Of that person even more will be expected

We know, of course, that God loves everyone. When we see someone who is especially gifted with many talents, we may be tempted to think that God loves such a person more. We would be dead wrong. Our gifts and talents are to be used in the service of others. If God really does love anyone "more", it is precisely the people we are meant to lovingly serve with our gifts and talents.

"When someone is entrusted with a great deal, of that person even more will be expected." 
- Luke, 12:48 (NJB)

Jesus commissioned a community

The Gospel reading for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary time usually leaves us feeling uncomfortable. I recommend this take on today's Gospel as one that has real applicability to us as Vincentians. I particularly suggest reflecting on the part where Sr. McGone writes, "...in this Gospel Jesus commissioned a community, not individuals. No one of us will ever be sufficiently worthy or equal to take up Jesus' mission."

Read her full reflection here: Love makes us worthy

(Unsplash/Alex Block)                                                      .

A Canadian View: Black Lives Do Matter - by Jim Paddon

Bishop Mark Seitz and the Roman Catholic Clergy kneeling during a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

Reproduced unchanged from "A Canadian View: Black Lives Do Matter" first published in "famvin".

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and is past president of the Ontario Regional Council of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. He is currently chair of the National Social Justice Committee of the Society in Canada.

Over 400 years ago Africans were captured and removed from their native lands, homes and families to be taken to the New World and reduced to objects that would assist their owners to have a profitable business and comfortable life for their families. This subjugation of another race which was founded on the principles of someone being inferior and subhuman simply because of their skin colour is one that continues to plague North America. The institution of slavery is one that attempted to rob those affected of their basic human dignity. As has been proven many times by courageous acts of defiance, no one can take away the God given gift of human dignity.