Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me: Lord, we desire to know, love, and serve you because you shower your love on us and only desire to grow your kingdom of love. In this may we bring you glory. Please forgive us our selfishness and our failure to turn to your light to grow with you. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts. Please give us all that we need. We especially pray for the gift of health for all those on our prayer lists: especially for Davey's operation Tuesday. Welcome all those who have gone before us, especially Mary Weed who we remember her eternal anniversary this week, to your perpetual light.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Julianne Stevens (6/10), Lauren Ann Lay (6/10),  Andrew Kornacki (6/15), Gina Feely (6/15). Anniversary: Eloise & Phil Georgen (6/12/65). In memoriam: Mary (Norton) Weed  (6/12/09).

Keeping In-touch: We returned to the warm furnace of the Denver Area.  Now we have much work to do to make the swamp coolers keep us cool and put the yard back together. Marge returns to Pacific Grove to support Grandson, Davey, and family during his operation and recovery. I have enough chores to keep me out of trouble.

The Readings: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: How does God's Kingdom grow? The parable tells us we just do not know but we can trust that God is in charge and we are called to choose life and grow with the kingdom.

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me: Lord, with our families (everyone who seeks to do God's will) may we praise you and bring you glory by living the life you put in us (our true selves). Forgive us our sins; for without you we can not return to your fullness of life. Thank you for all your gifts and help us to act as good stewards of all we are given. Please hear our pleas for renewed health and help us know your loving kindness. Welcome all our departed to your fullness of life.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Kris Fitzgerald (6/4), Ann Romadka (6/5),  Melinda Felix (6/6), Amanda Dixon (6/9). Anniversary: Marge & John Lay (6/8/73), Ann & Bob Romadka (6/8/74), Renee & Randy Lumpp (6/8/75), Melissa & Neil Cyrus (6/8/02). In memoriam: Lori Stabile  (6/3/11), Grace (Kilday) Blake (6/6/14).

Keeping In-touch: We enjoy family and some of the beautiful National Parks as we travel in Utah. We don't climb the trails like we used to ascend and descend beautiful pathways. And the scorching sun takes a greater toll than it used to withdraw from us. 

The Readings: Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Who is family? I only need to watch my grandchildren to learn that a stranger is someone they haven't met yet; someone who accepts our invitation to play ball. This week the Lord asks us to play ball: to work with all who will accept the Holy Spirit and seek the good where it may be found.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

My Companions, pray with me: Lord, may we give you glory in our thoughts, words, and deeds as we accept the gift of the body and blood of Christ. May we allow your life and love to shine through us. Forgive us for our selfishness and sin. Thank you for all your gifts, especially for this Holy Sacrament. Please touch all those on our sick list with your healing, comforting hand. And guide those who have gone before us to your light and love, especially on this Memorial Day we pray for the soldiers, sailors, marines, and members of the Air force and Coast Guard who gave their lives for our freedom.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Eloise Georgian (5/29), Marrilou Huemann (5/31),  Al Hardy (6/2). Anniversary: Fr. Ed Poehlman (5/27/67), Nancy & Tom Neihart (5/27/71), Linda & Larry Kent (6/1/--).

Keeping In-touch: I played lots of golf; Marge did lots of planning for trips. The warm weather brings many opportunities for yard work and other tasks. This morning we participated in a beautiful prayer for the men and women who served in the armed forces and have gone before us.

The Readings: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Oh what a great Mystery we have in our concrete experience of union with God in the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

My Companions, pray with me: Lord, we rest in the mystery of your revelation as the Most Holy Trinity. And you invite us into this community of love. Forgive us for the times we have refused to delight in your life by our selfish thoughts, words, or actions. Thank you for all the gifts we have; help us to work as good stewards of your gifts. Please provide all that we need to live a full-life. Help all those on our prayer list who seek renewed health in mind and/or body. Welcome all into your divine light, especially my friend's father, Lawrence Pribyl.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Michael Ross (5/26). Anniversary: Kathy and Mike DePriest (5/22/82). In memoriam: Gary Dixon  (5/20/09), Mike Norton (5/21/87), Thomas Dildine (5/22/10), Lawrence Pribyl (5/14/18).

