Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time


My Companions: I hope you saw the added comment from Fr. Ed about prayer needs: John Harakal and school funding needs. I also learned that Deacon John Smith’s sister, Gloria Torrence, has liver cancer and is concluding her treatments, so keep Gloria in your prayer. I also learned that Sandy Howard’s mother died this summer and will add her name to our list. And please continue to pray for all who are unemployed or under-employed. Don’t forget to praise the Lord for all the glory we find in life… and expect to experience in the full!
Birthdays this week: Margie Pintek 8/11, Katie Lay 8/19.
Keeping-in-touch: We visited good friends, Greg and Pat, while they were camping near us. Randy and I met with a publisher of “courseware.” We’re enjoying our cool summer weather as much of the rest of the country burns. Marge and I seem to be fighting a summer bug, but our energy levels have begun to return to normal. I spent much time preparing for the retreat I will lead with the teachers of Presentation of Our Lady… and I’m excited for this work!The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/082309.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: And of course, in his command from last week, to eat and drink his body and blood. The writer of John’s Gospel did not think it necessary to explain that Communion makes us “become what we have eaten,” the body of Christ. He just gave Jesus’ words by which we know this, and the disciples had to figure it out for themselves.
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/21OrdB082309/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: “Master, to whom shall we go…?” After hearing the message of “the kingdom of God” which is at times “very hard,” how can one attach one self to some guru or commit one self to power or fame or money? Listening to the message of Jesus challenges us to live in love: most beautiful, most rewarding, most life-giving…and at times, most difficult!

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

2 comments:

  1. Hi John,

    Thank you so much.

    My mom's info is: Lilian Sylvia Bennett, passed away 7/25/09, and my mother in law also passed away this summer: Rita Howard, passed 7/29/09, and yes these dates are right, we lost them both within 5 days of each other.

    Thanks for everything, we are all looking forward to our retreat on Friday.
    Sandy

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  2. As you may, or may not know, Kate's fiancé has been offered a job with the Bloomingdale Fire District as a paramedic/firefighter. Nick has completed and passed all his tests but there is one more that he needs to undergo before the job offer is final.

    I ask that you keep Nick and Kate in your prayers this week and that the Lord will protect them and allow the results of the test to be successful so these two young people can continue to grow in their chosen professions and continue to plan their wedding day!!!

    Many thanks and Blessings.
    May Christ Bless you and Keep you!!

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