Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Holy God we praise Your Name!  We humbly praise you as we search for Your Life and Glory in all things.  Forgive us our failure to live in Your Life and Love.  Thank You for all the blessings we have received and for the promise of life in the fullness of your Glory.  Help us to know the treasure you have set before us in Christ Jesus and give us the wisdom to mortgage all we have for that True Treasure.  Please bless all those in need of healing: Nick Johnson hit by a car and Mike Howard and all listed on this blog.

Birthdays: Marcel Dumestre (7/20), Jim Guyer S.J. (7/22), Nancy Mulligan (7/23)

Keeping In-touch: We're waiting for more test results to make appropriate decisions about Marge's treatments; we will see the Dr. Hyde again the 10th of August and continue to learn about our situation and our options.  We pray for the LORD's healing and guidance of all our care-givers.  Marge has had better days and recovers more each day from surgery. I learned that Dcn. Mike Howard has terminal cancer and has home hospice care. Katie (Lay) Johnson's husband, Nick, was hit by a car and is now home recovering from broken bones.  We made proposals this week and have a verbal OK for a new account and we're keeping busy with the other proposals, tennis was rained-out so we have make-up games again. We still receive soooo much support from friends and family... and have begun to return to "normal" activities.

The Readings: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Layers of Wisdom
My comments and an invitation for you for comment: Since my youth, I have desired wisdom.  I wanted to know what moves the human for good or ill!  So I traveled a course of academic study, working to understand: I studied math and science; I studied psychology, I studied religion and, of course, I studied philosophy [the love of wisdom: philosophy (philos Sophia)]. And I gained some Socratic wisdom: "the more I know, the more I know I don't know."  And along the way, with the help of wonderful companions, I am seeking not only "an understanding heart" like Solomon but I am seeking to know the LORD's Will for my participation in His Kingdom each and every day.  That I claim is true Wisdom.  In times of trial and struggle this is no small treasure to find... it is the treasure that will fulfill the human heart!

May you find the "pearl of great price" or "the treasure" worth your love and your life: humans fully alive... the glory of God!

Many blessings,

John

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Let us praise the LORD for the wonderful creation and the great Mystery of Love.  Let us seek forgiveness for the weeds in our life, knowing the gracious love that falls on the wheat and weeds. Let us give thanks and grow hearts of gratitude and laughter.  And let us pray for all our needs, especially those listed on our blog and all the men and women in retirement homes and assisted care facilities: may their final days be grace for those with whom they share their day and for all who visit.

Birthdays: Larry Lay (7/14).  Anniversaries: Birdene DeBoar (d. 7/12), Megan and Cullen Stevens (7/14)

Keeping In-touch: I run a day late from my intended post time... Wow! what a full week.  My trip to Chicago-land filled my days with joy: meeting new companions in training sessions and enjoying old friends and family in "jaw" sessions (sometime with funny names like "choir-practice"). On the phone each day, I delightfully heard of Marge's healing progress and her participation in her own "jaw" sessions with gracious friends.  I expect to do much, good work in Chicago-land after meeting professionals with vision.  I had to laugh at the LORD's humor in a "gift of a pet" for Grandpa: a baby skunk in his window-well (see an article on humor).  Dad invited me to participate in the prayer services he leads at the retirement homes on Sunday: a blessing to join in their praise for the LORD.

The Readings: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Foley's Reflections: Weeding
My comments and an invitation for you for comment: Jesus taught in parables.  This weekend the readings challenge us to learn about God's Kingdom in images of the growing of wheat and weeds, a mustard seed and leaven.  Growing in Love is a process; a process that has begun before the creation of the world; a process that continues each day; a process that will find completion in God's good time.  These images challenge me to live in the fullness of that Love now.  And I appreciate the Love that will not "root-out" my weeds but continues to nurture my wheat; I'm thankful for the Love that changes me without overcoming me.  Thank you for your participation in that Love.

Celebrate the growth of God's Kingdom in your lives this week!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (written Independence Day)

My Companions: Let us praise the LORD who brought us out of slavery in Egypt, who brought political freedom to the United States, and who offers us a salvation from physical, emotional, moral and political oppression in His Son.  His Word falls like rain on all the hearts of men and women: fertile, thorny, stony or shallow.  Let us know Your mercy for our failures to live as free women and men; guide us to live as a people ready to serve You and each other.  Thank You for our health and for all Your material and spiritual gifts; help us use them all in the service of Your Kingdom.  Help us to see and to hear Your response to our call for help with our needs: especially for those on our list of prayers for renewed health, for the poor and oppressed, and for all who numb themselves to their inner groaning for the fullness of life.  And do not forget all who have gone before us; remember their gallant and their little acts of love and courage.

Birthdays: Rev. Edward Poehlmann (7/4), David Larson (7/9), Kathleen Angel (7/10), Katie (Norton) Frodl (7/10), Ryan Beck (7/11).  Anniversary: John & Maggie Lay (7/11).

Keeping In-touch: Our week was very full, again we were blessed with a shower of gracious love and support for my Bride in phone calls, emails and many other blessings.  Jason arrived from San Jose to join Julie and Makayla.  We have enjoyed many family dinners and gatherings.  Marge's nieces, Colleen, MaryKate and Karen arrived safely and are packing-in the local sites.  The doctors removed Marge's draining tubes to take away that awkward and uncomfortable tool of her healing; her recovery creeps on with sadness, pain and uncertainty.  We take one day at a time (doesn't everyone?), celebrate the good and hope for better days.

The Readings: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Yearning for God's Goodness
My comments and an invitation for you for comment: "All creation groans."  We were created to live in freedom and celebrate life.  Too often, I turn my life on "cruise control" or "autopilot" and I fail to celebrate the opportunities to participate in a more full life: I do not notice the beautiful flowers, trees or mountains that dance in my line of sight; I do not notice the random acts of kindness performed by my friends or neighbors or strangers on the street; I do not rest in the quiet loving embrace of our LORD or listen to the miracle of His whisper to me.  If I open myself to more fully experience the groaning for life within me, I suspect I will know more pain & suffering; I will know more joy: I will know more life and love.  Living in that freedom takes strength and courage.  May I accept those blessings.

