Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help me to be mindful of what captures my time and my treasure. It is all nothing compared to the love you have for Your people. I give You all my concern and worry; with my focus on Your love, I will live fully today and not be called "you fool" at my death.

Birthdays: Birthdays: Ted McMurdo (7/29), Karen (Norton) Graveland (8/1), Maggie (Wdowiarz) Lay (8/2).

Keeping In-touch: I celebrated an ol' man's birthday (brother Larry: sixty years, and surprised) and visited my dad and family. Bill & Gloria took us with their family to a Rockies Game...we had a suite time... and the Rockies even won the game. Today, we listen and watch the rain as we enjoy a weekend at home! (a good time not to camp with family or friends). And we look forward to attending Tim Weed's profession to Holy Cross Fathers next weekend in Colorado Springs. The time with family will bring us joy.

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The Readings: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I worry these days about our future years: should we move to a smaller place? Can we make ends meet until pay-off the house? Will taxes, insurance, drugs and medical care overwhelm us? So I take note at the Good News for Sunday: none of this matters; live each day, you may be dead tomorrow... anyway, The Lord's love brings all life.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

I'm doing a new thing

I have not kept this "Companions-in-Prayer" Blog and have been working on another effort to pray and encourage others to share the Gospel and to encourage people to prepare for the Sunday Liturgy and to share the Gospel with one another.

Please take a look at the page from The Emmaus Institute Website and check-out this example from last quarter:
http://partners.emmausinstitute.org/course/view.php?id=87

Each week has a picture, a link to the readings, a link to further reflections on the readings, a video (not connected to the readings) and a discussion space for the 4 - 8 people that choose to connect with one another.

Each quarter of the year we begin a new.

I provide a new section each week for the groups.
And this is all free for small groups (families, small church communities,...)
Let me know what you think.
Host your own group.

Many blessings to all,
John

Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help us to know Your love and Your mercy. We praise you with a heartfelt "my LORD and my God!" Forgive us for hiding from Your love and Your mercy; forgive us for our fear and our doubt. Thank You for the glory of Your life within us and for all Your blessings that we regularly take for granted. Please comfort all who are sick especially Aunt Grace and Larry & Bev's four elderly family members.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, & In Memorium: My calendar is empty next week... let me know if I have missed you.
 
Keeping In-touch:  I've not written a blog post for some time. My dis-ease of busy-ness and ill health have passed so I pray with you again. Actually one of our companions mentioned yesterday that he read my posts, so I'm motivated to pray in this way again. We are celebrating the Spring and had a beautiful celebration of Easter last Sunday. Marge excitedly anticipates the visit of her good friend, Gail, next week and I'm finding some new routines for better physical and spiritual health. We chomping at the bit to begin our summer camping trips. 

The Readings: Second Sunday of Easter (or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

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

 
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  This Gospel is so challenging: we live in fear and have many doubting moments. We need only to experience Jesus' greeting of "Peace be with you." and we will have more abundant life... how easy this is to write, what keeps us from the fullness of the experience?  I hope we will let our worries and our doubts dissipate this week so the Love of Christ flows through us more fully.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, forgive me for my impatience when others will not accept the gifts I offer. Help me put my disappointment at rejection in the context of Jesus and his message being rejected by his contemporaries and so many men and women through history. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may give you glory by a living a life of joy and service. Thank you for all the wonder of Your creation and Your gift of life and health. Continue to bless and heal our family members and friends who struggle these days, especially those on our lists. And help all parents and parents-to-be bring the glory of Your life to their children; especially bless our friends who seek to adopt a child in our sick culture where many babies are discarded before they have a chance to show Your Glory. Bless all who have gone before us, may they bask in Your perpetual light! Amen.

Birthdays: Avery Elizabeth Johnson (2/10), Mohamed Lofty (2/10).

Keeping In-touch:  I'm very happy to have completed "Inside Islam" with the men of Nativity (St. Joseph's Group). And I'm happy to be very active with college classes to teach. Marge and I have enthusiastic anticipation for our visit with Julz and her babies (our grandchildren), Makayla & David, in the middle of the month. Otherwise we're just "living large" expecting the best in life.

