Pentecost Sunday

My Companions: Thank you for your prayers for my friend Gary and for Kim, Amanda and Matthew. The “celebration of another’s life” calls us to reflect on all the gifts given to us from the Author of Life: may we use those gifts well and expect a purification of all of these in the Kingdom of God. Continue in your prayer for all our sick companions and for all who do not find opportunities to employ their talents and gifts in our trying economy.
Birthdays this week: Michael Ross B-day.
Keeping-in-touch: Our journey to Raleigh brings wonder to our eyes and ears as we see and hear how our friend touched so many lives. We have received a very gracious welcome from the family and friends of the Dixons. The love and compassion poured-out brings to light the work of the Spirit. This spring season fills our world with new life… and there’s an excitement in Denver over basketball!

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/053109.shtml

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “…believers today are definitely filled with the Holy Spirit. It is the same Spirit that descended upon the apostles and their associates. But we receive the gift in a much less dramatic manner.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/PentecostB053109/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: The Holy Spirit lives in me and in you. When we are moved with charity, understanding and hope we embody that movement of the Spirit of God. In a special way let us open ourselves to the workings of the Spirit in ourselves and in those we meet.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Gary Dixon 2/28/47 - 5/20/09

I received one of "those" calls while in a meeting at Regis yesterday. "... Gary died last night." Kim told me. (see obituary at http://hosting.9871.tributes.com/show/Gary-Dixon-85954970 )

My friend loved life! He loved his beautiful Bride, Kim, and he loved his children, Amanda and Matthew. His family and all his friends will always re-member his zest for life. He always filled the room with energy, the energy he embodied from the love he found in nature, in people, in his inner self and in his relationship with the Lord.

Gary didn't have to tell you about "abundant life." He lived it: in the mountains, on the golf course, on the tennis court, in his garden, in the classroom or where ever life can be found.

He honored me by asking me to stand as best man at his wedding and I am so proud of the sacramental sign of Christ the marriage of Kim and Gary has been. Through them we have known the love of God and have loved God in return. He honored me by calling me "friend."

So I have taken some time to read the story of Lazarus: how Jesus loved him and how Jesus asks (us) if we believe: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible_hold/john/john11.htm and I invite you to join me as I think of the way Gary lived life and trusts in The Good Shepherd http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/john/john10.htm#v10

Let us celebrate his life... and the Life we are called to share now and forever more.

Mr Gary Donald Dixon
BORN: February 28, 1947
DIED: May 20, 2009

Visitation:
Tuesday May 26 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Renaissance Funeral Home
7615 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, NC
Funeral Service:
Wednesday May 27 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church
5801 Falls of Neuse Road
Raleigh, NC
Interment:
Wednesday May 27 5:00 PM to 5:15 PM
St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church Columbarium
5801 Falls of Neuse Road
Raleigh, NC

Ascension of the Lord

My Companions: I am most appreciative in my prayer these days for the wonderful spring weather; we can enjoy the out-of-doors and see new life all around us. Let’s pray for all the graduates and celebrate their success. Remember all those looking for work. I have added my friend Timothy Strick, who is checking on some memory problems and Fr Ed Hoffmann who will leave parish life for the Monastery, but take time to read through our list..
Birthdays this week: open calendar this week.
Keeping-in-touch: I’m very appreciative of the help I received from my friend, Gary, as we put up a new fence and gate at the front of the house. We attended some graduation parties and visited with friends we had not seen for a while. I played some tennis and hit the ball fairly well at Nativity men’s softball. Well the big news last week was our pastor, Fr Ed Hoffmann, told the people of Nativity that he will return to the monastery at Snowmass in July; we will have a new pastor and we hope Fr Ed finds peace in his new environment.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/052409b.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “The immense act of modest love that was the resurrection is poured into us and is called the Holy Spirit.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/7EasterB052409/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: In a special way, may we tune into the Holy Spirit as we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord!


May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Sixth Sunday of Easter

My Companions: Lori Beth and Tony made contact with a new adoption agency so that’s some good news. I hope you saw Anita Dunn’s request for prayers for Jim Noonan. Otherwise our list is long. We also have many blessings for which our hearts should swell in gratitude.
Birthdays this week: Connie Kobza birthday and Katie & Jim Frodl’s wedding anniversary; blessings to them.
Keeping-in-touch: Since I updated so late last week, I do not have much new to share… our lives are full!

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/051709.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “Therefore, Jesus is not gone, gone, gone, he is here, in the flesh, in all who will receive him.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/6EasterB051709/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: Why is it so hard to quiet ourselves and realize the love of God… our friend!


May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Fifth Sunday of Easter

My Companions: For all those fighting sickness, I have especially in mind Mary Weed, Gary Dixon and Patrick O’Donnell, may our prayers help them in their suffering and help & guide all who love them and serve them in their time of need. Let’s also remember to pray for other enslaving aspects we experience: employment issues (because of their employment or lack of employment), anxiety (and other psychological disorders), as well as spiritual emptiness. But let’s not forget to have gratitude in our hearts for the new life around us: Craig McBride’s going to be a grandpa again.
Birthdays this week: Anna Margaret DeBaar, Willy Smith, Molly Norton, Sharon McKay and Patrick Norton… blessings to all.

Keeping-in-touch: I’m “a slacker again” this week: it’s Thursday and only now do I update this blog. Maybe I have slowed-down because I do not act my age: I pulled a muscle in my leg playing softball Sunday evening. Our first “Who do you say I am” reflections with men at Nativity brought some encouraging comments. I have had some encouraging meetings in both Colorado Springs and Denver for the use of our services. My learning curve seems more like a ladder about ready to fall back on itself, but I’ve always loved the challenge. We enjoying the spring weather and look forward to our trip to Spain (less than 3 weeks away and Marge isn’t finished packing). The honey-do list grows by the minute… (think I'll go play golf with my friend, Jim).

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/051009.shtml

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “Ouch. If we bring forth no fruit, we 'will be thrown out like a branch and wither.' If we bear some, we have to be pruned anyway. We lose either way!” http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/5EasterB051009/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: Fr. Foley’s reflections this week rank as some of the best. More than ever before, I experience this pruning in both my work and in my prayer. The pains and the rejections as well as the surge of life and encouragement tell me that I’m alive... and connected to both an incomplete world and a loving Lord.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John