Respond to your inner groaning in ways that help you thrive!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Let us praise our God who reveals Divine Mystery to little ones; who shows God's Self as one riding on the colt of an ass. LORD, take from us our fear, our failure to accept Your awesome love and our retreats to ego.  Give us hearts of gratitude and joy even when we labor and are burdened...help us find rest in You. Thank You for new life in Elizabeth Jane Lay.  Bless us with healing and life especially for Margaret, Wally, Vern and all those on our prayer list.

Birthdays: Elizabeth Jane Lay (6/27/11), Christine (Lay) Parise (6/30), Randy Lumpp (6/30), Allyson Morris (7/1) Anniversary: Cyndie and Tim Andrews (6/28)

Keeping In-touch: I think we were a little overwhelmed this week.  Our hopes may have been a little too high and we were disappointed to acknowledge the challenge we have ahead of us to kill-off the remaining cancers.  It looks like Marge will have the drains removed later this week and we can move around more comfortably.  Matt returned safely from the other side of the world.  All of our "children" and grandchildren arrived to encourage Marge in her healing process.  We could not join in the first summer SCC camping trip but our companions brought back breakfast burritos and fresh trout!!  My nephew and his wife, John & Maggie Lay, were blessed with a daughter yesterday, Elizabeth Jane Lay (she has two special people in the Communion of Saints to send her blessings, my mother and brother Don's daughter).  Later this week Marge's nieces will arrive for their visit to "the ol' West." 

The Readings: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Go Gentle
My comments and an invitation for you: It's easy to say, "We trust in the LORD and find comfort in the LORD."  But then, sometimes, we exhaust ourselves in fear and worry.  So many of you have shown us strength in your loving kindness, your faith, your love of the LORD and your self-less service!  We find strength in our communion with you. We are an Easter People and should live in the comforting assurance of God's Love.  In this light, I will work this week to light my candle of hope and not curse the darkness.

Find rest in the LORD as you prepare for the Assembly this week,

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Jesus with the Eucharist

.

My Companions: Let us give glory and praise to the LORD who creates and re-creates all life, Whose glory shines in all things. May the LORD forgive us our trespasses and help us to forgive those who have taken life from us.  And let our hearts be filled with thanksgiving to the LORD, especially for the new gift of hope and life from a successful operation for Margaret.  And, please LORD, continue to bless us in our recovery, bring health and healing to Wally, Kelly, Gayle, John and all on our list for health and healing.  Bring us the fullness of life as we partake in the Body and Blood of Christ and become One with You.

Birthday: Greg Serveiss (6/20). Anniversary: Jim & Virginia Shatto (6/23 -- 60 years!!)

Keeping In-touch: We live in the glory of a new lease on life from the successful operation on Margaret that took the cancer from her (the lymph nodes were clear and we will receive a pathology report later in the week, but Dr. Feigleson senses he removed the invader.).  We have seen the power of prayer.  Next we will visit with the oncology team for the next chapter. This illness has captured most of our energy and our family and friends are spoiling us beyond what most people can imagine; still we're exhausted.  Now maybe we can return to thinking of others. The Dixons have returned to Colorado for the summer, Julie and Makayla also have come for a few weeks, Matthew may be "stuck" for a few extra days in Australia because of the volcano in Chile, Megan's family will arrive later this week and the Norton/Weed cousins will arrive soon to visit.

The Readings: Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Fr. Foley's Reflections: An Intimate Transformation
My comments and an invitation for you: What a "wonderful" feast!  This mystery of celebrating our life in Christ by feasting on the Body and Blood of the Incarnate Word of God challenges our everyday perception and living.  This has to stretch our imaginations if we move from our dramatic bias (life lived on "auto-pilot") and begin to open ourselves to the mystery of the Lamb of God sacrificed for us and offered to us in the Eucharist.  Let us become a Eucharistic People and celebrate that in our Communion.

Grow in the peace and unity of your membership in the Body of Christ,

John


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

My Companions: Let us pray in the glory of the Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity and adore God Who Is Lover-Love-Beloved.  And let's seek forgiveness for our failures to fully participate in the Community of Love with all our brothers and sisters.  Help us live with hearts of gratitude as we continue to ask for all we need to live fully in Love: especially healing in mind and body, for dignified work, for pleasant moments of re-creation and rest in You.

Birthdays: Patti Schoeninger (6/13), Andrew Kornacki (6/15), Gina Feely (615), Jim Frodl (6/19), and Stephen Lay (6/19).  Anniversary Mary Weed (d. 6/12)

Keeping In-touch: We stayed very busy with Dr. appointment, anniversary celebration and "bon voyage" to Matthew who is traveling in Australia with students. We squatted at Alan and Connie's campsite on Saturday/Sunday and quietly ended/began the weeks.  We have some anxiety about Marge's operation next Monday (6/20) but have so many people praying with us that we know we will find the Glory of God in this eventful time of our lives.

The Readings: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
Fr. Foley's Reflections: The Story of Our Lives
My comments and an invitation for you: This week we celebrate the great Mystery of God who is One and yet a Community of Persons.  The readings chosen for this celebration are so short that the liturgists must have been thinking that our summer living of the Mystery needed a quick celebration at our Assembly!?  How can we ever understand the Love that Jesus has shown to us?  The grandeur of God's love is overwhelming and beyond our comprehension.  Maybe, this week, we should just rest in the Triune God like little children rest in the arms of their parents and do not even try to understand the mystery of mommy and daddy.

May Christ's peace and the Mystery of the Triune God be with each of you,

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Pentecost Sunday

My Companions: Let us praise the Lord for all the life that is in us and among us; open our eyes to see the glory of the Lord.  We trust in Your mercy and forgiveness for our selfishness and sin.  We thank You for your blessings and seek to life fully in gratitude.  And we ask for all we need: the gift of healing for Marge Lay, John Martinez and all who suffer the fear and anxiety of disease and sickness.  Help us also to respond to all who suffer from political and/or natural disasters. And, Lord, please help all who find themselves in deteriorating, destructive, or broken relationships; bring your healing grace to stony hearts.  And, Lord, accept Lori Stabile into Your loving arms.

