Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
I was late last week and doing better with my post this week; so except for keeping an update on Anna Margaret's surgery (see comments on last week's post) I have not heard too much from "My Companions." Oh I did receive a question about how to leave comments... just click on the comment box, write your comment, choose "name" and leave your name, the choose "Publish Post."

Keeping-in-touch

I have little news: Matt's home, I'm plugging away on the Emmaus project...

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/080308.shtml

Comments on the Readings
Fr. Foley focuses on the GOOD NEWS and how much we can trust the Lord:

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/18OrdA080308/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections

Where Fr. Foley focuses on the good news and the graciousness of God in these readings, I can not but reflect on the miracle of Jesus in feeding the multitudes... maybe because I'm thinking of the miracle of modern medicine in the healing of Anna Margaret and the miracle of celebrating the Eucharist...

I read somewhere that medieval people believed in Jesus because of miracles and modern people believe in Jesus in spite of the miracles (our sin is pride: we think we're so smart and know all about the world and all about God, thus fail to open ourselves to Mystery).

I think we miss the deeper meaning of miracle as a "work of God" or "a sign of God's presence" (a translation of the word used in the Greek: see semeion http://eastonsbibledictionary.com/m/miracle.htm) because we focus on the Latin translation of the word mīrāculum = wonder. We think we know how God acts/works and we expect God to be inactive except for "special moments." We do not really appreciate "the miracle of life" and know that Our Lord is constantly active in every moment of our lives. We do not live in a world of wonder (Latin) because we fail to recognize the love that fills our lives because of the work of God (Greek).

Take a moment to recognize the working of God in your life today for "this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" And thank you for helping me celebrate all this Good News.

Maybe you could leave a comment on the miracles in your life these days...

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

July 27, 2008 Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:

I spoke with Kim and Gary went for surgery this week to remove lymph nodes (and as I post this received a voice mail: they appreciate our prayers and are receiving support). They do not know what treatment will follow but need prayer for body and spirits. Ted told me that his mother-in-law can get around a little better. And Randy let me know that Nick, his son, has west Nile… and got it here even though he has flown to Southeast Asia for his project. We saw the Varras (Rachel and Peter) before they flew to Hawaii and they glowed with life. Anna Margaret has open heart surgery this week, so keep this little girl in your prayers.Keeping in-touch:You can see that I’m “slacking” as this preparation will only be written hours before we celebrate the Sunday Liturgy. We enjoyed our Son, Daughters and Grandchildren and this week seemed to fly-bye as I continued to work on my Emmaus Project and on my exercising (tennis and biking). Also, it has taken a lot of energy just to deal with the high 90s heat. Matt will move home on Monday. My prayer this week has focused on finding funding or a job so I can continue to work on my project… Maybe, like Solomon, I should just pray for wisdom and the Lord will lead me to something useful!

The Readings:

http://www.usccb.org/nab/072708.shtml

Comments on the Readings

Fr. Foley challenges us to listen with an open heart and find wisdom. http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/17OrdA072708/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections

As I mentioned earlier, I need to pray for wisdom. I have reached-out to many people as I work on my Emmaus project and I meet many gracious people. Although Solomon is known for his wisdom, he is also known for taxing the heck out of his people! I wonder what I would do if I had such power. I like to think that I have my sights on a “pearl of great price” but all my vision and enthusiasm will be worth nothing if it does not serve the building of the Kingdom of God: AMDG

What are you “hiding” or “working to purchase” these days? How do you see that connected with God’s will?

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

July 20, 2008: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
Randy shared an email (see comment on last week) of the trauma that Sophie experiences over her missing daughter.

Keeping in-touch:
We delightedly shared in the wedding celebration and reception of Patrick and Candice Brannan in Colorado Springs: the love in the Sacramental Celebration will sign Christ’s Love for years to come. My trip to Las Vegas for Regis was eventful and it’s always good to work together. The rest of the week we have prepared for the arrival of our grown children and the grand children as we prepare for Rachel and Peter’s Wedding.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/072008.shtml

Comments on the Readings
Fr. Foley builds his reflections on the theme of forgiveness. http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/16OrdA072008/reflections_foley.html


My Reflections
So many times I pray for the Lord to rid this world of evil. (I guess it’s the American Way to want to go after “the axis of evil.”) Somehow Our Lord seems to be able to “write straight with crooked lines.” God even seems to take the shadow side of my own life bring me to good!

Can you think of a time that the Lord seemed to make something good come out of “weeds” that you would have eradicated earlier?

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

July 13, 2008: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:

Except for an email from Randy seeking prayers for a missing friend (see comment), I have not heard or read much to share. So, hopefully, we are “the glory of God,” that is “a people fully alive.”

Keeping in-touch:

Our celebration of Independence Day played-out, as usual, with some wonderful tennis on TV from Wimbledon and the viewing of fireworks from the driveway. Quiet holidays help us re-create ourselves.

The Readings:

I hope the Pastor reads the short version of the Gospel. The parable alone paints such a challenging image.http://www.usccb.org/nab/071308.shtml
Comments on the Readings

Fr. Foley challenges me with the poetry and asks the stinging question “How good is your own soil?” http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/15OrdA071308/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections

My soil needs work! So I have asked myself, “When am I most fully alive?” My answers (no surprises): when Marge and I actively work around the house or enjoy the beauty of the nature around us; when I find myself engrossed on the computer solving challenges or interacting with students; when my tennis stroke is “in the groove.” These are the times when I accept the Love that surrounds me… and hopefully love flows through.

When are you fully alive?

I'm sure you have some insights for all of us...

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

July 6, 2008: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
Thanks Matthew for beginning to make this blog interactive! As we prepare for our Sunday assembly may we have a safe holiday and reflect on the value of having the freedom to choose the good! I have added a section on the left side of the blog to list those "who have gone before us in the sign of faith." Let me know who you would like to add to the list.

Keeping in-touch:
I think we have recovered from our jet-lag. The bridal shower went well and the anticipation of Rachel and Peter's wedding (and the arrival of all our children to town) begins its crescendo. Time flys when you're having fun. I've made some strides on formats for Emmaus Institute work. And I had a great deal of time to meditate as I began painting on the outside of the house. Otherwise we are back in the swing of life in Broomfield.


The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/070608.shtml

Comments on the Readings
Fr. Foley's reflections on the Readings take a look at how Jesus, unlike Dylan Thomas, didn't focus on death. http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/14OrdA070608/reflections_foley.html


My Reflections
As I reflect on these scriptures I can not help but recall the times I didn't particularly want a humble God who would meekly ride into town on an ass. In our every day view of the world and the standards by which most of the world works, Jesus is a "loser." This is a real challenge for those of us who pray for comfort, wealth and fame. Can I really find comfort in one who was crucified? I don't know about you, but I want to live "an abundant life." I guess I will reflect this week on what that really means... even though I know I will die and I'm aware that I often do not live in the freedom that has been offered to me!
I'm sure you have some insights for all of us...

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John