The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Epiphany of the Lord

My Companions:
I can report that my sister, Judi Cole, is still in the hospital but getting stronger. Melanie writes that her husband, Mike, still has a difficult time and she seeks our prayers also my brother Don requests prayers for his Father-in-law (see their request in “comments” on Nativity of Our Lord post). Let us keep in mind all who travel these days… the weather has not cooperated in many parts of the country. Birthdays this week: Alan Kobza, Sue Ross and Rebecca Amaro. Everyone have a wonderful New Year.

Keeping-in-touch:
We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Eve Dinner at Lori Beth and Tony’s and Alan, Connie & Lacey Kobza joined our whole family Christmas Day… our delightful entertainment for Christmas included the grandchildren (Julianne & Charlie) and Matthew’s Wii game. I so enjoy the cards and family pictures and letters! I’m gathering a team of evaluators for the Old Testament Course and have received some good advise from my MBA daughter, Julie, and her computer wizard husband, Jason. I’ve had some computer problems that frustrate me to no end (so if this is my major dilemma, do I live a charmed, blessed, life… or what?)

The Readings (Holy Family, Mother of God, and Epiphany) :
http://www.usccb.org/nab/122808.shtml
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/090101.shtml
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/090104.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley tells us more about the Prophetess, Anna, and challenges us to “Choose Light” when writing on the Magi :http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/HolyFamilyB122808/reflections_foley.html
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/EpiphanyB010409/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections I hope you are as delighted with the stories of these Christmas Readings as I am: a Baby in a manger; an old man and old lady waiting for the one who will bring God’s Word to all of us; shepherds, magi and The Mother of God. These are fantastic stories that are both “down to earth” and “out of this world.” I hope we can live with the wonder, the awe, the simplicity and the mystery throughout the New Year.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Nativity of Our Lord

My Companions:
Be filled with the Love of our God who came to us as a little baby to poor people on a journey! Merry Christmas. Let us remember all the homeless, poor, underemployed the sick and the oppressed as we also rejoice with our families and friends this Christmas Day. As always please pray for the companions I have listed on this blog. Judi Cole still struggles in the hospital. I talked to Gary Dixon yesterday and many days he can work a half a day; the treatments zap the life out of him. And please pray for Nancy Mulligan and her children, especially Ford, as the holidays are difficult for them this year after loosing their husband & father. Nancy told me that Fr Ed Hoffmann has been a wonderful help for her in these difficult times… the stories of compassion delight my spirits. Along with Christmas, I have many birthdays on my calendar: Chuck Olson, Judy Cole, Julie Schnitzer, and Lindsey Ross (also, it would have been my mother’s birthday this week).

Keeping-in-touch:
There’s not too much new. I’m putting the completing touches on the Old Testament Course and am inviting an evaluation team to assess the work starting in January.

The Readings (three choices or read all three):
http://www.usccb.org/nab/122508.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley claims we are in a holy place and tells how he realized how God could come as a baby:http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/ChristmasB122508/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections: I am filled with wonder and joy… what else can I write?

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Fourth Sunday of Advent

My Companions:
Today I received a call that my sister, Judi Cole, went to the hospital and is presently in ICU. She has so many issues with her health… we appreciate your prayers. And Melanie wrote that her husband, Mike, has returned to the hospital with “pneumonia... So, keep your thoughts and prayers coming our way for a speedy recovery!”
I have no birthdays/anniversaries on my calendar for this week (and I encourage you to always send me updates) but I see many on my calendar for next week. I wrote on Mary Weed’s birthday card but failed to include her birthday as an event in my blog last week (I prayed for her health and neglected to list her birthday in my blog… some brother-in-law!).

Keeping-in-touch:
My week was filled with “cancellations” “desolations” and “consolations,” and so what’s new? My productive students have delighted me and affirm my choice of this vocation, or I should say response to this calling. My desire to serve has been enhanced by my Deacon Friend and my new found “associates” in Las Vegas and San Jose. My Bride has become “a church lady” with her service at various ministries at Nativity of Our Lord (appropriate place for this holiday season). We have most of the Christmas cards addressed. Our anticipation of “children” and grandchildren makes the anticipation of the Christ Child at Christmas more special.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/122108.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley compares/contrasts the response of Mary and Zechariah and asks us how much we listen…

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/4AdvB122108/reflections_foley.html
My ReflectionsWouldn’t it be a pain to have a prophet hanging around all the time? You know, speaking God’s word and all… just when you have a good idea, like David, to honor the Lord, the prophet shows up to tell you, “this isn’t what the Lord wants!” I guess my best companions serve as prophets to me… everyone needs their Nathans! You know what I want to build for God; but where do I fail to find him?
As we turn our lives over to our God, how has “the power of the Most High overshadowed” us? How are we pregnant with the child “who will be called holy, the Son of God.” Do not be afraid and experience how you have found favor with God! Then serve your relatives (all our brothers and sisters) who others call “barren.”

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Third Sunday of Advent

My Companions:
I have had some powerful experiences with some of my companions these past days. The Mass of the Resurrection for Dr. Thomas Hooyman powerfully celebrated his life and our participation in the communion of saints (by the way, if you click on the title of each post “Second Sunday of Advent” for example, any or all comments will appear at the bottom of the entry). I also dined with a friend and colleague: Muslim and Christian entered into dialogue and shared hope for justice and peace in our world. My Aunt Marie fell and now recovers from a broken hip; her name is added to our list. I have also added Johanna O’Connell’s husband, Raymond Daniel O’Connell, to our list of those who have gone before us. I also receive many thanks for the prayers from readers of this blog (not all my companions know each other). Thanks again.

Keeping in-touch:
I went to Las Vegas last week to work on a faculty assessment team for Regis. I made new friends and continued to work hard on my school work and my projects. Margaret has turned our home into a Christmas season home where we anxiously await our times of celebration with family and friends. I had a “small moment” as I confronted another person who I thought showed me disrespect… I have so much growing to do. I hope you have found the 3 minute retreat helpful; I’ve found it a great way to start the day.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/121408.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley shares his experience of darkness and seeking the light.

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/3AdvB121408/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections:

In many ways I know that in your lives,
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon you,
because the LORD has anointed you;
he has sent you to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives
and release to the prisoners,
to announce a year of favor from the LORD
and a day of vindication by our God

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Second Sunday of Advent

My Companions:
We have good news that Mary Weed is having a good day. Please keep Melanie’s husband, Mike, in your prayers for his “markers” are off and they are worried (see comment). So many of us commented on all the blessings for which we have such gratitude in this season. We can rejoice with Nic Lumpp for the funds received in Germany for Somaly Mam Foundation.

Keeping-in-touch:
I watch the movie On the Waterfront and enjoyed the fiery preaching that we must stand for others. We enjoyed a nice, quiet Thanksgiving. And my learning curve for taking and editing film is steeper than I expected!

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/120708.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
Fr. Foley comments on the LORD’s tender love in all creation.

http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/2AdvB120708/reflections_foley.html

My Reflections When I worked downtown we regularly encountered a “bearded Bible toting Crier” who we thought was “a little short of full deck.” Makes me wonder how his contemporaries saw John the Baptist? Would I say, “that’s interesting, but what can I do about this world of sinners?”

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John