Birthdays: Julianne Stevens (6/10).  Anniversaries: Bob & Ann Romadka (6/8), Neil & Melissa Cyrus (6/8), Randy & Renee Lumpp (6/8),  Linda & Larry Kent (6/8) and John & Marge Lay (6/8),

Keeping In-touch.  Wow! Julianne, our oldest grandchild, will be seven years old this Friday.  Those little ones are so filled with life!  And Wednesday we celebrate quite a few wedding anniversaries... June 8th was a good day for commitments to love.  We've set our date for "the big battle": Marge's operation will be on Monday, June 20th, so continue to pray for God's healing and guidance (especially for the work of Dr.Feigelson's hands and mind and heart and for the rest of the team).  We appreciate all your prayers and expect God to be good in God's own way.  Marge has filled the yard with flowers and plants... Dani will appreciate her "green thumb."  We're planning to enjoy the Lord's creation and the gift of companions on a couple camping trips before and after surgery.  And we're looking forward to a visit from the Grand Rapids Neices. I learned, also, that John Martinez's prostrate cancer has returned: we seek a miracle there.  I met Paul Stabile when I gave a presentation for The Emmaus Institute in Grand Rapids, MI on May 1st.  Paul's wife, Lori, died on Friday of breast cancer.  They have been a wonderful example to their communities.

The Readings: Pentecost Sunday

Fr. Foley's Reflections: The Great Sharing
My comments and an invitation for you: This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost.  How do you experience the Spirit of Love in you?  This invitation to "receive the Holy Spirit" is a constant gift that we often miss when we're living on auto-pilot.  At times we experience God's great love for us: the peace of God's very self; other times we know in our head but our hearts are troubled.  Let's take time to "remember how our hearts burn within us" when we open ourselves to this Spirit of Love.

May Christ's peace and the fullness of the Holy Spirit be with each of you,

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

My Companions: Let us praise the Lord, seek forgiveness, live with gratitude and ask for our daily bread. Let us pray for all who have sought our fellowship in Christ especially those who are sick, Marge; those who suffer from poverty and neglect; those who experience the devastation of war and natural disasters; and those who long to find meaning, peace and love in life.

Birthdays: no birthdays on my calendar; Anniversary: Bob & +Mary Weed (6/5).

Keeping In-touch: Our week was filled with doctor's appointments, education on breast cancer and preparation for our attack of the disease.  We have met with others who have fought this battle and are winning.  We celebrated the love and support of the Church in the Sacrament of the Sick on Wednesday with Fr. Ed.  And we have connected with family and friends who are praying and adding our concerns to many prayer lists.  We also experienced more days of sunshine and participated in out-door activities: gardening and tennis.  We are grateful for the love of friendship and the joy of faith.  As we remember those who served, those who fought, and those who died for our freedom on this Memorial Day, let us also remember all those who sought and seek to bring us the fullness of life.

The Readings: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

Fr. Foley's reflections: Ascension
My comments and an invitation for you: This Sunday we will celebrate Jesus "ascent into heaven."  The image of Jesus launching, like a rocket ship, to heaven, like another planet, filled my imagination as a child who needed concrete images for everything.  But my modern, more formal imagination makes me struggle more with the image and recognize Jesus unity with the Father who is Love and is everywhere, anytime.  Jesus is fully in the Power of the Kingdom of God.  Jesus is with us, in Power, especially in the Breaking of the Bread.  We need not look to the sky, "What are you looking for?"  We need to focus on God's presence and God's promise and let that direct our lives.

May the Peace of Christ be with you all,

John


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Columbine, symbol of the Holy Spirit

My Companions: As always let us praise the Lord our God for all God's glory and life.  And as we examine our daily lives, let's seek forgiveness for our sins of omission and commission.  Let our hearts and minds be filled with gratitude, especially for our family and friends who love us and support us.  Join together as we voice our needs and concerns to the One who loves us like none we can imagine: please help the victims of political unrest and natural disaster, especially the people in the Middle East, North Africa and the flood victims in the central part of our country; help all who have been attacked by disease especially my Bride, Margaret, give us courage and strength and wisdom to fight and find Your will in our struggle.

Birthdays: Michael Ross (5/26)

Keeping In-touch: You noticed the prayer for my Bride.  We were stunned by the diagnosis that she has breast cancer.  Of course we're scared and upset but we will find God's will in our new challenge, we will pass through sufferings and learn more about life and love.  We have begun our assault on this disease: we met with the surgeon and did some pre-op stuff yesterday and have our next appointment on June 1st.  We appreciate all your prayers.

The Readings: Sixth Sunday of Easter

Fr. Foley's reflections: Not Leave Us Orphans
My comments and an invitation for you: This Sunday we celebrate the Holy Spirit.  Oh what a wonderful and mysterious world when we take note of the grandeur of God in the people and all creation who conspire and participate in the incarnation.  We have God among us and have been promised a fullness and glory we can not imagine.

May the Peace of Christ be with you all,

John


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifth Sunday of Easter

My Companions: Sing praise to the Lord, holy, holy, holy and rejoice in all God's glory.  Seek forgiveness for our neglect and/or selfishness.  And fill your hearts with gratitude as we seek our daily bread.

Birthdays Matthew Peterson (5/15) Mike Norton d. 1987 (5/21) & Anniversary: Audrey & Vern Rapp (5/19 60th wedding anniversary), Gary Dixon (5/20 -- d. 2009).

Keeping in-touch: Our week was filled doctor's appointments and tennis, online classes and Spring gardening... pretty much regular stuff.

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Fr. Foley's Reflections: The Way Home
My comments and an invitation for you: The Father has prepared a place for us in His Kingdom; and invites us to participate in His budding Kingdom on earth today.  We can enter His Kingdom each time we choose to love and allow His Love to become incarnate in us.

May the Peace of Christ be with all of you,

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourth Sunday of Easter

My Companions: Let us sing praise to God who calls us each by name. Let us seek God's mercy for anything that keeps us from living fully and showing God's glory. And let us thank God for all good gifts.  Let us present our needs, especially our health and well being and for Linda Kent's father, Mr. Sunderman who died peacefully 5/3.