Keeping In-touch: We received some good moisture. Our landscape turns an emerald green and we enjoy the freshness in the air.

The Readings: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I found this statement about Karl Rahner's book The Trinity to reflect on, "God reveals just who God is in the events of salvation. The revelation of Father, Son, and Spirit as they are revealed in scripture and in our own experience by God just is God."

Pentecost Sunday

My Companions, pray with me: Lord, how can we praise you for all your glory? When we stop to appreciate your creation and all your goodness we simply sit amazed. Forgive us or our thoughts, our words, and our deeds that keep from participating in your glory. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts especially your gift of the Holy Spirit to bring your life within us. As you answer all our prayers, especially our prayers for companions to be renewed in their health, help us to understand the work of your healing hand. Welcome all our departed brothers and sisters to the fullness of your kingdom, especially those on our list and those who have no one to pray for them.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Matthew Peterson (5/15), Pat Backes (5/15). Anniversary: Jen and Eli DeQuiroz (5/13/12). In memoriam: Gerald Klaus  (5/18/1987), William Wooten (5/18/17).

Keeping In-touch: We simply enjoyed lots-a-golf, a little tennis, and time with friends (John); yoga exercises, crafts, meeting with friends, and time with friends and Spring growing things (Marge). We appreciated all the "pennies from heaven"/"we can always use the moisture.

The Readings: Pentecost Sunday

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I imagine the fear and confusion of the Apostles as waited for the courage and strength to continue the mission they were given by Christ. Then, with the Holy Spirit, they were given the strength and courage they needed to step out into the world. I need to be more open to the Spirit giving me strength and courage.

The Ascension of the Lord Seventh Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, the world is filled with your power and glory; may you receive true praise from all your creation. Forgive us for our blocking your life within us by our sins of omission or commission. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts, especially your gift of love and life. Please give us all we need and care for all the people struggling in poverty, addiction, sickness, and oppression. Please care for all those struggling because of the earthquake and lava flow in Hawaii. Welcome into your kingdom all who have gone before us, especially my godfather, Leandar Lay. And we pray for all those on our prayer lists. 

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Molly Norton (5/6), Bob Townley (5/7), Sharon McKay (5/7), Pat Norton (5/8), Chris McDermott (5/9), Connie Kobza (5/10), Lynn Nimmo (5/10), Carmen Albiniak (5/12). Anniversary: Taylor & Aaron Castillo (5/10/14), Katie & Jim Frodl (5/11/07). In memoriam: Leandar Lay (5/6/75), Gloria Prymak (5/9/14).

Keeping In-touch: We have returned to our "regular," busy lives. And we praise the Lord for our much needed moisture. The outdoor Spring tasks seem overwhelming now; we'll do one clip and one pick at a time! I keep busy with tennis and golf and an online course. Marge has her yoga, walks, and gatherings with friends and co-workers and church activities.

The Readings:  The Ascension of the Lord / Seventh Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I imagine the Ascension so differently than when I listened to the Sisters who taught religion, and all the other subjects, in the 1950s. I no longer imagine "Rocket-ship Jesus" launching from a mountain-pad for a distant place, Heaven. I envision all of creation growing into the glorious fullness of God's loving desire for the world:  God's kingdom in all its glory.

I wonder how you imagine the Ascension and if your image-framework has changed!?!

Sixth Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise you and wonder at all your creation and goodness in life. We are shamed at our failures to love and seek your forgiveness. Thank you for all your gifts. Please continue to give us all that we need to grow in your love and serve you. We seek your blessings for all those in special need of your loving care. Welcome all to your glorious light especially those who have no one to pray for them.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Rae Ryan (5/1), Anna Margaret DeBaar (5/3), Mike Hennigan (5/3), Tom Reynolds (5/3), Willy Smith (5/5). Anniversary: Al andTeresa Hardy (5/2/87). In memoriam: Elaine Hebert (5/2/13).

