Mary, Mother of God and The Epiphany of the Lord

My Companions pray with me: Lord, my we bring You glory as we venerate Mary at the start of this new year and turn to her for our example of faithful, loving response to Your gift of love. Forgive our failures to appreciate all Your Mystery among us by our acts or our failures to act. Thank You for all Your gifts, especially the gift of hope. Please care for all those most in need of Your love, especially my Aunt Dorothy.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Alan Kobza (1/1), Sue Ross (1/1), Madelaine DeVan (1/3), Rebecca Muniz (1/3). In memoriam: Baby Elizabeth Lay (1/2/1992), Helen (Kilday) Low (1/2/1975).

Keeping In-touch: Our grown children and our grandchildren began arriving on Tuesday and we have enjoyed "wonderful craziness" ever since. Everyone gathered for Christmas Dinner and Alan and Connie shared in the feast and gifts. We took a trip to Casa Bonita and many will test the snowy slopes in our Colorado Mountains this week

Decision Point: Decision Point:pt 1

Decision Point pt2

The Readings: Mary, Mother of God       
                   and  The Epiphany of the Lord

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
This week I plan to meditate on the wonder and beauty of our Mother Mary. I will turn to her and ask for a greater love and appreciation for her Son, Our Lord. May I be filled with joy in this prayer.

Comments, Reflections, Insights... 

Christmas and the feast of The Holy Family

My Companions pray with me: Lord,

Companion Events: Bithdays: Julie (Lay) Schnitzer (12/22), Judi (Lay) Cole (12/22), Marie (Lay) Weingart (12/22), Jeff King (12/24), Jesus of Nazareth (12/25), Lindsey Ross (12/27).

Keeping In-touch: Our Breakfast Tennis League concluded our season and celebrated the end of a grand time. Marge took advantage of an Advent Evening Retreat. And I met with my "personal board" to find advice and direction for my The Emmaus Institute work; they blessed me, richly. I spent a good amount of time on the thorntontennis.org website. Nathan kept us busy one afternoon.

Decision Point: Decision Point:

The Readings: Christmas Masses       
                   and  The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
We took a ride one evening to look at the way people have decorated their homes this Christmas season. We figured that less than 5% of the decorated houses featured the Nativity. This seemed shallow but, at least, festive. Jesus came that we might live life abundantly. Many of us want to life life to its fullest. We may need to take more time to find that in quiet reflection on the Nativity...and on the holy family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Yard Nativity at 495 Dover Ct, Broomfield, CO. Merry Christmas to all. Be filled with joy.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, when we contemplate Your Glory and Majesty we tremble; may we praise You with all our being. Please forgive the times we have turned from You and failed to love You, our sisters and brothers, or our very selves. Thank You for all Your gifts, especially these companions who pray with us and support us in serving You and one another on our road to You. Please bless and comfort all of us in need, our ancestors, our poor, our sick and those most in need of Your comfort and care, especially our son-in-law's recovery from his bicycle/car accident (Jason) and for Cara Lou Ross and all her family and friends.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Danielle Lay (12/16), Pope Francis (12/17), Theresa Lynn Lay (Tessa) (12/18), Lily Koman (12/20), Chuck Olson (12/21). Anniversary: Christy and Josh Parise (12/17/2004). In memoriam: Curt Farrell (12/16/2002).

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Keeping In-touch:  I played tennis four days out of seven; what wonderful weather we enjoyed last week, but the snow fell yesterday to remind us that this is December! The warmer temperatures also made outdoor decorating for the celebration of the Lord's Incarnation a more pleasant experience. We enjoyed Fr. Ed's choral Christmas concert. The beautiful music and bell-ringers challenged some of my "grouch" attitude. We have our last Tennis Breakfast League gathering for the year and have lost our indoor opportunities :(    We're anxiously anticipating the arrival of the Iowa and California Kids for Christmas. 

Decision Point: Decision Point:

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
Even as a 6th grade kid the person and limited story we have of St. Joseph impressed me so much that I chose him as my Confirmation Patron. In some ways I must have known of my calling to be a father. And today I want to follow his example of love and care for Mary and Jesus. I don't think I want angels showing-up to explain things to me. That might scare the daylights out of me. But, at times, I do tend to my dreams and try to listen to the Lord's call to me from my deeper self. When it seems that the Lord's throwing me curve-balls, I think of St. Joseph and know that I'm playing in the minor leagues. Still, I call on him to help me hit-one-outta-the-park for The Lord!

Third Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we praise You by bringing good news to the poor, by releasing those who live in political oppression, by attending to those in physical pain and suffering, and by helping those with physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual addictions. Have mercy on all our selfishness and sin. We thank You for all Your blessings. And we come to You with all our needs.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Whitney Ross (12/10), Isablel Grace Parise (12/12), Lina Hettermann (12/13). Anniversary: Nick and Katie Johnson (12/11/2010). In memoriam: Eddie Hogan (12/9/1999).

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Keeping In-touch:  The week was filled with good moments of preparation and prayer this Advent: decorating, prayer groups, the Symphony with my friend, Esuatce, and, of course, tennis.