Birthdays: Patrick Norton (5/8), Connie Kobza (5/10). Anniversary: Katie & Jim Frodl (5/11).

Keeping In-touch: Just a little news:  I lost my first team league mixed-doubles tennis match, so there is room for improvement. Our nephew, Tim Weed, was accepted this weekend to attend seminary with the Holy Cross Fathers at Notre Dame.  Congratulations Tim!  We will pray for you in your studies and your discernment process.  And we expect your prayers.

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Sheepish?

My comments... and an invitation for your insights: I never wanted to be a follower and don't really care to be likened to sheep.  I'm pretty proud and believe I can "turn myself over" and/or "find green pastures."  But lately, I have great joy in communion with others who know that our Shepherd calls us each by name and desires, for us, abundant life!

Third Sunday of Easter

Our Emmaus Institute Logo

My Companions: Let us praise God, Lover--Love--Beloved, for all the glory of life that we notice more fully as Spring fills all of our senses with new life.  Let us seek forgiveness, especially for our lack of trust in God's love and mercy.  Let us allow our hearts burn with gratitude for all our blessings.  And, let us seek all we need to show God's glory especially health in mind, body and spirit.

Birthdays: Anna Margaret DeBaar (5/3), Tom Reynolds (5/3), Willy Smith (5/5), Molly Norton (5/6), Sharon McKay (5/7).

Keeping In-touch: I'm so late this week!  So much work and a little worry.  Our trip to Illinois and Michigan was delightful and will, hopefully, bring much fruit in the next few months.

The Readings: Third Sunday of Easter

Fr. Foley's Reflections: On the Way

My thoughts.... and an invitation to you: Although this Gospel Reading is my favorite of all, I have little time to comment other than to write: let's take some time to recognize how much "our hearts are burning within us" as we celebrate all the life we are given to share!  Almost forgot: Happy Mother's Day to my "mother-companions"!!

May the Peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Comments? Reflections? Insights?

Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

"The Incredulity of St Thomas" by Caravaggio

My Companions: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.  Let us rejoice in the glory of God this Easter season! Forgive us Lord when, like Thomas, we stubbornly seek signs and proof of Your most wonderful love. Thank you especially for the wonderful gift of Your Son and for all our blessings: our health, our work and our opportunities to play.  Please continue to comfort those who suffer sickness, anxiety and other challenging times.

Birthdays: Steve Jacobs (4/27)

Keeping In-touch: We had a wonderful celebration of Holy Week and Easter Sunday.  Although we fought a virus through the week we seemed to beat it and celebrated Easter at Lori Beth and Tony's: Nathan entertains all of us...

St Joseph the Carpenter Georges_de_La_Tour

The Readings: Second Sunday of Easter  or Divine Mercy Sunday

May 1st is also the feast of St Joseph the Worker

Fr. Foley's Reflections: A Broken Heart


My thoughts... and an invitation to you.  I had chosen St. Joseph as my confirmation patron and I pray especially this week that he "bends the Lord's ear" to bless our work of The Emmaus Institute. We will share our story and vision with people in Illinois and Michigan.  We have so many advocates in the communion of saints both among us (mortal) and "those who have entered through death into the fullness of God" (immortal). So let us join with Thomas, Joseph and All Saints in our worship and in our work for the Kingdom of God. Let not our fears or our doubts lessen the powerful, all encompassing love of God.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Do you have a comment or insight to share?

Easter Sunday: Solemnity of the Resurrection of The Lord

Supper at Emmaus, Caravaggio

My Companions: Glory, Glory, Glory Lord for you are all life in the heavens and on the earth!  Forgive us our failures to serve and to find You in all things.  Thank You for all Your blessings.  And please give us all we need: especially the courage to pass through sufferings and expect Your power to restore us to full life.

Birthdays: Donna Van Dusen (4/21), Kevin Norton (4/22); Anniversaries: Fr. Michael Carvill (4/22), Ed & Betty Lay would have celebrated 64 yrs (4/23).

Keeping In-touch: I completed my taxes with an hour and a half to spare, then crashed with an illness that took me for a day or so.  We received some very needed rain and prepared the soil for Marge's garden between storms.  The blossoms delight our sense of sight and smell and the waking flowers decorate our yard.  Marge is under the weather but we will experience great joy at our celebration of Easter, visiting with family and friends.  Please have a most wonderful Easter and live the Resurrection we will celebrate.

The Readings: Easter Sunday: Solemnity of the Resurrection of The Lord 

Fr. Foley's reflections: Dawn

  my reflection: I don't want to suffer or die but I have come to know that passing through little sufferings brings me to little "resurrections" and I expect to experience life now and the fullness of life in days to come.  I'm overwhelmed by Mystery and have experienced the Resurrected Jesus through my companions and the concrete events of Sacrament.  I can't "prove" this Great Love, but I experience it... even in moments of anxiety and suffering.  What an awesome responsibility we have: to allow The Lover, The Love, and The Beloved to become incarnate in us!!  We are a Resurrection People.

May the Peace of Christ be with all of you,

John


Contribute to our prayer, leave a comment with your insights.

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

My Companions: Let us pray, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord!  Can we ever begin to imagine Your Glory!  Our failure to do so causes us alienation from our own selves, from our brothers and sisters, from creation, and from You; forgive us. Thank you for all your blessings: for the health and growth of Joseph Foresman, who is now seven months old, for our medical providers and the tools they have to help us live fully, and for the opportunity to celebrate our love for you (worship) with our brothers and sisters.  And, Lord, bless us with all we need.  Especially care for those who live in the war-torn parts of our world and those who continue to suffer from natural and human disasters.  Also we have a special request for the men of the Davis family who will attend a retreat together for the first time this weekend.

Birthdays: Pat Serveiss (4/16), Ron DiSanto (4/16).