Keeping In-touch: We made it home and appreciate our home and bed, but still need to catch-up on our rest. We enjoyed the opportunity to share Davey and Makayla's birthdays and be with our California family. The Ocean showed us its grace and power...

The Readings: Sixth Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: How can we love as Jesus loved? We first need to know his awesome love for us. Then, maybe, we can remove some of our "stinking thinking" and live in the world with compassion, hope and service-filled love.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise for pruning and testing us to show us the way to your love. Forgive us for "growing wildly" and ignoring your plans for living fully with you. And thank you for all the fruits you send us each day. Please give us all that we need to live in peace and help grow your kingdom. Bring all our deceased friends and loved ones to your glorious care. And help all those in pain and suffering especially those who have no one to pray and care for them.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Kevin Norton (4/22), Logan Felix (4/23), Kim Dixon (4/24), David Schnitzer (4/26), Kathy Shultz (4/26), Steve Jacobs (4/27), Greg Blanchard (4/27), Makayla Schnitzer (4/28). In memoriam: Caroline B. "Carol" Kowis (4/27/13).

Keeping In-touch: We continue to live the high life experiencing the desert around Phoenix and now celebrating birthdays by the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Coast. We had a pleasant visit with my sister, Mary, and her son, Michael. Julie and her family continue to thrive in California. 

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I don't think many people look forward to the pain of being pruned, but most of us know the experience of growing through discomfort and pain. May the Lord prepare us to allow Jesus to live in us and through us.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise for the glory of your life that we may find in all things. Please forgive all our failings and help us to make amends with the help of your love. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts, especially the gift of companions who help us to grow in wisdom and grace. Grant us all that we need: we pray for all the people we have promised to lift up to your mercy and loving kindness. Welcome all our departed brothers and sisters into your kingdom.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Jim Middleton (4/15), Pat Serveiss (4/16), Pope Benedict XXVI (4/16), Ron DiSanto (4/16), Audrey Schnitzer (4/17), Donna Van Dusen (4/21), Anniversary: Fr Michael Carvill (4/21/1990). 

Keeping In-touch: We keeping active as always, sometimes fighting off little "bugs." Begrudgingly (because of graft, corruption, and much self-service in government) we have paid our taxes. We dodged "the winds of Denver" by getting out-of-town in the middle of the night! We enjoy visiting with family and friends... Life IS Good!

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Jesus has shown the greatest example of love by laying down his life... for all Creation. He continues to participate in all the suffering of Creation while enjoying the fulfillment to come...

Third Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise you for the glory of all the life you have given in your continual creation. Forgive us for failing to notice you and the work of your hands. Thank you for all your gifts, especially for sharing your life with us and welcoming us to participate as co-creators with you. We ask for your healing and loving kindness, especially for Mike, Keith.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Madelyn Ross  (4/9). 

Keeping In-touch: We had a wonderful trip to Chicago-land and South Bend.  We visited my brother, Mike, in the hospital, had dinner with family members, then traveled to Notre Dame for Fr. Tim Weed's Ordination and 1st Mass. The celebrations were beautiful and we received plenty to eat. Before we headed home we had a good visit with our friends Bob and Ann at their Wonder Lake Home. We visited the Schmitt Chapel and the Farm learned that my cousin, Keith, lost half of his leg because of an infection.

The Readings: Third Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Too often we find ourselves looking for "miracles" or "marvelous events" and we fail to notice the wonder of God in our everyday lives.

Ordination of Tim Weed

We were delighted to share in the ordination to the priesthood and the first mass of Marge's nephew, Tim Weed.
May he be richly blessed in his service to the Lord's people.
God bless you, Fr. Tim.