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The Readings: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

 
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  This week one of my students wrote that Jesus' message is simplistic: love God and each other. I guess, in a way, that is simple, until you begin to reflect on how easy it is to be impatient, jealous, pompous, rude, and quick-tempered. Why is it so difficult to let others love you? Why is it so difficult to allow God to love you? Why can't we just walk through the crowd when we are rejected? I'm over 60 years old and I'm only beginning to know the LORD's awesome love for me, I'm only beginning to really feel the love of others, I'm only beginning to let that light shine through me.  How about you?

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, we desire so to know You, to love You and to serve You. You have placed this desire in our hearts. At our best, we seek You in all things. Thank you for our companions, those with whom we break bread. Thank you for Your love that kindles our desire for You. Forgive us for the times we have not brought good new to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind, or freedom to the oppressed. Thank You for Jesus and help us to know Him and function more fully in the Body of Christ. May we dance with all your holy people and bring You glory!

Birthdays: Karen Adkins (1/28), Mary Ellen (Lay) 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).

Keeping In-touch:  While presenting "Inside Islam" to the St. Joseph's Mens Group at Nativity, facilitating my Regis' course "Leading Lives that Matter," and reading about the "New Evangelization" focus in our Church, I'm challenged to reflect on my relationship with Jesus and my efforts to share Good News. As much as anyone, I too have the dis-ease of busy-ness. I know I have been graced with a concrete encounter with God (Sacrament) in His Church and in Creation. I hope I have shared and do share the connection of my story with the Story of Jesus!
The week has flew-by: Marge fought-off a bug, we enjoyed some Australian Open matches, and I even played tennis (in a wind tunnel). Our weather is mild; it's almost like Spring. 

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The Readings: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  What a joy to remember that we that we need each other: we are members of One Body! Can you imagine Jesus reading this passage from Isaiah with the revelation to himself and all present: C'est Moi!! This is me...This is what I'm called to do! What does the reading say to you?

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, may we be Your delight and celebrate all the variety of gifts we have in the one Spirit. As Jesus turned the water into wine, may we be filled with life and bring You glory. Help us begin a new with sorrow for our sins and wonderful expectation of our daily bread. We praise You and thank you in Jesus name.

Birthdays: Julia Brumbaugh (1/22), Molly (Cole) Komon (1/23), Michael Sheeran S.J. (1/24), Edmund V. Lay (1/27).  In Memoriam: Paul Pitzen (1/26/08).

Keeping In-touch:  I'm overloaded with course-work and other "gigs." And Marge keeps plenty busy. Denver has a pall since the last football game. And we're snuggling to keep warm. It's good to be busy and have great expectations.

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The Readings: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  What joyous readings we have this weekend! Hopefully we will be enthused with this Good News of "delight," "many gifts in the one Spirit," and wine to celebrate our calling to full life. While everything is so cold & dead these readings and our re-membering Jesus mission beginning again!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

My Companions pray with me: LORD, we would like you to claim that with us You are well pleased. We want to give you glory by living lives that are filled with Your love. We seek Your mercy for our selfishness and failures. We thank You for all the blessings we have received especially the gifts of health and of companions to share the beautiful creation You shower upon us. Give us all we need and help us to know the abundance of Your love. May we more fully respond to our baptism and live in the glory of Your Kingdom.

Birthdays: Jack Parise (1/7), Cullen Stevens (1/11), Kathy Schaefer (1/15), Mary (Dean) Norton (1/15), Martin Munoz (1/19). In Memoriam: Joseph Himpleman (1/7/60), Elizabeth Lay (1/17/93), Lina Kilday (1/18/58).