Keeping in-touch: We had a wonderful encounter this week with Haley and Eddie Foresman's son, Joseph.  You may remember how we prayed for him seven months ago when he came into this world early weighing only a couple pounds.  He is a beautiful little baby growing and doing what little babies do.  Marge & I visited the doctors and are on the right track to grow older together!  We've returned to our rec-center routine.  It's Spring-time in the Rockies so Marge has plenty to do in her garden, I'm very busy with the end of the term, and our weather brings surprises of snow one day and sun-bathing temperatures the next.

Readings: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion  

Fr. Foley's Reflection: The Man Who Would Be King: "So, at last, Jesus was doing it, the thing he had preached about. Give yourself for others. Now he was showing real kingship."

My comments and an invitation for your post: Our assembly this weekend leads us to Holy Week.  I hope we all take the time to participate in these celebrations of the our sacred celebrations of our faith.  We really experience the lows and highs of life as we follow Jesus through the crucifixion and His Resurrection.

May the peace of Christ be with all of you.

John

Contribute to our prayer, leave a comment with your insights.

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Vincent Van Gogh- La Résurrection de Lazare 

My Companions: Let us praise God and seek His Glory in all things; let's reflect on the little things we may have done to shine light in our world and resolve to miss fewer opportunities; may our hearts be filled with gratitude: especially for friends and companions, and let us ask for our needs: healing for Katie Frodl, Fr. Ed Poehlmann; comfort for John Fitzgibbons and Fr. Bill Miller; peace in war-torn countries; and continued help for the disaster areas of our country.

Birthdays: Adam Olson (4/3), Mark Schnitzer (4/3), Dani Schnitzer (4/6)

Keeping In-touch: We celebrate weather diversity in Colorado!  Fishing at a local pond on Saturday in eighty degree temps and a first team tennis practice with die-hard members in the corn-snow on Sunday reveal weather-schizophrenia in the Denver area.  It was a hard week, with the loss of Marge's friend, but also a week of joy with the support of friends. The baseball season has begun!

Readings: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fr. Foley's Reflection: Love and Death "Death does not erase love, it brings you more deeply back to it, to the place you came from—love’s rich loam."
a few comments: Witnessing Marge grieve the loss of her friend, Nancy, last week startled me to feel the hurt of a great loss.  Jesus brings Lazarus back to life after four days of death but Lazarus, with Mary and Martha, will again experience loss and pain.  In waiting to attend to Lazarus before he passed, Jesus challenged us to seek the Love at the base of life... and at the base of even death.  Maybe when we think God has not answered our prayer, we need to look deeper with faith and hope and find Love.


May Christ's peace be with you all,


John


... do you have an insight?  or a grace you might share?

Nancy Fitzgibbons

On Wednesday, March 30th, Marge's good friend, Nancy Fitzgibbons left our world after her battle with cancer.

See Nancy's web site at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/nancyfitzgibbons

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Fourth Sunday of Lent

My Companions: As always, let us praise Our Creator for all the live that is given to us.  Let us seek forgiveness for our sins and experience the love that annihilates them. Let us thank the Lord for all good gifts.  And let us bring our petitions to the Giver of all good gifts: especially eternal life for Nancy Fitzgibbons who passed to the Lord's bosom this morning at about 6:00.  Lord, please console Fitz, John Fitzgibbons, and all Nancy's family and friends.  Also, Lord, please heal my grandson, Nathan, quickly (he fell and broke his collar bone). And please heal Fr. Ed quickly (blew-out knee).  Lord, comfort all who suffer in Japan, Libya and every place your people grieve and suffer injustice.

Birthdays: Adam Olson (4/3), Mark Schnitzer (4/3), and Dani Schnitzer (4/6)  (if you participate in our prayer and preparation for the weekly assembly, send me your birthday/anniversary and/or correct me if I'm mistaken. jwl)

Keeping In-touch: As you see, we're stricken with sadness with the passing of Marge's good friend Nancy Fitzgibbons (I will add a memorial post when I receive a picture).  Even when one believes in the resurrection, it's not easy to live as a "resurrection people."  We so enjoyed our time with the grand-children.  We're looking forward to (baseball) opening day!

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent

Fr. Foley's Reflection: An Eye Witness
My Comments: So often we are blind.  We do not choose correctly those who should lead (sons of Jesse in the first reading).  We misjudge and rely on "common sense" (blind man in the Gospel).  Can we turn to the Lord to be our Shepherd?  Can we expect to live in "green pastures"?  I hope that in times of pain or times of wonderful celebration of life, all of us can experience the awesome Love that calls us to serve, to heal and to rest in the goodness of God.

May Christ's Peace be with us all,

John

Leave a comment... how have you been chosen?  How can you rest in God's goodness?  How do you see more clearly?

Third Sunday of Lent

Woman at the well

My Companions: Let us praise God: His glory we find in water... and all the life within us.  Let us seek forgiveness of our failure to share that water, and all good things with our brothers and sisters. Let us fill our hearts with gratitude for all good gifts.  And let us request all we need allow His Kingdom to come to fruition in us!  I have a special request for your prayers for Tim Brich who died March 18th and for his wife Jeanne and their daughters Abby and Allie and all their family and friends.  Also, our friend, Andy Ondish, lost his father and Andy had back surgery.  Continue to pray for all the people on our list especially Nancy Fitzgibbons who is now in the hospital with much pain.

Birthdays: Karen Carnegie (3/22), Rachel (Kobza) Varra (3/23), Sallie Dembeck (3/23), John Lay (3/24), Mark Ross (3/29), Michael Olson (3/29), Marty Sipos (3/30), Fran Kehoe (4/1).

Keeping-intouch: I'm late again but we have been celebrating my birthday all week... I'm basking in all the attention from family and friends.  I hope to live my 60s with greater gusto than I did my 50s.

Readings for Third Sunday of Lent

Fr. Foley's Reflection: Nothing Else
My Comments: This gospel reading has been one of my favorites since the 60s when Peter, Paul and Mary (singing group, not Saints) sang Jesus met the woman at the well and I began to reflect on Jesus' love and forgiveness; how he calls, even me, to "tell everyone I know" how "He told me everything I ever did!"  The woman asks "How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?"  Too often I wonder how Jesus can ask me, a sinful man, to be His hands and heart and mind...  I'm not worthy but the Lord makes me worthy!!!

