Fourth Sunday of Advent

My Companions: My daughter, Lori Beth, fell on the stair and broke her tailbone.  Please pray for her quick recovery as she has many responsibilities with Nathan.  I have a prayer of thanksgiving that Tony was called back to work at the Railroad... lay-offs are such a drag!  We're also delighted and thankful to enjoy Kelly DePriest, our neighbor who is home for a visit from her work in the Peace Corps.  I also suggest we pray especially for those who do not experience peace, at this holiday season; that they may be filled with the compassion of our Lord.
Birthdays: no birthdays; I missed Mark & Sue Ross' Anniversary last week 12/12 (help me when I'm missing events)

Keeping-in-touch: I had an opportunity to work with traditional undergraduates and film some of their work... an opportunity to learn/relearn how to use the camera.  Last we enjoyed some good time with Nathan, we made some headway on the Emmaus Project (Immaculate Conception Parish joined our Partners) and we partied with the RS/PL College Faculty.  Marge had a babyshower for Lori Beth and Nathan.  We witnessed the wonderful generosity of Nativity Families who responded graciously to the Giving Tree project that Connie organizes so well!!

The Readings:

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “Watch Mary hasten to her cousin’s house, a long trip, on foot, over dirt and sand and rocks, under the hot, hot sun (Gospel). She does not have to be queenly and coddled in order to mother of The One."
My Comments: The little town of Bethlehem, a "nothing place," became a great place of the birth of the Savior, may we come to know that our simple persons can truely become great when we open ourselves to God's gracious love.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John