Third Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you called for the Woman at the Well to give you a drink. She responded by seeking to engage you in a theological argument! Help us to respond to your call; help us to grow in relationship with you.

We sing the glory of God; we seek forgiveness with the knowledge of God's mercy; and we ask for all we need from God who only desires the best for us.

Thank you for all the life you bring us each moment. Touch and heal all who suffer and long for your sweet comfort, especially Clarlee Stevens.

Bring all our loved ones who have gone before us into your loving embrace, this week we especially remember Gary's friend, Vern,

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Tom Duggan (2/26),  In memoriam: Vern Evans (2/21/18).

Keeping In-touch: What a wonderful time to visit family in Iowa (and what awful weather!). We enjoyed the talent and effort of all the young Ankeny Students in the Show Choir Event... especially our Julianne. I'm so grateful for my son, Matthew, filling-in for me at our Sunday gathering of Breathing Underwater. 

The Readings: Third Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: This is one of my favorite Gospel readings. No only does Jesus challenge the people of his day (and us too, today) to move beyond the life-stifling attitudes and conventions of our time, he offers life-giving water. And I relate to the Woman at the Well: too often I spar with my God in my attempt to know and understand, when all God desires is my love. God freely offers us life... we try to earn what we can never earn..............the love that is always, unconditionally offered to us.

Second Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, your disciples saw you in your glorified light, help us to know the glory of your light and life. Thank you for all your gifts and please watch over all who suffer and need renewed health. Wrap your loving arms around all those who suffer from the Florida shooting tragedy. Please continue to watch over and heal "Grandma Kobza" (Eleanore), Marge's friend, Jill, and all those on our list. Welcome all who have gone before us in to your loving light.  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Byron Plumley (2/18), Robert J Bruchez (2/20), Tony Gulmantovicz (2/22), Michele (McOmbar) Lay (2/23), Mitch Ross (2/23). In memoriam: Pasquale Frank "Pat" Bruno (2/18/2013), Richard Smith Jr. (2/18/1958).

Keeping In-touch: I don't know how I ever worked, often at two jobs. I guess I just lived this wonderful life with other focal points!? I enjoyed preparing for our presentation and discussion of Breathing Underwater, Richard Rohr's book on Spirituality and the 12 Steps. We had a wonderful gathering with much enthusiasm. Snow greeted us yesterday and last night... I guess that brought more gratitude for our trip to the Sunshine State. We're looking forward to our grand daughter, Julianne's, choral concert at the end of this week.

The Readings: Second Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I can not imagine experiencing Jesus in his transformed state with Moses and Elijah. Like, Peter, I would want to celebrate the experience, but, hopefully, I would simply enjoy that fullness of live. I desire to listen to God's Son and appreciate more and more "the Resurrection of the Dead." What do you think?

First Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we repent for following our "stinking thinking" and failing to appreciate the time of salvation that is now. May we renew our lives this Lent and become a light to others and bring you glory. Thank you for all your gifts and please watch over all who suffer and need renewed health. Especially watch over "Grandma Kobza" (Eleanore) and all those on our list. Welcome all who have gone before us in to your loving light.  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Bob Romadka (2/11), Lori Beth (Lay) Gulmntovicz (2/14), Matthew Lay (2/16), Tom Sermak (2/17). In memoriam: Deacon Richard "Dick" Mendenwaldt (2/14/15).

Keeping In-touch: I'm very late this week. We've been slacking and have had a wonderful time in Florida with Mike and Margie. It's taken me a while to get back into the "swing of things" but played some golf & ol' man poker!! We celebrate Lori Beth and Matthew's birthdays this week and continue to count our blessings.

The Readings: First Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I find the challenge of this week's Gospel not only in the call to repent, but more significantly in the call to appreciate that "the time of fulfillment is now."

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we pray that you stretch-out your hand and heal us of anything that makes us unclean. Help us to know your love and mercy. May we show all people your glory by our lives. And we hold in your care all those who have gone before us, especially Marge's brother, Mike, on this week of the 30 anniversary of  his journey to the fullness of your Kingdom.  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Anita Dunn (2/5), Avery Johnson (2/10). In memoriam: Michael Norton (2/8/1988).

Keeping In-touch: Well, I know I've lost my mind now because I joined a men's golf club and played golf in 30° weather last week (and I plan to play today in the howling wind). I met some new people as I addressed a singles group on the topic of loneliness and spirituality. Marge and I enjoyed some good college basketball. We concluded our 30 diet; so we're good until Ash Wednesday.

The Readings: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I want to shout-out (or blog-out) the glory of the Lord and my gratitude for all his many blessings. But I am cautious these days, not wanting to fall or pick-up some nasty germs. I don't even want to go for a physical because of all the flu germs by the doctor's office and the hospital (those who know me well know that I don't like those places anyway). The gospel challenges me to look with greater respect on those who I encounter who are sick or suffering...