Second Sunday of Easter (Or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

My Companions, pray with me: Oh what a joyous gift you give us Lord by conquering death and offering us your love and mercy. Help us to open our hearts to your creative power and bring you glory with our lives. Forgive us all our selfishness and sin. Help us to experience your mercy. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts especially all the new life we experience this Spring. We ask you to care for all of your people who struggle with physical, mental, and emotional health struggles, especially the people on our list. Please grant you life and light to all who have gone before us to meet you in your kingdom.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Adam Olson (4/3), Mark Schnitzer (4/3), Benjamin DeQuiroz (4/4), Dani Schnitzer (4/6).   Anniversary: Jack & Anita Baker  (4/7/1956).

Keeping In-touch: We had a beautiful Holy Week and joyful Easter.  The ND Women Basketball team gave us quite a thrill last night; we'll watch the men's basketball championship tonight; dine with siblings on Thursday and celebrate Tim Weed's ordination to the priesthood on Saturday. What a full week! I'll try to play tennis today and golf on Wednesday... livin' the "high life" and hope you are also.

The Readings: Second Sunday of Easter (Or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Can you imagine encountering the Risen Jesus after experiencing the profound depression that Thomas must have felt? And can you really experience God's love for you and God's unconditional mercy? Alone, in the quiet, reflection on this "bowls me over!" What a message! What a delight!

Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we remember, especially this week, your suffering and death on the cross. We humbly seek forgiveness for our sins that cause such pain and anguish. Open our hearts and live your love through us so we experience your Resurrection from the dead each day. Please help all who suffer from physical and psychological pain; help them to know how you suffer with them and seek to bring us abundant life.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Carlos Garcia (3/26), Jay Klaus (3/26), Greg Stokes (3/29), Mark Ross (3/29), Michael Olson (3/29), Marty Sipos (3/23).   In memoriam: Gorden McKeller (3/27/14).

Keeping In-touch: We kept very busy with chores around the house last week. And, of course, we celebrated growth in wisdom (maybe), grace (maybe), and age (for sure). We finished the Breathing Underwater presentations and look forward to our celebration of Holy Week and Easter. We wish you all a Blessed Easter.

The Readings: Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I can become overwhelmed when I contemplate all the suffering in our world. Without knowing that God has taken on all this suffering and has joined in all the pain we can find no excuse for all of it. Not only does the Lord suffer with us, we have been given a glimpse of the glory that is to come. Let us not live in doubt and despair, let us live in hope...great expectation. 

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we cry inside as we contemplate your suffering and death. But for our sins you would not have suffered such a terrible death..

Forgive us all of our failings and help us to make amends to you and all the people we have hurt. Thank you for all the gifts you bring to us each day, especially the gift of faith and the gift of your awesome love. Please bless and heal all who suffer in body, mind and spirit from alienation from you and your glory. And welcome home all who have gone before us to your guiding light, especially Edmund Lay on the first anniversary of his leaving us.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Bob Weed (3/18), Chris Norton (3/19), Camila Castillo (3/22), Karen Carnegie (3/22), Rachel (Kobza) Varra (3/23), Sallie Dembeck (3/23), Tom Fatter (3/23), J.D. Plunk (3/24) Sandy Miller (3/24), Peggy Silvers (3/24), John Lay (3/24).   In memoriam: Tom King (3/21/12), Bishop Oscar Ramero (3/24/80), Bud Ferdon (3/24/15), Edmund Lay (3/24/17) .

Keeping In-touch: We spent some time watching college basketball and celebrating our February and March birthdays. I worked on some chores and find that the body just can not do what it used to do...and reminds me longer for getting in contorted positions. We look forward to celebrating Holy Week and hope your celebrations bring many blessings.

The Readings: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I feel more saddened this year as I contemplate Christ's Passion. Maybe I'm more aware of my sinfulness or maybe I'm just more aware of God's awesome love that we could never diserve. 