 
Keeping In-touch:  I have missed posting for the celebration of Theotokos, the Mother of God, and for the feast of The Holy Family, but I'm just under the wire for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Sorry for my slacker ways. My laptop computer with all my files for teaching crashed and I had to scurry to have everything ready for the semester. Good News: I could recover what I needed. As of this morning, we have all the Christmas decorations put away, we're keeping warm by the fireplace, and waiting for the Broncos Division Championship Game. It took a day or two to recover from a disappointing Notre Dame loss but life goes on and we reflect again on real life issues. The days grow with a couple more minutes of light and we've scheduled our first four camping trips (through the fourth of July): we plan to celebrate health & a more full life!

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The Readings: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One who brings the Good News of God's Kingdom among us and the promise of the fulfillment of His Kingdom to come. Let us live like we have heard and experience this Good News.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

My Companions pray with me: LORD, in Your glory You have given us our family. Help us to experience our family as an encounter with the fullness of life, with joy and comfort, and with true reconciliation. May the love we share in family be a sign for all to see of Your most gracious love and our, sometimes feeble efforts to love You in worship. Help us all to grow in wisdom and grace whatever our age.

Birthdays: Alan Kobza (1/1), Sue Ross (1/1) . In Memoriam: Helen (Kilday) Low (1/2/75).
 
Keeping In-touch:  Our days have been filled with food and football in the warmth of our Christmas decorated home. We're enjoying our Christmas celebrations with family and friends. Although I'm fighting a cold, we're enjoying family time and learning of the happenings and life-events of others at this time of year when we make more effort to connect. It's so much fun to watch the little ones!

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The Readings: Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  To be holy is to be life-giving! Today we're challenged to participate in holy family life! Jesus most certainly sought his Father, the Creator of all life. Mary and Joseph responded, as well, in their vocation. What a beautiful feast: the feast of the life-giving family!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Merry Christmas

My Companions pray with me: LORD, thank you for including us in Your divine life! Help us open our hearts to receive the Christ-child and help show your salvific love to all the world. Forgive us for the times we have been harkened by your angels and have failed to respond fully. May we live in Your glory now and forever more.

The Readings: Christmas

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  Just as the shepherds "went in haste to see..." and then returned "glorifying and praising God," I hope our Christmas Celebration confirms our expectation of God's love and we will return to give glory and praise to God for all the New Year by loving one another.

 

Merry Christmas... Marge & John

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Pat Dolan (1932 - 2012)

My Companions pray with me: LORD, take our friend and companion, Patricia (Murray) Dolan, to the fullness of Your glory. Bless all of her family, friends, and people of good will who have been touched by her hospitality and good cheer. May we remember Pat as we remember all who have gone before us. May Your perpetual light shine upon her.

In Memoriam  Patricia M. Dolan(November 14, 1932 - December 22, 2012)
Patricia Dolan nee Murray, beloved wife of the late Burtis J. Dolan, Jr.; loving mother of Amy (Dennis) Malaney, Burtis J., III (Stacy), William G. (Cynthia), Patrick J. (Susan), John P. (Diane) Dolan and Mary Alice (Michael) Noone; dear grandmother of 24: aunt of many nieces and nephews.

"The American Lady on the hill"
Almost five years ago Marge and I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Ireland with Fr. Ed Poehlmann and his sisters, Eileen and Cathy. Ed had contacted his friend, Pat Dolan, and she invited us to stay with her for a part of our trip. Even with the clear directions, "Past the ugly green house over the hill and just past the three houses near the highway, turn on the gravel driveway to the right." we had a difficult time finding her. But the postmaster in the town nearby helped us find her, not by name, but as "The American Lady on the hill." I might add: the most gracious American Lady on the hill. She couldn't do enough to make our trip to Ireland the most memorable ever. My Irish Bride and Pat connected like two Irish sisters with family stories of blarney!
Pat then spoiled us with her delightful culinary talents at her summer place in Vail. And on her last trip to Colorado this summer, we had the opportunity to play the host and hostess before she flew back to Chicago-land.
We so enjoyed her stories of her beloved Burt and the life she shared with her family and friends. And we had stories to remember and retell from our trip to the Emerald Isle.
We all have companions who briefly travel with us and in a very special way share our hopes, our dreams, and our expectations of life in the fullness of the LORD. Pat was is one of those special people.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help us to serve others as Mary traveled to attend to Elizabeth. May our spirits jar us to joy as the babe within Elizabeth leaped at the sound of Mary's voice. Forgive us when our desires and expectations focus on insignificant things; help us know our true desire for You, Our Awesome God of Love! Thank You for all the good You rain upon us and continue to give your healing touch to all on our list of prayer.

