Freshly ordained in May, 1965, I was privileged to attend one of the final sessions of the Second Vatican Council. In this Mindwalk I share my journey into the church of Vatican II and Pope Francis.
Mindwalk Podcasts: Latest posts and thoughts...
How Have You Changed?
The question “How have you changed” is more complicated than you might realize!
Before you answer, listen to this story.
Praying the Our Father With New Ears
I got hooked by Pope Francis Wednesday reflections on the Our Father. I am into my ninth decade of praying it. I have read many thoughtful commentaries. Yet the Holy Father is helping me pray the Our Father anew.
Shocking Statements!!!
The OUR Father is not just a memorized formula or ritual title. Believing… and living accordingly… these words are truly a radical challenge for each and every one of us. We gloss over the implications of “OUR” We unconsciously think of “MY” father.
Do You Have Memories of Your Grandparents?
Pope Francis speaks from his heart when he speaks of his grandparents. I was not surprised when he declared a World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
We celebrate it each year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents July 26.
Are Catholic Families Mirrors of God’s Love?
This Vincentian Mindwalk started out as a virtual journey to Rome for the 10th World Meeting of Families.
To my surprise, it developed into a reflection on what the church can learn from “happy marriages.”
New Wineskins Today
In this Vincentian Mindwalk, I share thoughts about the wineskins or frameworks of our thinking about God.
Dressing an Old Story in Today’s Clothes
A good story reflects some reality even if it is told in different clothes. The story of today’s polarization over abortion echoes a story told around 500 years before Christ. It is the story of group of blind persons arguing about their experience … and certitudes about what they each touch.
Listening to Sounds in the ER
An unplanned visit the Emergency Room of our local hospital helped me realize the difference between hearing and listening. This led me to experience the visit in ways beyond the focus on myself.
Who Are the Wise People In Your Life?
Too often, we cannot see the forest for the trees. Our wisdom figures help us to step back and see where individual pieces of the picture puzzle fit. The wise person helps us see what is not always evident.
Don’t You Understand?
Sometimes I have said “Don’t you understand”? Something was so obvious to me!
Other times, with perhaps deeper frustration, I have felt, “You don’t understand (me).
When I thought about it, I realized… “It’s complicated!”
There are many ways and levels of understanding.
“Caller Unknown”… the Body of Christ
“Caller unknown” often leads to the marketer’s purgatory of Voice Mail , or even to the marketer’s hell of the Spam Folder. Do we really listen to the calls of the poor… or put their cries in voicemail?
Learning To See As God Sees
Reading Pope Francis’ reflections, I was able to shift my focus and see more clearly what each of these seven gifts of the Spirit look like. I found much food for thought and personal prayer.