and unwilling, to get Tammy’s words out of my head… and whether you will find new and perhaps visceral understanding of scripture passages read so often.
Holiness will look very different, depending on the health of the family dynamics, but regardless, all families are called to holiness.