Birthday: Lindsey Ross (12/27).

 
Keeping In-touch:  Not much rest for us last weekend: Marge had church-cleaning & I had the topic for M.A.S.H (see "Seeking Holiness in the Shadow of Tragedy"), Regis Graduation, and the final session of "Inside Islam." All the news-ertainment rehashed the tragic events of Friday, but the Broncos continued to win and divert our attention.
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The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  We often think that "Love your neighbor" means to, in some abstract way, "Love everyone." The Gospel this week gives us an example: Mary's "neighbor" was her cousin, Elizabeth. I need to love each person I encounter in my daily journey and in them all people of good will.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Third Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: LORD, comfort us in this time of tragedy! How can we rejoice when little children have been shot? You are in our midst, but a pall drapes our days. Thank you for the renewed health of Chuck and Dad. Please continue to bless them and heal Lori Beth and Kelly DeBoar. Help us to let our lives sing your glory and know that You will dry all our tears.

Birthday: Chuck Olson (12/21), Julie (Lay) Schnitzer (12/22), Judi (Lay) Cole (12/22).

 
Keeping In-touch:  Marge keeps busy preparing for Christmas and doing her elder care work. I stole away and skied "the ribbon of death" with my friend Fr. Ed (he'll teach me to ski again, or kill me), but have kept busy at the school. We'll complete the "Inside Islam" class at church this weekend. The Georgens fed us a most wonderful dinner and we will be entertained by the Elliot children this evening. Lori Beth recovers from her gallstone issue and Chuck is on-the-mend. Kelly DeBoar, Connie Kobza's niece will have a cyst in her thigh removed to keep it from attacking her bones, please keep her in your prayer.  he tragedy in Connecticut makes us so sad but also determined to love more fully to repudiate evil!
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The Readings: Third Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  The first reading is so joyful it helps to raise my spirits. And the Gospel reading poses the question that constantly resonates in my prayer: What do you want me to do? Hopefully I will celebrate and listen more fully this week. How about you?

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Second Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: LORD, may your glory shine forever! May all people of good will see the light of your glory through all our words and actions. Please accept our repentance for the forgiveness of our sins. And know the gratitude in our hearts for all your good gifts: especially the gift of new life in the birth of Caleb Foresman. Give us what we need to "make straight the path" for the building of your kingdom: especially bless Chuck at his cancer surgery and all who recover from sickness. Bless our work and make it the work of your hands.

Birthday: Caleb Froesman (12/3), Danielle Lay (12/16). Anniversaries: Katie (Lay) & Nick Johnson (12/11), Mark & Sue Ross (12/12).

 
Keeping In-touch:  I have had some wonderful moments of consolation in prayer lately, but really have a "bah humbug" spirit about all the "holiday issues." Our "Inside Islam" sessions have provide a challenging opportunity to work to understand all of God's children and to become more faithful in our response to God's love. The warm weather has given the opportunity for more fun recreation (tennis). And our new activities (Marge's elder care-giving and my cafeteria tasks) keep us on our toes at the beginning of this new Church year and the end of our calendar year.
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The Readings: Second Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  The reading from Baruch struck me with the proclamation that God will bring "our children" back to us "borne aloft in glory." Oh how wonderful it will be when we will all live filled with the glory of God! Hopefully, this week I will take to heart the call of John the Baptist to "see the salvation of God."

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

First Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: LORD, as we begin a New Church Year, may we praise You by living lives filled with Your Love. Help us prepare for the birth of Christ in our hearts. Forgive us our thoughts, words, and acts of alienation. And bless us with all we need; help us share our gifts with one another. Send your healing Spirit to all who are sick and/or recovering, especially my father and Danni. Please touch Chuck Olson and guide his doctors and and comfort my sister's (Mary) family.

