First Sunday of Advent

My Companions: Prayers are answered, sometime in the way we wished: Greg writes: "please change our house status to the "Thansgiving and Praise" section for sale of our house and finding a new home." And we still have a long list of petitions, praise and... I hope, as we celebrate Thanksgiving with hearts of gratitude and prepare for our yearly celebration of the Incarnation this Advent, we can be filled with life and hope.


Birthdays: an empty calendar this week.

Keeping-in-touch: Not much new to share (especially since I've been running late and now post early in the week). We expect to keep busy with work and holiday preparations.

The Readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/112909.shtml

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “If you can say “You are right, I am afraid of these,” then go back to the Responsorial Psalm and pray. Beg that Christ be given birth in your soul..." http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/1AdvC112909/reflections_foley.html

My Comments: I know that I'm anxious. I keep very busy and work to "put on a happy face," but even in my efforts to discern God's will, I wonder if I'm truely open to God's "next best opportunity."

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.
John

The Solemnity of Christ the King

My Companions: Better late than never??  In the "Links" on the side I have added a link to "Listen to Scripture."  That link takes you to pod casts for the daily readings (they're produced ahead so you will have to scroll down to the present day).  I hear of many who are sick, out of work or just struggling with life; let us pray and work for all hurting persons.  I also hear of great joy: new babies, old friends connecting after many years and people finding peace in their lives.  I have a special prayer for Lacey Kobza who will move to California, keep her safe and may she find true "gold."  May we praise the Lord and may the Lord give us strength.


Birthdays: Anniversary: George Stevens 11/17, Megan (Lay) Stevens 11/19, Lacey Kobza 11/21.

Keeping-in-touch: Nana has been able to watch Nathan a couple days and it brings such joy to her heart!!  I've been working seeking the Charter Members of our Emmaus Institute Network and appreciate the help of Karen and Ed.  I've also enjoyed working in the traditional college filling-in for another sick instructor: the students are sooooo young.  And we've enjoyed our snow dumpings & meltings.  Oh, and the news is: Julie and Jason will have a little girl in April.  That will even the grandchildren to two girls and two boys!!!

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/112209.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “I could make the present reflection into a campaign for action, action now."
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/33OrdB111509/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: As the Church year draws to a close and we reflect on the end of the world, I ask myself: "What kind of King are you seeking?"

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: As always, we have so much for which to pray: the glory of the life around us, all the people on our lists, and for discernment of God's will for us...  My special prayer this week is for all who suffer and are near the end of their days (fill-in the blank _______________) and remember what these people teach us about the tentative nature of our short lives and how we expect redemption through our suffering.
Keeping In-touch:  It's Saturday afternoon and I'm only getting this posted "under the wire."  We had a wonderful time with our daughters, son, son-in-laws and grandchildren!  The snow has melted and we enjoy 70 degree temps...
The Readings: http://www.usccb.org/nab/110809.shtml
Reflection on the readings: http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/33OrdB111509/reflections_foley.html  "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference."
My reflection: When I look at my calendar, when I look at my "check-book," I see where my treasure really is.