Fifth Sunday of Lent

My Companions: Well Companions, I missed last week’s update (but no one called me on my “slacker-status” so I guess my procrastination received no comment). Here we will return to challenge and comments. My friend Greg asked that we pray for “Brian” who denies the existence of God so we’ll add that to our list. Also Randy told me that his daughter, Madelaine, will have to have an operation for “a hole in her heart.” This is the same operation that Anna Margaret had last fall if you remember (http://companions-in-prayer.blogspot.com/2008/08/nineteenth-sunday-in-ordinary-time.html) but Madelaine is about 20 years older. So, as we continue to pray for all on our lists, we will add these.
Birthdays last week: We had many birthdays last week, the St. Patrick’s Day Birthdays: Charlie Stevens (grandson), Rick Dunn, Lindsay Smith and Trish Buckley and the others: Bob Weed and Christine DeBaar.
Birthdays this week: I see only Rachel (Kobza) Varra and me.

Keeping-in-touch: We enjoyed some Spring weather and did some of the garden prep work. And we're planning to visit our little ones in Lincoln. Marge didn't have "the intestional fortitude" to celebrate the Irish High Holiday but she's better this week. I miss doing this blog and she sent birthday cards out late! We'll work to stay on track this week.

The Readings:
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/5LentB032909/reflections_foley.html
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: ” There is only one way for the seeds of our souls to escape death. They must rupture the safety shield, and begin the journey of courage. They must be taught love within the darkness.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/3LentB031509/reflections_foley.html
And ” The famous words that follow are almost unique in the Gospels. ‘And Jesus wept.’"
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/5LentRCIA032909/reflections_foley.html
My Comments: no matter if your community proclaims the Raising of Lazarus scripture or the Preparation for the Passover Feast passage we come upon our final weeks of Lent and we remember how Jesus had to suffer and die before the Resurrection! I hope we can pick-up our crosses, help one another carry theirs and celebrate together the promise of New Life.


May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Third Sunday of Lent

My Companions: After receiving my forward (a blond joke) my friend, Sharon (a blond, “cowboy” from WY and one of the causalities of our economic mess) replied that she went to Seattle to care for a friend, Keri Kirton, who has returned from the hospital after her first chemo treatment in her fight against melanoma cancer. We have so much for which to pray! I heard Sam Eccher has regained some strength. Otherwise, continue to review and remember those on our lists. Birthdays this week: John Lay (my brother Larry’s son who will marry Maggie in July!)

Keeping-in-touch: Oh what a full week! I met with four people who showed interest in facilitating a course with our Emmaus Project; I visited with the Chancellor of the Archdiocese to “show and tell;” I worked with Deacon John Smith to begin helping him use the distance learning tools; I gave my presentation at the RMR AAR meeting; and I met in a net-meeting with Sr Janet, in London! The other good news: my number did not come-up so I do not have to serve on jury duty this week. We had some wonderful Spring-like weather but it’s snowing as I write this blog this morning.

The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/031509a.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “We are made to be filled with God’s presence, to be beloved by God and to love God in return.”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/3LentB031509/reflections_foley.html
My reflections: maybe if we recognized the whole of creation and all of God’s people as “God’s house” we would, more often, experience a “righteous indignation” at the marketplace. As we have been watching the movie, The Passion of the Christ, my friend, Mark, becomes very upset at the way people “just stood around and let that happen.” This is quite a challenge for us who try to shelter ourselves from the pain and suffering in our midst”

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John

Second Sunday of Lent

My Companions: I visited my friend and colleague, Sam Eccher, in the hospital this after noon and he asks for your prayers as he recovers from his second surgery. He is not physically strong but has an encouraging spirit! And Elizabeth told us this morning that her husband, Clarence Boitnott, struggles again. Judi Cole is in the hospital. Gary Dixon needs a physical and psychic jolt; hopefully the time change will give us all a boost (don’t forget to adjust your time pieces: “spring ahead”). Mary Weed and Pat O’Donnell share encouraging words we Marge and I talk to them on the phone (respectively). Don’t forget all those who these hard economic times feel the hit.
My birthday, anniversary, and other celebration events calendar has no marks this week.

Keeping-in-touch: Even though Lent began last week, my week was filled with lunch events for business and friends. We have begun to enroll people in our inaugural Old Testament Course (Launch Date = March 29th: I would love to have you join one of our first sessions: http://www.emmausinstitute.org/main/page_march_09_registration.html) and I’m meeting with new facilitators and potential directors. Today I received my first scholarship check from a donor friend. We celebrated Matt, Lori Beth and Tony’s birthdays with a brunch of new foods. The early spring weather gave me opportunities to play tennis and Marge studies Spanish as she works-out on her “gazelle.” I will give my AAR presentation on Saturday: “Pedagogy, Technology and the Generations.” Tough times sometimes help us really reflect on what matters most!
The Readings:
http://www.usccb.org/nab/030809.shtml
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley: “In the Transfiguration Jesus the comfort showed himself as God the infinite fire.” http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/2LentB030809/reflections_foley.html
My reflections: The reading from the Old Testament this week, Abraham called to sacrifice his son, Isaac, has always given me cause to struggle with God! How could a loving God request such an inhumane act? I humbly cower, like Job, when I think of questioning my Lord! And, existentially, I live in the “Fear and Trembling” of Kierkegaard (and I have lost sleep over this). I have come to re-focus, with the help of Fr. John Kavanaugh and I hope you will see the promise vs. the potential sacrifice. http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/2LentB030809/theword_encountered.html

May the peace of Christ be with each of you.

John