We live in a world of sound bites and blogs, in a world overloaded with the noise of competing viewpoints and voices. It can sometimes be difficult to discern what is really worthy of our attention. While we may not often think of it in this way, Advent is a season of discernment. As St. Paul reminds us in the Letter to the Philippians:
It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. (Philippians 1:9-10)
If we settle for the mediocrity of sound bites and half-truths, without seeking to discern what is truly important, we run the risk of losing sight of the hopes and promises that can only find fulfillment in a life commitment to Christ. In a particular way, John the Baptist, the “voice crying in the wilderness,” reminds us of what it is we are called to do and be.
In essence, his call for us to prepare for the Lord’s coming is a charge to discern the voice of the Lord calling to us and to persevere in the ways of faith. As the priest and theologian Origen asks us, “Is it not a way within ourselves that we have to prepare for the Lord? Is it not a straight and level highway in our hearts that we are to make ready?”
In response to these essential questions, he reminds us: “Prepare a way for the Lord by living a good life and guard that way by good works. Let the Word of God move in you unhindered and give you a knowledge of his coming and of his mysteries” (Homilies on Luke, 21).
I was surprised by what Saint John XXIII had to say about the Vincentian Family... and how prophetic were his words.
On November 15th, members of the Vincentian Family celebrated the 175th anniversary of the presence of the Vincentian charism in Mexico.
The most recent issue of the Journal of Vincentian Social Action addresses the benefits of academic service learning to both students and the community.
Here we interview Sr. Janeth Hyera, Regional Superior of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Vincent De Paul of Mbinga (Tanzania).
When this King is exercising his Kingship where does he stand and what does he see?
Serving in an era of unprecedented change: Things are Changing, Changing, Changing… In your world. Everywhere around you.
Encountering Christ in the Poor
St. Vincent teaches us to see Christ in the poor and suffering, so much so that the poor become our Lords and Masters and we their servants. Read more →
Congregation of the Mission
The Eastern Province is a province of Congregation of the Mission, often known as Vincentian Fathers and Brothers or Lazarists … Read more →
Famvin Resources
“Indiscreet zeal is not good– people often spoil good works by rushing ahead and by acting according to their own inclinations which, contrary to common sense, make them think that the good they see to be done is feasible and timely, although this is not so; their error is recognized in the resulting lack of
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
1414 Gorrell Street
Greensboro, NC 27401
Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Phone: 336-272-8650
Email: stmarysrccgbo@gmail.com