The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

My Companions:
Mary Weed continues to fight and her doctors suggest new treatments, please continue to pray for her and all of her family. And as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of All Souls this weekend, in a special way, remember all your ancestors who have shared their faith with you; they have passed-on a wonderful gift, probably more by their example than anything they had written or spoken to you. Special events on my calendar this week: Hayley Smith’s birthday, Jason Schnitzer’s birthday, Larry & Judy Lay’s anniversary, and Mike Lay’s birthday… celebrate with enthusiasm! Don't forget to vote... and say a prayer we live-up to the challenge.

Keeping-in-touch:
The Broncos didn’t help us begin the week very well. I attended a talk by Rev. Ronald Rolheiser, OMI on “Dark Nights in Our Faith” that challenged me in my dry moments in prayer. And I hurried through my presentation at our Core Faculty Assembly, because others had much to say. We took a fast trip to Lincoln and enjoyed precious moments with the grandchildren, Charlie and Julianne. I hope you too fill your days with joyful interactions but take time for moments of re-creation.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/110208.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley hit me with a phrase (though we may miss our friend or family member) “he or she has been welcomed into the arms of love even as Jesus himself was when he died.” http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/AllSouls110208/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections Notice a new link in the upper left corner of this blog: I find that this “3 minute retreat” can anchor my day. This week I returned to my journal (based on Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises, Challenge by Mark Link SJ). I noticed that I have worked on this for two years now, and this text covers only the “first week” of the Exercises! In any case, the daily reflections have confronted me to consider my actions in light of my, inevitable, death. “If I live 20 more years, what will I be like based on my present actions and decisions?” “What will others say at my funeral?” “How, with my sins, will I encounter God?” This is pretty heavy stuff but in light of the readings we will proclaim this weekend, I do experience forgiveness and mercy and expect “to be welcomed into the arms of love.” When I think of all this, I become overwhelmed with my limited imagination!

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
I returned from my wonderful seminar on Friday (Ignatian Scholars) to find my Bride so emotionally upset after hearing from her brother-in-law’s call that her sister, Mary, was rushed to the hospital. Mary continues to struggle with new invasions of cancer and this time fluid filling her lungs. So I have a special call for Mary's health and Margaret's compassion. One of the leaders of our scholars group, Susie, experienced an “unguided motorcycle” on her trip to our session… so we should pray for her healing (She participated for the day but did not seem very comfortable) and that of the cycle “driver.” I have added our friend Jim to our list because his recent physical gave some cause for concern. On the more gracious side we have some rejoicing for the positive experience of service that Lindsay and Taylor have completed in Africa We pray for their safe return to Broomfield. Anita claims that a reasonable comparison between the autumn color of Colorado and of upstate New York stretches the optical faculties of deprived Centennial State Residents; but more importantly, she writes that Rick finished treatments for a while. On my calendar this week I see birthdays for Josh Parise, Clint Ross and Don Lay. Thanks for all your prayers!

Keeping-in-touch:
My week overflowed with study and three tennis outings. My preparations for course work and a little writing kept me out of trouble. I very much enjoyed meeting Ronald Modras (Ignatian Humanism) and an extended encounter with the Dean, Marcel Dumestre, where he shared his vision for our Schools in the College of Professional Studies at Regis. I read Marcel’s book, A Church at Risk: The Challenge of Spiritually Hungry Adults. His approach and argument will help me because I made a preliminary decision to write a book to help faith communities apply theories and methods of distance learning to community development and education for spiritual enrichment. I need more reflection on my experience, understanding and judgment but, I’m working on my outline and will begin to write stories and collect resources.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/102608.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley tells us that if we want to know what’s happening, we need to look at what love is doing. http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/30OrdA102608/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections: First, I chose Brother Robert Lentz’s icon of Martyrs of the Jesuit University, http://www.trinitystores.com/?icon=64&artist=1. I struggled to find a depiction of “Love your neighbor as your self and love God above all things” and you may appreciate, not only the image, but the story (if you have a moment to follow the link). This phrase speaks to the heart of the Good News: the challenge to our craving hearts to become complete in Infinite Mystery.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
I heard from Randy and Gary (comments in blog) to pray for Nic, Billy and Dorothy. And, of course, Marge spoke with her sister, Mary. Also, we all need to pray for some sanity in financial markets and for responsible governmental leadership. I have only one anniversary on my calendar for this week: the celebration of Mother’s transition to eternal life (six years ago!).

Keeping-in-touch:
The week flew by so fast it was a blur… and fall is in the air! I rode a 16 mile and 20 mile bike ride, received some good counsel about my Emmaus project and visited with friends. I began building an Old Testament Course on the platform. I continue my study of candidates and issues and plan to vote and mailed my ballot before I travel to Chicago. We have planned a quick weekend trip to Lincoln (land of grandchildren). We were not able to attend Presentation’s Festival after all but we hope those who did attend enjoyed the food, dance and auction. Marge continues her class on the Book of Revelation but isn’t sure if the end is near or not.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/101908.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley queries: “What if you are created to be a container for God’s presence right in the midst of the secular world?”http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/29OrdA101908/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections"Whose image is this and whose inscription?" Did Jesus know how to deal with hypocrites or what! And He leaves us with a daily struggle: how can we steward all the blessings God has bestowed on us?
Many years ago I read a book by Douglas Meeks, God, the Economist: The Doctrine of God and Political Economy. Meeks proposes that we understand Our God as a Community of Persons and The Head of the Household; this leaves us with a challenge to live appropriately as just stewards (see a review: http://theologytoday.ptsem.edu/jul1990/v47-2-bookreview8.htm). There may be no “quick fix” to our social and economic issues today but I have not heard anyone argue in favor of our present economic leadership or tax code!
I tried to apply my best understanding of love to my deliberations on issues and candidates. I hope my choices will help “Caesar” fulfill “his” responsibilities to God. If you’re finishing your deliberations, may the Lord guide you. Brother-in-Law, Pat, wrote me to encourage everyone to pray and invite God to guide us to become a holy people.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions:
We heard from Kim that Gary “has a couple good days” as he works through the cancer treatment. And Mary Weed continues to struggle with her treatments. We’re expecting the best. My calendar this week shows: Birthdays: Bill Smith, Judy Lay, Cameron Stevens and Clarley Stevens; Wedding Anniversary: Pat and Mary Norton.

Keeping-in-touch:
Marge and I spent another colorful, long weekend in the Colorado Rockies, this time in the Grand Lake Area. Many thanks to my friend, Ted. Otherwise we journeyed through a normal week, if there is such a thing. We’re looking forward to the festival at Presentation of Our Lady Church this weekend. I plan to do some writing and grade papers…

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/101208.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley reminds us that Jesus both fasted and feasted:

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/28OrdA101208/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections

First, I often wondered about the fellow who attended the wedding feast without a wedding gown, was bound and thrown out on his ear! I guess that seems harsh because I live in such a “casual social network.” After some reflection and reading, it hit me: the fellow did not choose to prepare or fully participate in a wonderful celebration. This lesson is a challenge for me to attend more fully to my prayer life in order to more abundantly contribute to the celebration that is Life… to both feast and fast with gusto!

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John