Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: We had hoped to meet our friend from our trip to Ireland, Pat Dolan, but she had to leave Vail because her daughter has to have an operation: please pray for them. Many of our “companions” take this summer time to travel so we need to remember them. As always our leaders need many prayers: may they be true servants and write laws and policies that bring out the best in their people. Fr. Eustace Sequeira will be installed as pastor of St Ignatius Loyola Parish on Sunday, may he thrive as he serves his people! As always I appreciate your prayers for the people on our lists.
Birthdays this week: Cameron Ross 7/26, Ted McMurdo 7/29, Karen Norton 8/1
Keeping-in-touch: We returned from camping Monday and enjoyed the normal activities… studies, gardening and thinning the forest on Dover Court. I wrote a grant proposal and met with the Deacon Formation team. Kim Dixon and her son, Matthew, stopped for a night before heading to Vail: Matthew had time to run me around the tennis court.
The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/080209.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “We should take the falling seriously because there is really no answer to the failures of our lives, the dropping away of opportunities, the falling economy, the multiple disappointments, and the soft progress toward death.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/18OrdB080209/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: Let us praise the Father for all the “bread” he gives to us, especially “The Bread of Life,” His Son, Jesus.


May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: I have heard of many concerns: Theresa (aunt Margie’s sister) needs prayer for her up-coming heart surgery and I have been asked to pray for my Sister’s, Judy’s, daughter, Molly who has a terrible disease. My colleague and friend, Pat O’Donnell, had an emergency brain surgery and is recovering. Niece, Katie Lay, told us of her engagement to Nick and we’re happy that the wedding will not take place ‘till next fall; pray that they celebrate love that exists when that satisfaction, security and development of another is as important as one’s own satisfaction, security and development. I’m sure there are many concerns, as well as, prayers of gratitude and praise that I can not begin to list.
Birthdays/Anniversaries this week: Larry Lay 7/14 (b-day), Megan & Cullen Stevens 7/14 (wedding anniversary),
Keeping-in-touch: Life is slowly returning to the normal rush… We took some special time to go camping in the national forest with Lori Beth and Tony (and their puppies). We’re happy to enjoy the quiet of our home and begin to catch-up on professional and personal activities.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/072609.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “…keep this Lord before our eyes. The God who gives lasting peace.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/17OrdB072609/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: I don’t know about you, but so often I, unreasonably, worry about how we will continue to make the dollars outlast the month. When we gather this weekend the Lord calls us to trust that He will provide!


May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: I ask that you pray with me for (the other) John and Margaret Lay who celebrate their love in Christ today, their wedding day. Otherwise pray for safty on the roads and all our needs and concerns as well as thanksgiving for blessings received and the Glory of God.

Birthdays this week: Dave Larson 7/9 Katie (Norton) Frodl 7/10 Ryan Beck 7/11

Keeping-in-touch: Wow another week of travel (almost updated this blog before you gather for our weekly celebration... at least those of us on this side of "the pond," Lou!). 1,600+ miles and we will still drive from Chicago to Lincoln to Broomfield after Johnny and Maggie's wedding. We had good celebrations of Independence Day in Twin Lakes with Fr. Ed & family & friends and another celebration in Broomfield.We had a good visit with the Weeds and the Pinteks and I reconnected with a high school classmate and tennis partner, Bob Blackburn... it's good to tell old stories and laugh!

The Readings:http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/070509.shtml

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “In your own life, why not be on the lookout for gifts and givers?”http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/15OrdB071209/reflections_foley.html

My Comments: I try to keep open and hear what the Lord is sending me to do each day. I added a picture my friend Greg sent this week... it reminds me of the glory of God and the gratitued in my heart for all God's creation

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John