The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

My Companions pray with me: May all of our memories of those who have gone before us and all of our prayers for them bring You glory Lord. Forgive us for all our broken relationships, especially for those that did not meet with a reconciliation before the passing of an alienated companion. Thank You for all the ancestors and companions who touched our lives. Please provide us with all we need to live full lives in Your Kingdom.

Companion Events: Birthdays Hayley (Smith) Forseman (10/27), Jason Schnitzer (10/27), Cameron Frodl (10/28), Timmy Weed (10/28), Aidan Komon (10/30), Mike Lay (10/31), Alex Reuter (11/1), Jenna Frodl (11/1), Eric Beck (11/1),Lugaid Brugha (11/2), Mike Norton (11/2).  Anniversary: Judy and Larry Lay (10/29/1976), Kari Shelly and Ken Lay (11/1),   In memoriam: Maud Sandoval (10/29/2013).

Keeping In-touch:  I had a challenging week. I completed a course and struggled with a very difficult student. I had a taxing encounter with another companion. And I struggled to prepare for our latest session of Meeting Jesus in Cyberspace. The home-front was quiet, except at the shooting range, and we enjoyed beautiful Fall weather. And now I'm "fully retired," at least until the start of 2015!

Decision Point: Hungry for the Truth
     Commandments for life.

The Readings: The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
"The souls of the just are in the hands of God." Wisdom tells us to trust in the Lord. Although our hearts may be filled with the pain of loss, even for those who have many years ago gone before us, we can have joy that our God will love and care for them. May we become men and women of joy because of the saints among us and because of all those who have passed before us.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may our love for You and for all our brothers and sisters bring You praise and glory. Please forgive us for the times we failed to love, or failed to love enough. Thank You for the gift of Your unconditional love; as we accept that gracious gift our hearts are filled with gratitude. And please bless everyone on our prayer lists and grant what they need to have life and bring You glory.

Companion Events: Birthdays Bill Husson (10/22), Cameron Stevens (10/8), Don Lay (10/24).  Anniversary: Carol and Andy Ondish (10/22/1960), Pat and Greg Serviess (10/25/1970),Trudy and Craig McBride (10/25/1975).

Keeping In-touch:  We returned from our trip and resumed our irregular schedule. The Fall colors in MI and IL brilliantly brought us gratitude for the beauty of nature. And we see our own local color with greater appreciation. I began Meeting Jesus in Cyberspace and enjoyed a beautiful day for a tennis game yesterday. And our new week began with a football broken record in Denver.

Decision Point: Stinking Thinking

The Readings: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
People, especially theologians, make the Gospel so difficult. Sunday we will celebrate the simple Gospel:
"You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself..."
Wait a minute. I often ask my students to define LOVE. They look at me like I came from Mars.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We adore You with our lives. We confess our sins and all that alienates us from You, Lord. Thank You for all your gifts. And please continue to bless us with all we need and please bring healing to all on our sick lists.

Companion Events: Birthdays Ken Lay (10/15), Nathan Gulmantovicz (10/15), Josh Parise (10/9)).  In memoriam: Elizabeth Lay (10/17/2002), Dick Blake (10/17/2006).

Keeping In-touch:  We've traveled to visit family and to celebrate Stan and Colleen's wedding. The fall colors in Michigan and Illinois have been amazing.

Decision Point: Be the best version of yourself
     Happiness in your life.

The Readings: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments:
This Gospel reading challenges us: what do I have in my pockets? What have I written on a blog or Facebook or...?
Do these tell where my heart is?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You, Lord and sing the glory of all Your creation. We seek Your forgiveness and mercy for all of our selfishness and failings. Thank You for all Your Gifts, especially the gift of companions with whom we celebrate life! Please care for all those on our sick list and shine Your light on all those who have gone before us in faith.

Companion Events: Birthdays Bill Smith (10/8), Cameron Stevens (10/8), Judy Lay (10/8), Eli Olson (10/9), Linda Kent (10/10), Clarley Stevens (10/11).  Anniversary: Mary and Pat Norton (10/10/1971),  In memoriam: Robert Kilday (10/6/1994), Michael Kilday (10/7/1918), Dan Gravelyn (10/9/2010). A wedding: Colleen and Stan Galdys (10/10/2014).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed a beautiful Autumn week with cool nights, bright days, and a colorful array of leaves. I enjoyed a good amount of tennis play and traveled with my friend, Leo, to see the Air Force/Navy Football Game at the Air Force Academy. We're looking forward to our trip to Chicago-land and Michigan.

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     Be a Rebel.

The Readings: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I know that I don't want to "get thrown-out on my ear," because I'm ill prepared for a celebration; especially if it is a celebration of life! Oh, how God begs us to join Him; to life life to its fullest expression. Why do we not joyfully accept the invitation? Why do all other worries consume us so much that we fail to know God's loving invitation, now and forevermore?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...