Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
Often “no news is good news” so I hope everyone increases in health and happiness.

Keeping-in-touch:
Some weeks enliven us more than others! Marge and I enjoyed an evening, midweek, of camping and storytelling with our friends Greg and Pat at Chatfield Reservoir. So often I find that we work with people or even live with others and don’t take time to share stories and visions. On another level I experienced a similar happening as I attended the Jewish -- Christian Dialogue Dinner in Colorado Springs and listened to the exchange of Rabbi Howard Hirsch and Rev. John Pawlikwoski. If all persons could only share the glory of encountering everyone with openness, respect and affirmation, we would approach “the Kingdom.” Then we escaped for “autumn delight” by camping and exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and the Peak to Peak Highway: the glory of the LORD shown all ‘round us! We had some quiet time; we relaxed and read. I finished reading Modras’s Ignatian Humanism: A Spirituality for the 21st Century. This work spoke to me like few I have read: for it put “blood and guts” on the stories of some of the Jesuits whose work I have studied and introduced me to others whose work I had not known.
See our pics http://picasaweb.google.com/johnwlay/AutumnDelight080925#

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/100508.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley concludes: “God sent his own son into the trap of human life not because life is perfect, but because love is.”

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/27OrdA100508/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections

I can not help but think about the greed and selfishness that brings us to our present economic crisis as a nation when I read Jesus’ story of the workers who kill the master’s son. What difference does it make if you destroy others with stones or bogus financial instruments in order to pilfer the livelihood of others? We must call for responsibility and justice. I suggest, as we do this, we also follow the admonishment of the second reading and “Have no anxiety at all, but…”

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
I have heard wonderful reports from Connie on her service to the people at Good Sam Hospital. No news on change as my Aunt, Agnes is still in the hospital/rehab and Gary Dixon is “hanging-in-there.” From my “Event Calendar”: Chris Lay and Eric Olson Birthdays and Chuck and Mary Olson’s Anniversary.

Keeping-in-touch:
I’m happy to report that Marge returned and had a wonderful time with Meg, Cullen, Julianne and Charlie. I presented my vision to people in Colorado Springs, they seemed receptive but the opportunity to work with traditional undergraduates (substituting at Regis College) enlivened and encouraged me. I played some tennis and we celebrated with friends at Broomfield Days, a Cyrus BBQ and small church community (Neil and Mark cooked great BBQ and Mexican Cuisine). Our attention has turned from the washed-up Rockies to the lucky Broncos and, of course, the leadership (or lack thereof) in our political and economic world.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/092808.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley challenges us with the question, “Why be good?” Are you willing to suffer for others?http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/26OrdA092808/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections“

Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.” What a challenge! And what is “the kingdom of God” anyway? I desire to live in the Mystery of Divine Love, but does that mean I have to love everyone? I say, “Yes, I will work to build your kingdom of love.” But do I really, just go about my plans, my business? Do I have to love those in power who by their selfish actions suck the life out of our social network? Do I have to love those who “step on me” to advance their own careers? Or, more painfully, must I love those who ignore me? And, must I acknowledge every Bozo who places demands on me? Must I “empty myself” and forgive those who will spit on me or ostracize me? Oh, forgive me for my “spitting-on,” “stepping-on” and “ignoring.” And help me to forgive others.

I think it would be easier to “fight for Christ” than “love with Christ.”

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

When did you receive your invitation to work?

My Companions:
My Aunt, Agnes is still in the hospital/rehab. And Gary Dixon is “hanging-in-there.” From my “Event Calendar”: My Maggie’s Birthday & Brother Don & Chris’s Anniversary.

Keeping-in-touch:
I filled last week with celebrations at Regis (30 years of Adult Programs – I’ve only been a part for 27 of them) and the start of Ignatian Scholars (a wonderful group of men and women for others). Marge left Saturday to go visit the Nebraska kids and grandkids… so Matt and I live in a little more cluttered environment (but we’ll fix that before Thursday).

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/092108.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley asks, “What have we received from God’s fond heart?” http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/25OrdA092108/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections: This Gospel reading I keep close to the top of my list. Like everyone I sometimes fret about just wages... or others making more than me. I can sit on a “pity-pot” because “I’ve worked so hard… so long” but this challenging reading makes me focus on the generosity of the LORD who wishes a full life for all of us. Too often I get caught-up in (probably even envy) the perceived “perks” or “good fortune” of others. Yes we must work for justice, if we really hope for peace… but we should focus on the opportunities we have to participate in a God’s wonderful project of creation! The LORD invites us to work in the field of God's Reign.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

My Companions:
My Aunt, Agnes (93), is failing so I pray for comfort in these days for her. I have not heard from the Dixons but continue to pray for Gary’s fight. Otherwise most of you who keep contact draw summer activities to a close and enter the autumn schedules of school, fall sports and, this year, political discussions and choices. I do hope we open our minds and hearts as we participate in our political responsibilities with reason and compassion. I hope we seek the LORD’s will. Looks like we have a couple celebrations this week: Gary & Joan’s Anniversary, Birthdays: Mary Kate Weed and Taylor Smith.

Keeping-in-touch:
When we celebrate a holiday, the week flies bye! My academic work has increased significantly; I continue to enjoy the political events on TV as well as the US Open (tennis). Bill and I played tennis (talk about a couple of aging men) and I went fishing and catching with Jim & Kim and Marge. This week I begin my participation in the Ignation Scholars Program so… life is good.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/091408.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley compares the snake of Moses with the Cross of Jesus http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/HolyCross091408/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections How can we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? Like Peter (two weeks ago), I like to focus on the anticipated glory. How can the “world be saved” by gazing on a gruesome image of corporal punishment? The irony, to me, is overwhelming: I can not deny my sin (my alienation from God, self, others and the world) and expect to "see God." But, hopefully, I can pass through this separation and isolation and gain the fullness of life in Christ, the one crucified. May the power of this saving cross cleanse us and renew our world.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
It seems like the Pastor, Fr. Ed, can actively guide the ship again but I suspect he still feels the pain. And I know Gary Dixon struggles with full dosage now of his Interferon. Lori Beth and Tony met with the social service people to finish their preparations for adoption… who knows, we may have an addition by Christmas… So keep them in your prayers.

Keeping-in-touch:
Marge and I enjoyed our relaxing camping trip to Grand Lake; I didn’t even try to go fishing. And we celebrated the wedding of her friends Gayle and Chip on the Holiday. I guess we really celebrated Labor Day! We’re back in the swing-of things: watching political conventions and Rockies’ baseball. The end of this weekend we celebrate our children’s wedding anniversaries: Julie and Jason on Friday (since they’re in California, we’re going to dinner with the Kents.. who share our anniversary and we have not gone out with them yet… so what’s three months in the scheme of life?) and Lori Beth and Tony on Sunday. By the way, I’m feeling much better and ready to play tennis again. Thanks for the prayers.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/090708.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley says that these readings are a love story!

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/23OrdA090708/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections

This prescription takes a great deal of integrity and fortitude; punching another out or criticizing them or evening just ignoring a situation… waiting for it to melt away take much less effort and veracity. I hope I can practice a humble, honest approach to those who have wronged me. On the other hand, a sinful man like myself can take another spin on this and accept the challenge to seek forgiveness from those he has wronged as well as reunion from those who hurt him. Do you know how difficult a task presents itself when you learn you have hurt another and must seek forgiveness? And all humans do not wait with open arms like our LORD!

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.
John