Do you think the church has ever before faced as severe crises as it faces today?
Let’s explore the problems faced today and those of the early Church.
What can we learn?
Mindwalk Podcasts: Latest posts and thoughts...
A Thought Experiment … Dropping the “G” From Kingdom
Jesus taught us to pray ”Thy kingdom come”. He also taught, “The kingdom is already here in your midst.”
How do you put those two together? Some emphasize one or the other.
Let’s explore what happens when you drop the letter “G” and think of a “Kin-dom.
Pope Francis – Confession Changed His Life
In 1953 at the age of 17, Pope Francis had a life-changing experience in confession.
What has he said about confession as Pope some 60 plus years later?
Pope Francis – The Poor Are True Evangelizers
Sometimes we wish we were among those who walked with Jesus 2000 years ago. Pope Francis boldly says even today we walk with them.
Believers, when they want to see Jesus in person and touch him with their hands, know where to turn. The poor are a sacrament of Christ; they represent his person and point to him.”
What Do These Slogans Have in Common?
I have long been aware of how effectively Pope Francis uses stories to challenge, enlighten or motivate his listeners.
Jesus did the same in the story of the so-called Good Samaritan. He asks us to reflect on the three people who passed by the badly injured traveler.
Culture of Vocations – Mission Impossible?
A Palestinian Jew gathered 12 ordinary people and sent them out on an impossible mission. He created a culture of vocation and mission.
What Is It like At a Papal Audience?
For one minute and 25 seconds, I was almost nose to nose with Pope Francis. His 150-word message clearly came from his heart. At various points, it seemed he looked straight into my heart. I felt I was there! I wasn’t… but it felt like it!
Whatever Became of Sin… and Compassion?
“The death toll from COVID could reach 50,000!” I was horrified!
Now it stands at more than 5 million world-wide. I am almost numb to the horror. Why?
What is the Prequel of Today’s “Synodal Process”?
A reflection on a “prequel” to the very first council, the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) Then fast-forward to the two-year long “sequel” is taking place right now.
Do You Ignore “Nudges”?
In one sense God was the first “nudge”. Over the centuries God has used many to nudge us.
In the two year synodal process just begun Pope Francis asks us to listen. Can we hear God’s nudging us?
Does Jesus Want Us to Build Back Better?
Does God want us to build back better? The underlying concept is recovery from disaster. God certainly wants us to recover from the original sin of our self-centeredness
“What are you hearing?”
There’s a formula in broadcast news. An anchor tries to hook us with a teaser. They then turn to a colleague. “You are on the scene. Tell us what you are hearing.”
Have You Soundproofed Your Heart?
Pope Francis “Let us ask: In the church, are we good at listening? How good is the hearing of our heart? Do we allow people to express themselves, to walk in faith even though they have had difficulties in life, and to be part of the life of the community without being hindered, rejected or judged?