May the Peace of Christ be with you all,

John

Leave a comment... maybe the Lord wishes to touch others through your insight today!!!

Second Sunday of Lent

My Companions: We have moved our clocks forward and I notice birds chirping away when I rise in the morning.  With new life budding around us we naturally adore our Creator when we pause and notice our Life-giver in all things. Of course, we still miss opportunities to bring life to others or make selfish decisions; but sorrow for these failings is met with the warmest reconciliation from Our Lord.  Hopefully the gratitude in our hearts for our blessings, and even trials, grows and enriches our days as we thank our Heavenly Father. And we continue to ask for "our daily bread" comfort for all those suffering in our world: "please Lord bless all the victims of natural and political disasters; and help our friend, Nancy, as she continues to again fight the cancer that has returned; help all of us to move closer to you this Lent."

Birthdays: Suzie Perry (3/16), Charlie Stevens (3/17), Lindsay Smith (3/17), Rick Dunn (3/17), Trish Buckley (3/17), Bob Weed (3/18), Chris DeBaar (3/19)

Keeping In-touch: It's Wednesday already! The week flew by.  I had good news about potential accounts in Illinois and Michigan, enjoyed a couple lunches with friends and even sneaked away to drowned a couple worms in a local pond a couple times (I went fishin' not catchin').  We were on Spring Break for the traditional college students but I started an online class.  You know, no rest for the....

Readings: Second Sunday of Lent

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Brilliant Suffering


My comments & the invitation to share your insights
Once again I was struck by St. Peter's reaction in the Gospel reading for Sunday.  The apostles experience Jesus in the fullness of His humanity and divinity and Peter wants to build a monument.  I guess that I'm a lot like St.Peter: I always want to do something rather than revel in the glory God presents to me in all the blessings I enjoy.  Likewise, Fr. Foley hit the nail on the head today when he calls us to see the glory through suffering.  There is so much suffering with earthquakes and political dishevelment; it's really a challenge to see God through all of it... a challenge we can arise to in Christ.


May the peace of Christ be with you all,


John

First Sunday of Lent

My Companions: I haven't kept-up with our blog this year and, since Lent begins this week, I'll get back to my encouraging words.  We have so many reasons to pray: to adore the Lord who brings us life each minute, to seek forgiveness from our sisters and brothers and the Lord for poor choices of action and/or inaction, to express all the gratitude in our hearts, and to "seek our daily bread."  I'm so thankful that niece, Molly, is recovering from her blood clot, that niece, Katie, will bring new life to our world and nephew, Tim, will study for priesthood with the Holy Cross Fathers.

Birthdays: (some catch-up here & always appreciate help for those I miss) Alan Kobza (1/1), Sue Ross (1/1), Rebecca Muniz (1/3), Jack Parise (1/7), Cullen Stevens (1/11), Kathy Schaefer (1/15), Mary D. Norton (1/15), Barry Martin (1/17), Pete Rogers (1/17), Marty Munos (1/19), Gary Smith (1/21), Julia Brumbaugh (1/22), Molly Komon (1/23), Michael Sheeran (1/24), Ed Lay (1/27), Karen Adkins (1/28), Mary Olson (1/29), Colleen Weed (1/30), Paul Alexander (1/31), Vicki Schnitzer (1/31), John Kane (2/1), Mike DePriest (2/1), Ed Luckett (2/2), Mohamed Lofty (2/10), Jim Makin (2/11), Lori Beth Gulmantovicz (2/14), Matthew Lay (2/16), Byron Plumley (2/18), Tony Gulmantovicz (2/22), Michele Lay (2/23), Mitch Ross (2/23), Tom Leininger (2/24), Tom Duggan (2/26), John Lay (the younger 3/10)

Keeping In-touch: Marge and I began the year on a business/vacation trip to California and I was able to take second trip to Chicagoland.  I'm busy with my traditional college students and now an online CPS course.  Marge has begun to do her Stevens Ministry Work and funeral lunches.  Otherwise it's "same-old, same-old."  I have lost over thirty pounds and even though I "cheated" for the first part of the year, more carbs and less exercise, I'm getting back in the routine.

Readings: 1st Sunday of Lent
     (also, here are the Ash Wednesday Readings)

Fr. John Foley's reflections: Traps

My comments (and invitation for your post)
We're going to try to go to the Stations of the Cross weekly this year.  And since I've "given-up" all kinds of good food and drink to "loose my fat," there's not much there to "give-up," I will write this blog each Sunday evening... and get back into the habit.  Lent is a time set aside "to get in shape."  These little things may help us tune-into the Lord and live in the glory He wishes for us.

The story of the woman, the serpent, the husband and the forbidden fruit presents an icon of our experience of deceiving ourselves and deceiving others.  Hopefully our Lenten practice will help us see through that which keeps us from living with the utmost integrity.  And, like Jesus, we can see through the false promises presented to us and live as a people filled with the Unconditional Love of Abba.  That love fulfills more than all fortune, fame or power.  Let's find it in all things.

First Sunday of Advent (starting the year late again)

My Companions: As we celebrate the first part of the Church Year let us continue our prayers of thanksgiving for all the gifts the Lord has given us to help build God's Kingdom.  I have much good news to share: Pat Serveiss has recovered well from the awful spider bite; Joseph Gregory Foresman now weighs-in over six pounds and lives at home with mom, dad and sisters; Gina Leba's brother has his heart issues regulated; Nancy Fitzgibbons looks very good... and it's nice to share "good news."  Let's pray that this holiday season gives up opportunities to open our hearts to the glory of Christ in our world.