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year A Scrutinies

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you raised Lazarus from the dead and taught that "if the grain of wheat doesn't fall to the ground and die, it remains just a grain of wheat. May we bring you glory by offering all our sufferings (our little deaths) for your kingdom.

• Fifth Sunday of Lent

Forgive us all of our failings and help us to make amends to all we have hurt. Thank you for all the gifts you bring to us each day, may you find joy in our use of these gifts. Please bless and heal all who are struck by sickness these days, especially Lindsay Smith, Becky Dvorak, and Bev Grau (sciatica pain). And welcome home all who have gone before us to your guiding light.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Neil Draxler (3/12), Wendy Fieldler (3/12),  Charlie Stevens (3/17), Lindsay Smith (3/17), Rick Dunn (3/17), Trish Buckley (3/17).   In memoriam: Myron Defrancia (3/17/12).

Keeping In-touch: The month of March is marching on rapidly! We enjoyed staying with our grandson, Nate, and his father, Tony, while Lori Beth attended a conference. The energy of a second-grader amazes us older folks. Now that we returned home we have many chores. Breathing Underwater keeps us thinking! and challenges us to renew our quest for unity with one another and God. And we're filling out our March Madness brackets.

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  No one wants to say "good-bye" to our family members and friends. Jesus also wept when his cousin, John, and his friend, Lazarus, died. But Jesus also taught us by his life and his word that our sufferings and even our death will bring life greater than we can imagine!

Fourth Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you cured the man born blind and you taught Nicodemus to see the light. Please help us see; help us open our hearts and minds to your loving kindness.

Thank you for all your glory that shines for us. We have hearts of gratitude for all our gifts. Please touch and make whole all on our list of those who need your healing, especially Becky Dvorak (Connie's sister who will under go more tests for cancer).

Bring all our loved ones who have gone before us to more fully experience your loving-kindness, especially Rev. Dennis Ryan who died yesterday.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Bill Lay (3/8),Mary (Himpleman) Weightman (3/9),  nephew, John Lay (3/10)   In memoriam: Rev. Dennis Ryan (3/4/18), Sam Eccher (3/6/10).

Keeping In-touch: We returned from our Iowa trip and continue our "regular activities" and enjoyed some nice sunny, warm days. I attended our Men's Retreat that took place at the Seminary. Now we're visiting at the Gulmantovicz's, enjoying the mountains and with-standing the high winds...

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  Through my companions, prayer and my presentations and study, I experience more each day the love that is always, unconditionally offered to us. I know the Lord loves us and wants to heal us of all our blindness. He wants to take away our "stinking thinking" and help us to see the light. 

Third Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you called for the Woman at the Well to give you a drink. She responded by seeking to engage you in a theological argument! Help us to respond to your call; help us to grow in relationship with you.

We sing the glory of God; we seek forgiveness with the knowledge of God's mercy; and we ask for all we need from God who only desires the best for us.

Thank you for all the life you bring us each moment. Touch and heal all who suffer and long for your sweet comfort, especially Clarlee Stevens.

Bring all our loved ones who have gone before us into your loving embrace, this week we especially remember Gary's friend, Vern,

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Tom Duggan (2/26),  In memoriam: Vern Evans (2/21/18).

Keeping In-touch: What a wonderful time to visit family in Iowa (and what awful weather!). We enjoyed the talent and effort of all the young Ankeny Students in the Show Choir Event... especially our Julianne. I'm so grateful for my son, Matthew, filling-in for me at our Sunday gathering of Breathing Underwater. 

The Readings: Third Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: This is one of my favorite Gospel readings. No only does Jesus challenge the people of his day (and us too, today) to move beyond the life-stifling attitudes and conventions of our time, he offers life-giving water. And I relate to the Woman at the Well: too often I spar with my God in my attempt to know and understand, when all God desires is my love. God freely offers us life... we try to earn what we can never earn..............the love that is always, unconditionally offered to us.