 

Birthday: Kathy DePriest (12/3). In Memoriam: Chuck Weingart (11/28/1991), Ed Hogan (12/9/1999).

 
Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner at Lori Beth's in-laws and quietly spent the weekend watching football & puttering around the house. We brought about thirty people together for our first presentation and discussion of Catholics & Muslims. We celebrated Sallie's mother's life (Mary Jepson) at the funeral. And Marge worked a funeral luncheon at Nativity for Doris Weibel. Otherwise, I keep busy at Presentation School and Marge has prepared our home for decorating this weekend. 
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The Readings: First Sunday of Advent

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I keep too busy to worry about "the end of the times" and I rest in the LORD's promise for ultimate peace. I'm challenged, more, to quiet myself in prayers of anticipation of a more full life in Christ this Christmas and through out the new year...

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thanksgiving Day (special)

My Companions pray with me: Thank you LORD for all your gifts. Especially, thank you for my companions in prayer who encourage, support, and challenge me to know you and live in your most gracious love. Thank you for our lives of plenty and your promise of eternal life. Continue to help me to grow in gratitude and to more fully serve you and my neighbors. Help me to use all your gifts with responsible stewardship and love.

 

The Readings: Thanksgiving Day

Some Commentary:
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I'm ashamed to admit that I have often received wonderful gifts of material, emotional and/or spiritual gifts and have failed to enthusiastically turned to the LORD and given heartfelt thanks. I'm more likely to focus on the benefits of others or my unfilled desires than to appreciate all the life with which I have been blessed: I'm a leper who "forgets" to return to give thanks to the LORD. How will you give thanks and nourish your heart of gratitude?

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help us trust in your plans for us. Give us wisdom in these times of political and economic trial. Help us to see the signs among us and listen to the deep desire in our hearts that longs for you. Forgive us our selfishness and our choices that lead us away from you. Thank you for all our blessings, especially renewed health for Marge, Dani and Dad. Comfort us in our times of trouble; help us to trust in you. Let your light shine on all who have gone before us, especially Lester Prisk.

 

Birthday: Megan Lay (11/19), Fr. Michael Carvill (11/21), Lacey Kobza. Anniversaries: Michael & Dani Schnitzer (11/19)  In Memoriam: Richard Smith Jr. (11/19/1968), Richard Smith (11/20/1984).

 
Keeping In-touch:  Our week has been full as Marge had her port removed and is recovering from the procedure and I traveled to Chicago-land to visit my father who is home now recovering from his stay in the hospital. I will have the opportunity to visit with family while in the Chicago area to attend meetings at the annual American Academy of Religion event. And we're all looking forward to "turkey-day." Hopefully we will all celebrate our hearts of gratitude and put all the mercantile activities in context.
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The Readings: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I'm struck by the apocalyptic flavor of our readings this weekend as I listen to the reports of the build-up for an invasion of Gaza. This world seems to be headed to fall over many "cliffs." We do live in a time of crisis. I hope I will become aware of the signs opened to me. I hope we will all contribute to the welfare that the LORD wants for all.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help us to trust in you as did the widow of Zarephath and the poor widow at the treasury. Help us to know your awesome love for us, especially in trying times. With this trust give us hearts of gratitude: thank you for all your blessings and promises. Forgive us our selfishness and lack of trust. May we be fully alive and bring you glory. Please send your healing love on Danni, Dad, and George as they all continue to recover.

Birthday: Pat Dolan (11/14), Jim Shato (11/15), George Stevens (11/17). In Memoriam: Louise Smith (11/16/2005).