Birthdays: Kathy DePriest (12/3)

Keeping in-touch: Marge and I had a very nice, quiet Thanksgiving.  We're "enjoying" our trips to the rec-center on Mon, Wed and Fri.  We'll get in shape now that we're "younger elders" (Marge found the classification somewhere).  We're looking forward to our trip to Chicagoland for Katie Lay's wedding and some holiday time with our son, daughters and grand children and Dad and all my sibblings. We have the Christmas decorations in the yard and I completed a nativity scene for Mark and Sue.
The Readings: First Sunday of Advent

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley, "Advent is like this. A time to pull in our scope a bit and realize that emptiness is a healthy and normal part of our lives. We are continually refilled if we let ourselves be. Strange to say, waiting for fulfillment is also itself a fulfillment. It lets us be what we are—not God but human."
My comments: Reading The Apocalypse as we ended the liturgical year, I spent many moments reflecting on how people missunderstand that challinging part of Scripture.  The writer encouraged his faithful readers to see the glory of Christ among us... to live in the fullness of faith.  But we're overly concerned about "the end times" and/or "The Second Comming of Christ" and may fail to celebrate the glory of God in all things.  I hope this Advent will be a time of renewal, a time of awareness with moments that "take our breath away."
May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

The Solemnity of Christ the King

My Companions: Let's pray in thanksgiving for all the gifts of our Loving God.  Let's pray for all in need of our prayer.  And let us pray that we grow in the wisdom of Christ the King who suffered for all and brings love and hope to all.
Birthdays: Clarley Stevens (10/11), Nathan Gulmantovicz (10/15), Ken Lay (10/15), Josh Parise (10/19), Clinton Ross (10/22), Don Lay (10/24), Jason Schnitzer (10/27), Hayley Foresman (10/27), Tim Weed (10/28), Mike Lay (10/31), Lugaid Brugha (11/2), Elonore Kobza (11/4), Larry Pribyl (11/4), George Stevens (11/17), Megan (Lay) Stevens (11/19), Lacey Kobza (11/21).  Anniversaries: Elizabeth Lay (d. 11/17), Carol & Andy Ondish (11/22), Larry & Judy Lay (11/29), Shelley & Ken Lay (11/1),

Keeping in-touch: As we prepare to celebrate this feast of Christ the King, a King who hangs on a cross, I'm struck that this is the last Sunday of our Church year: the next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.  So much has happened this last year and I, for one, have had trouble keeping-up on this treadmill of everyday life.  I've missed too many blog posts, passed-up exercise periods, neglected letters or cards I wanted to send and on, and on...  It's is good to have a new start!

The Readings: The Solemnity of Christ the King

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley, "Why should a kind man, one of the people, have to suffer? Because he was one of us. Why do we have to suffer? Because that is the way of the world. Why didn’t Christ the King change the world and make things perfect? He did, but not in the way we had expected."
My comments: Like many others, I often want a royal king to fix all the suffering and right all the wrongs.  A suffering king challenges me so much to look for what is really important.  Maybe with more prayer and fasting I can open myself to the wisdom the Lord wishes to show me today and every day.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Dan Gravelyn: Thank you for your prayers for Karen, Dan and family

Dan Gravelyn 1951 - 2010

GRAVELYN - Daniel R. Gravelyn, age 51, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2010, after a hope-filled and courageous battle with leukemia in the loving arms of his devoted wife, Karen, and surrounded by family. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 17th at O'Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Dan's life will be celebrated on Monday, October 18th at Ada Congregational Church, 6330 Ada Dr. SE at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gary Burdick, officiating. (from the obituary)

Barnes & Thornburg Remembers the Life of Partner Daniel R. Gravelyn

Attorneys and staff at Barnes & Thornburg honor the life of partner Daniel R. Gravelyn, who passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, after a courageous fight against leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Karen, and daughter, Sarah. 

Dan, 51, served as chair of the Grand Rapids office litigation team and co-chair of the firm-wide Antitrust and Trade Regulation Practice Group. He also was instrumental in helping to build the Grand Rapids office. He represented clients across the country in the litigation of complex business disputes, including antitrust, business torts, product liability defense and securities matters. In addition, he defended clients in white collar criminal investigations and prosecutions. 

“Dan was known nationally as a tremendous legal mind and someone who was a tireless advocate for his clients’ interests,” said Tracy T. Larsen, managing partner of the firm’s Grand Rapids office. “Most importantly, though, we remember him as a great friend and partner with whom we shared many wonderful memories. While we grieve for a life lost and the family he leaves behind, we will cherish the time we spent with him as a colleague and friend.”

During his legal career, Dan was recognized in the 2007-2010 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® in the area of Antitrust. He served in various leadership positions in the Michigan and Grand Rapids legal communities. He was a past chairman of the Michigan Bar Association Section on Antitrust, Franchising and Trade Regulation and a member of the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Michigan and the ABA Section on Antitrust Law. 

Outside of his legal work, Dan loved to play hockey and was an avid hiker and mountain climber. He climbed many of the tallest mountains in the world and always returned with some amazing stories and pictures of places where words would not do them justice.   

He graduated cum laude from the University of Chicago Law School, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He received a bachelor’s degree with honors from Michigan State University in both political science and economics. Dan also was a graduate of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and was admitted to practice in both Michigan and Illinois. 

Dan was involved in the Grand Rapids community and served as a director and member of the Executive Committee of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, and as a commissioner on the Grand Rapids Planning Commission.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Let's pray that we grow in gratitude for all the gifts given to us (OT & Gospel this week).  And let us pray that we will trust in the Lord, "if we have died with him, so shall we live with him." (Paul's letter to Timothy).  Give us the vision to know Your way, Lord, especially comfort Karen and Dan (Dan has been given less than a day to live; from the doctors assessment), bring healing to Pat (an infection came back) and thank you Lord for the progress of Joseph Gregory (gained another pound ~ 3 now).

Birthdays: Judy Lay (10/8), Bill Smith (10/8), Cameron Stevens (10/8).  Anniversaries: Pat and Mary Norton (10/10)

Keeping in-touch: It has been a busy work-week.  We decided not to go camping and try to catch-up on all our reading: Marge with Stephens Ministry and John with school work and web pages.  We visited with quite a few faculty/staff friends at the Faculty Appreciation Dinner.  Baseball season has ended for the Rockies, but a local boy pitched a no-hitter in the post-season (Roy Halladay from Arvada West for Phillies).  I did get to play a little tennis; and I've decided to get in shape!!!

