First Sunday of Lent

My Companions: It’s never easy to say “Au revoir” to our parents, even when we have a resurrection faith. Peggy’s father died last Friday, so our prayers are with her: http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090221/OBITUARIES/902210344/1023 Remember all the people looking for work and homes. Let us continue to pray for the renewed health of the people on our list; I have added Greg Wells, one of my Ignatian Faculty Scholar Colleagues.
Birthdays this week: Tony Gulmantovicz (son-in-law), Michele Lay, Mitch Ross

Keeping-in-touch: As always teaching and grading papers took up most of my time last week. Bill and Lindsay invited us to dinner one evening and our SCC (small church community group) reflected on some scenes from the movie “Passion of the Christ” as lent approaches but other than that we’re just “living the dream.” Oh yes, we did take “a leap of faith” that I will become “more productive” and we made our flight reservations for Spain in June.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/030109.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/1LentB030109/reflections_foley.html
Fr. Foley: “What if we described Lent as a “Retreat”?
My thoughts: I can not look at a rainbow as just another beautiful phenomenon any more. The rainbow tells me, “The time of fulfillment is near, the kingdom of God is at hand!” This symbol of the covenant calls to mind an invitation of friendship from the Greatest Lover not an agreement of submission but a call to abundant life. I pray my lenten practices will bring me closer to that Awesome Love.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

My Companions: We have some good news: Katie Frodl, Marge’s niece, is going to have a baby. Rachel and Peter Varra have a contract on a new home. Dave Larson gets to retire! Another good friend may have more business then he can handle with his new business (a good problem to have these days). We still have many concerns: Peggy Silvers traveled to be with her father, Merl Green, who had a stroke. My sister, Judi, returned to the hospital and needs anti-bacteria treatments. Dave Larson’s mother will have knee surgery. Remember those on our prayer lists.
Birthdays this week: Matthew (our son)

Keeping-in-touch: I enjoyed my classes, showed others how Moodle works, studied with my Ignatian Faculty Scholar Companions and celebrated St. Valentine’s Day with a Dinner & competitive card playing at “the love birds” Alan and Connie.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/022209.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/7OrdB022209/reflections_foley.html
Fr. Foley: “He is showing the people what was most important in this life, God’s forgiving love.”
My thoughts: I’m thankful for the time you, my companions, have allowed the Spirit in you to tell me, “John, your sins are forgiven.”

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

My Companions:

I did not learn much this last week that I have not already noted. Many are looking for work. Maybe we should pray for those who acted in ignorance and greed and help create this economic mess. Praying for the sociopath probably reminds us of our own evil potential and makes this a difficult behavior. Remember those on our prayer lists.
Birthdays this week: Lori Beth (my daughter)

Keeping-in-touch:
The Las Vegas trip brought new directions and services to provide. The encouragement of the people with whom I met brought delight for the service we will soon provide. My visit to downtown Las Vegas and “The Strip” revealed opulence that I have never imagined. My “tour guide,” Gary, and I brought home many stories. My home, my Bride, my family and friends hold more richness than any entertainment world… so good to return.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/021509.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/6OrdB021509/reflections_foley.html
Fr. Foley: “Our spiritual life consists of being made clean, which is the same thing as allowing God into our souls, to touch them.”
My thoughts: Jesus heals the leper. In my business, at times, students can be obsessed with, “what really happened?” and miss the power of the proclamation of God’s healing power and God’s call to allow that power to work in us. I hope as we prepare for our gathering this week, we can open our hearts and minds to that power where we, individually and communally, need healing.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

My Companions:
Gone before us: A good friend of Dad: Aggie Haines http://www.legacy.com/STNG-NapervilleSun/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=123551273
Notes on our Companions’ healing needs:
Melanie writes that her husband, Mike, must now go through chemotherapy (see comment); I heard that Pat O’Donnell is very tired on account of his chemo treatments and Sam Eccher had colon surgery on Monday. A Regis colleague: David Hirsch’s wife (in her 30s) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. And progress: my sister, Judi Cole, came home from the hospital and Marge tells me that her sister, Mary Weed, sounds stronger.
Birthdays this week: Mike DePriest and Ed Luckett.

Keeping-in-touch:
I had an opportunity to present at the Cherry Creek Diversity Conference and I’m presently in Las Vegas building business and playing a little.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/020809.shtml

Comments on the Readings:
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/5OrdB020809/reflections_foley.html
Fr. Foley: “What I did not understand was the amount of pride polish mothers take in their traditional foods and the amount of it that they serve.”
My thoughts: we really are called to trust… when we experience times of sickness (Peter’s mother-in-law), despondency (Job), or offering of our lives (Jesus). As you see from this blog we know many people in our concentric circles of friends that can use our prayers and support to encourage their trust.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John