 
Keeping In-touch:  GREAT NEWS: Marge received a clean bill of health from her oncologist today! I'm posting toward the end of the week because I've been busier than usual. I began a part-time job as a cafeteria manager for my friend, Fr. Ed's Parish, this week. This will help us in some "tough times" and I'm serving with delightful people and precious children. My friend, Bill, helped me to accumulate my 10,000 steps/day a couple times this week running me around the tennis courts. While much of our nation suffers challenging weather, we have enjoyed some beautiful days. My father was hospitalized at the start of the week but is scheduled to return to his home on Saturday. Hopefully some diet changes will help his "roughed-up" insides. I'm very fortunate to have planned a trip to Chicago to see him and attend some AAR meetings next week. Thanks for your prayers for him.
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The Readings: Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I know I become discouraged and don't really trust that the LORD will "write straight with crooked lines," especially when I'm dealing with "the Scribes and the Pharisees" of our day. I do much better when I'm better with my prayer & meditations...

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, as we appreciate all your glory that surrounds us each day of our lives, help us to know your awesome love and to love you. And guide that love in us to spill-out to all the people we encounter each day: our neighbors. Forgive us for our failure to love and change our stony hearts into fleshy ones filled with gratitude. Please comfort our family members and friends who suffer illness and pain, especially Danni, Judi, Molly, Gail, and all who have asked for our prayer. Please comfort all who are hit hard by our recent storm. Help us live with joy.

Birthday: Gail Audino (11/9).

 
Keeping In-touch: We enjoyed visiting with Marge's nephew, Tim, at the Novitiate of Holy Cross Community at Cascade, CO. on Saturday. They have a beautiful, quiet place for the young men to prepare for their service in the priesthood. We also enjoyed a less quiet trip to Old Chicago to celebrate Tim's birthday with him. Although the Tigers did not win the World Series -- :( for family and friends in and from Michigan -- we delight in the winning streak for Notre Dame :)  The leaves have fallen and we're prepared for the ghosts and goblins that will haunt us tomorrow evening. Boo!   
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The Readings: Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I wrote my "prayer" (above) before I read Fr. Foley's comments this week. The "spill-over" seems to have hit both of us in our reading of the scriptures for this weekend. I also thought of the question, "What is the greatest commandment?" and likened it to my students' question, "What do I need to do to get an 'A'?" Translated: what is the minimum of effort and the least quality of papers I have to write to get an 'A' in this course? Are those the questions we ask about life? Rather, let us ask, "How can we have the most joyous life possible!?" "How can we experience the best life has to offer?" I'm betting it comes with love of God and neighbor... How do you experience your "zest for life"?

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help us to quiet ourselves so we become fully in-tune with what we want. Help us to know our deepest desires and how they point to our desire for you. Fill our hearts with gratitude and take away all that alienates us from one another, from our world, and from you. Help us to really see so, acting on our faith, we may bring you glory. 

Birthdays: Mike Lay (10/31), Dcn Lugaid Brugha (11/2), Mike Norton (11/2), Elonore Kobza (11/4), Larry Pribyl (11/4). Anniversaries: Larry & Judy Lay (11/29), Shelley Kari & Ken Lay (11/1).

Keeping In-touch: Not much has changed, since I was late last week, but getting off to an early start this week. We participated in a wonderful celebration of Fr. Eustace's 50th Anniversary of entering the Society of Jesus. And Fr. Ed Poehlmann treated us to a delightful concert with some good Wyoming/Colorado music. Our friends, Gary & Joan returned from their sojourn to Pennsylvania and celebrated their return and Marge's birthday, 'cause they missed the earlier festivities! The weather prognosticators warn us of a snowstorm toward the end of this week, just in time for the trip we're planning to visit Marge's nephew, Timmy, at the seminary in Colorado Springs. If we get stuck for a while, I expect that the Holy Cross Fathers will at least show the Notre Dame football game!

The Readings: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  

Fr. Foley's challenge this week hits the spot for me: what is it that you want? I think I know. I think it's in-tune with what the LORD wants. I think I need to learn to squawk better! How about you?
John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, thank you for all your gracious gifts, especially your gift of healing of our loved ones. Help us to be good servants and not to seek places of honor. Please be with us as we carry our little crosses each day. Let us be filled with your life and bring you glory.

Birthdays: Bill Husson (10/22), Don Lay (10/24, Haley (Smith) Foresman (10/27), Jason Schnitzer (10/27), Cameron Frodl (10/28), Tim Weed (10/28). Anniversary: Carol & Andy Ondish (10/22).