The Readings: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley, "When people on retreat realize, over time, how deeply they have been loved, their great desire is to give to the lover, to give in return."
My comments: As I write this blog entry I can only think of Karen and Dan (on what we're told is Dan's last hours).  For me it is Providence that I read the second reading where St Paul writes:

I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,

so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,

together with eternal glory.

This saying is trustworthy:

If we have died with him

we shall also live with him;

if we persevere

we shall also reign with him.

There is so much we do not understand and we suffer with those we love.  God's not answering our prayers the way we wish; but He's listening, and He's answering in some way we will one day know.  May we realize, "How deeply we have been loved."

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time




Allegory of Faith

  My Companions: Let's pray for all those who cry out to the Lord because of their experiences of violence and ruin (Habakkuk); Lord hear their cry and help us do the work of rebuilding and peace-making.  Let us pray that our faith may grow, maybe to the size of a mustard seed (Luke), that we may, with joy, do what we have been called to do for God's Kingdom.  Also continue with our special prayers for Dan Gravelyn, Joseph Gregory Forseman and Pat Serveiss.  Also, remember Fr. Tom Foley (86) who left us Sept. 23rd.


Birthdays: Evan Joshua Parise (9/1), Mike Pintek (9/7), Mary Kate Weed (9/13), Taylor Smith (9/13), Margaret Lay (9/19), Fr Eustace Sequeira (9/20), Chris Lay (9/23), Eric Olson (9/25), Karen Grossaint-Long (9/26).  Anniversaries: Julie & Jason Schnitzer (w. 9/5), Lori Beth & Tony Gulmantovicz (w. 9/7), Gary & Joan Carnegie (w. 9/8), Evelyn & Jim Green (w. 9/13), Chris & Dave DeBaar (w. 9/18), Willalee Haris (d. 9/19), Chris & Don Lay (w. 9/20), Mary & Chuck Olson (w. 9/23), Fr Tom Foley (d. 9/23), Becky Peterson (d. 9/30)

Keeping in-touch: I have missed sharing this with you for the whole month of September.  I wish I could say, "Oh, I stole away for a thirty day retreat, like some of my Jesuit colleagues do." but that would be a lie.  I simply kept busy with other things.  We enjoyed a wonderful gathering of our son, daughters & sons-in-law, and especially our grandchildren, Labor Day weekend at the YMCA of the Rockies.  The time was much too short.  I began a full teaching load: two traditional college courses and two adult evening courses.  I thoroughly enjoy the younger students (and have always enjoyed my adult students, but I breathe a sigh of relief that those courses ended last night).  We completed a major migration of the Denver Deacon's VLE to a new server (learning curve almost did me in!!).  I took our "dog & pony show" to the staff of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and will do a presentation for parishioners of our parish, Nativity of Our Lord, tomorrow.  The network builds slowly.  I had a wonderful breakfast with my friend, Dave Larson, as he passed through town on his way to help his brother plow the fields.  And I enjoyed a round of golf with my highschool tennis partner, Bob Blackburn, and one of my present tennis opponents, Mike DePriest, as Bob did his whirlwind of golf trip through some western states.  We received a wonderful gift: Joseph Gregory who's ready to take-on the world early (born at 26 weeks, weighing in at 2 lbs); he's doing well but keep praying for his "fight for life."  The challenging news last month included, Dan Gravelyn's fight with cancer has taken a bad turn and our friend Pat Serveiss took a spider bite that sent her to the emergency room where we could have lost her had doctors not acted quickly.  I expect a quieter October... just looked at the calendar: forget that!!

The Readings: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley, "God is saying, “I understand your sorrow and I will make things better.” The big problem is that “wait for it” part. God will make things better but not yet."

My comments: I think we "cry-out to the Lord" because we don't see "the big picture."  I wonder what we would think/feel if we did have a birds-eye view of that painting.  Could we really handle the Mystery, the Love that consumes all the pain and suffering and "makes it right at a time beyond our knowing"?  How wonderful to live, with others, committed to the One who brings real satisfaction, security and development to our lives.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Where will you sit at the dinner?

My Companions:  Let's pray for all the young people that return to "hit the books."  May they grow not only intellectually and physically but also in wisdom and love of God and others.  And help all the teachers in their preparation; may we teach with enthusiasm and joy! (I wrote this yesterday and received Karen's call for more prayers in the evening: see comments)

Birthdays: James Carnegie (8/26).  Anniversaries: Fr Joe Hirsch (d. 8/24), Mike McClanahan (d. 8/28)

Keeping in-touch: We are enjoying a cooling day today; it seems the summer has been especially hot in the Denver area. We touched base with our friend, Gina Feely, and learned about her study of St Paul at Notre Dame University.  Makayla and Julie return to Denver for almost two weeks.  We're all looking forward to our family reunion on Labor Day Weekend; that should be a good time for story-telling!

The Readings: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley, "Deep within our own selves, in imitation of Jesus, we are capable of making room for love to live in us."
My comments:  Many people have taken our Gospel reading to heart: have you noticed how the back of the church fills up first?  Most of the people I know do "conduct themselves with humility."  I guess the longer we live, the more we take note of how little we know and how short is our time on this planet.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Please pray with me in thanksgiving for Dan's progress (see Karen's comment).  And also remember Mary C Kircher who passed away this week. Pray for all those who suffer from storms and flooding as well as others with health issues, my sister, Judi, and her daughter, Molly.  Also pray that we recognize the glory and power of God in our lives.

Birthdays: Margie (Czarnecki-Norton) Pintek (8/16),  Katie Lay (8/19).

Keeping in-touch: Our visit with Pat Dolan was wonderful.  We drove Shrine Pass on the way home; that was an adventure.  I'm training the Staff at Immaculate Conception for their use of The Emmaus Institute tools; I so much appreciate their vision and excitement!  Margaret's garden produces much fruit.  The high point of my week was my first meeting of my grand daughter, Makayla; we're looking forward to spending more time with her and Julie when they come back to Denver next week.

The Readings: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Comments on the Readings: Fr. Foley, "Get to know God now. Do not delay till you get to heaven’s gates and have nothing to show for yourself."

My comments: This seems to be a tough gospel, as Fr. Foley comments.  And it is a challenge to improve our efforts at prayer and meditation.

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John