Keeping In-touch: The week slipped away again... My daughter Megan came for a visit and we all celebrated Nathie's third birthday. He was so filled with joy with all his gifts of cars and books. He grows so fast. Thank you for all your prayers for Danielle Lay, she is recovering from the surgery and will hopefully be freed from the awful migraine headaches.  

The Readings: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  

We must have all tried the tactic of James and John when we were children, "Mom or dad, please just give us what ever we ask for." And we heard the response, "What is it you want?"

And we've all heard the saying, "Watch-out for what you ask (pray) for!"

So once again, in Mark's Gospel, we witness the very humanness of the disciples. I hope these examples will help me to check my wishes and desires. I hope they will help me seek the Lord's callings for my life; for that will truly bring me joy.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, help us to really know that nothing is impossible with you. And help us to find your kingdom by responding to the greatest attractions of our hearts: to be one with you. Do not let us be fooled by the glitter and glamour of riches and wealth so we may inherit eternal life. Grace us, please, will all our needs, especially a quick recovery for Danielle.

Birthdays: Nathan William Gulmantovicz (10/15), Ken Lay (10/15), Josh Parise  (10/19); In Memoriam: Elizabeth Lay [mom] (10/17/2002), Dick Blake (10/17/2006).

Keeping In-touch: We are sliding into fall, enjoying (most of the time) football games, and delighting in the colors that surround us. We're paying attention to all the political goings-on. And have thought and prayed often for our niece, Danielle (see Mike's note that I just received).

The Readings: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  As I try to "make a go" of my services for community building and religious education, I become depressed, that I haven't landed a greater number of  clients who will use the tools we have to share. I'm saddened that have not made this enterprise profitable (as well as prophet-able). I fear that my selfishness and sin keep me from recognizing the working of the LORD in my midst. Am I really willing to sell all I have to follow Jesus? Am I correctly discerning the LORD's will for me (which would be the "greatest desires of my heart"). I'll continue to plug-away, quiet myself, and know the LORD's love and call.

Jesus looks at you and loves you. Can you gradually let go of those things that thwart your love in response?
Or must you go away sad? (Foley S.J.)

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, thank you for my beautiful Bride, the "suitable partner for the man," you have entrusted with me (O.T. reading). Help all people to love deeply!(Foley). May we all grow closer to that most wonderful love of the Trinity. Let us "accept the Kingdom as a child." (Gospel) And thank you for the wonderful color that shines for us this time of year. Please care for Danielle and heal her and bless all who are sick and suffering. Forgive us our selfishness and sinfulness. Please soften our stony hearts and minds to know your will as we choose our next set of leaders. Help us live full lives and bring you glory.

Birthdays: Bill Smith (10/8), Cameron Stevens (10/8), Judy (Stuckle) Lay (10/8), Linda Kent (10/10), Clarley Stevens (10/11),; Anniversary: Pat and Mary Norton (10/10); In Memoriam: Dan Gravelyn (10/9), Frank Low (10/9).

Keeping In-touch: We experienced a fast transition from hot summer to nippy fall days! I kept quit busy, picked-up some work helping my friend David Ward use the VLE for his reflexology course, picked-up a grant searching skill, watched the movie For Greater Glory (3x -- once with our SCC group), put the house back together, and welcomed my Bride home from her visit to Iowa. And this week has almost passed me by with a trip to visit "the gold in them there hills" with Grandma Kobza and working to keep-up with my growing number of projects... there is so much life to live!

The Readings: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments:  As I encounter the readings for our celebration I can not but remember all the loving married people in my life who have committed themselves to each other and accepted the responsibility to give a concrete witness to us of the presence of Christ, living the sacrament of matrimony. And I can feel some of the pain of those who anguish because of divorce. Oh how wonderful will be the day when the full inclusion in the explosive love of the Trinity will consume us. Let us enjoy a process of moving closer to that awesome LOVE.

May our lives call out "good news" to all we meet this week. And as St. Francis said, "Use words if necessary."

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...