Decision Point: Decision Point:: Second Chances

The Readings: Third Sunday of Advent

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
If people approached me like they approached John the Baptist and asked me, "Who are you, cyber-evangelist?" I would say: "I'm just a man."
"No!" I would say, "I am a man! A man call to radiate life"
Be holy as your Heavenly Father is Holy. Holy means life-giving.
"But, I'm a sinful man. I don't care for the poor, imprisoned, oppressed, or the sick as much as I should. I don't always accept Jesus' love which will heal my poverty, my imprisonment, my addictions, and my illnesses.
But I'm filled with hope that Jesus will continue to enter my life each day, work at transforming me, and invite me to His Second Coming.
I am a very blessed man called to use my talents for God's Kingdom. This is exciting!!"


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Second Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, we can only from a distance appreciate Your Beauty, Your Truth, Your Life; we call from the roof-tops the Glory of Our Lord! Please forgive all the road-blocks we put in the way of Your love. We work to forgive those who have hurt us. Thank You for all Your wonderful Gifts, especially Your coming as Messiah and Your promise to return in all Your Glory. Please provide for all we need, for those in need of healing on our list, those who have gone before us, and those in most need of Your life this day.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Caleb Foresman (12/3), Kathy DePriest (12/3). In memoriam: Edward T. Oakes, SJ (12/6/2013).

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Keeping In-touch:  The Thanksgiving Holiday kept us on our toes last week. We enjoyed mild weather (thus tennis) and we had more time with family.

Decision Point: Decision Point:: Jesus was a Radical

The Readings: Second Sunday of Advent

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
More than ever, I've begun to reflect on Christ present in my life. I've always known He's here in His Holy Spirit. I'm just becoming more aware. And the anticipation of living in the fullness of Christ's glory makes my hope a living hope. Advent is a special time for this.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

A Thanksgiving Prayer

My Companions pray with me: Lord, thank You for all the wonderful gifts you bless us with each day. Especially today, Thanksgiving 2014, our hearts are filled with gratitude. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Keeping In-touch:  Enjoy your family and friends on this special day of thanksgiving. Today, we will join Lori Beth and her "extending family" and you will all be in our prayers of gratitude.

The Readings: Thanksgiving Day

First Sunday of Advent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, You dream that we live fully and become our best selves. May we make that dream real and bring You Glory. Please forgive our small and selfish thoughts, words, and deeds. Help us forgive those who hurt us; often they don't realize their best self. Thank You, especially this week when we have a day set aside for Thanksgiving, for all Your wonderful blessings. We lift up all who suffer physically, emotionally, and spiritually; we know You want them to experience Your mercy and love.

Companion Events: In memoriam: Chuck Weingart (11/28/1991).

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Keeping In-touch:  While our relatives and friends in Michigan and New York received a dumping of lake-effect snow we enjoyed a break from our shivering frosty conditions of last week. There were many meetings this week... and I picked-up tasks even from the ones I didn't attend.

Decision Point: Decision Point: The Problem and the Solution

The Readings: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Our Jewish ancestors expected the Lord to care for them and send a messiah. They knew the Lord wanted more for them. I know more each day my need for the Lord. And I pray that I will know and follow His will. I can not imagine how much more joy I will experience each day of my life if I will listen, hear, and follow His great expectations for me. And, as for the Second Coming, I know my feeble imagination will fail to even approach the Lord in all His glory.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

My Companions pray with me: Let us adore You and praise You with every moment of our lives, Lord! Forgive us for failing to remember Your love and share Your love with everyone we encounter. Thank You for all Your gifts. Please provide all we need; we especially pray for all those on our prayer list this week.

Companion Events: Birthdays:George Stevens (11/17), Megan (Lay) Stevens (11/19), Fr. Michael Carvill (11/21), Lacey (Kobza) Noterman (11/21), Zoey Rae Varra (11/12),Joyce Donahue (11/22), Richard Backes (11/23).  Anniversary: Michael and Dani Schnitzer (11/19).  In memoriam: Jean Doreen Sampson (11/17/13), Mary T. Jepson (11/17/12),Richard Smith Jr (11/19/68), Dick Smith (11/20/84), Sam Graber (11/20/2000), Ruby Aesoph (11/21/13).

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Keeping In-touch:  We received the blast of frigid weather this week: Tuesday we arose to -14° and -32° windchill...brrrrrrr. We have a new TV provider so we could watch free movies; we saw: 12 Years a Slave, The Book Thief, 42, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I played a little indoor tennis but we mainly hung-out by the fireplace.

Decision Point: Decision Point: The Jesus Question?

The Readings: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
The Lord is our Shepherd and we have so many gifts. This parable challenges us to look at what we have done with our gifts. Are we investing them well (last week's Gospel) and are we serving the least of our sisters and brothers (this week's Good News)?

Comments, Reflections, Insights... 

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: May we bring You glory Lord by aligning all that we treasure with Your unconditional love. May we find complete sorrow for our failings and selfishness. May our hearts be filled with gratitude as we thank You for the life You have given us. Please provide for all our needs: especially help the poor in our area as the days turn cold, be with Cindi as the doctors work to repair her knee, and continue to bring Matthew strength in his recovery from his stroke.

Companion Events: Birthdays Diane Blanchard (11/13), Jim Shato (11/15) Christian Koman (11/16) .  In memoriam: Louise (Kilday) Smith (11/16/2005).

Keeping In-touch:  Our weather has given us additional time for outdoor activities: tennis... And the highlight for this week came when the Broomfield Boys Soccer Team won the State Championship! Marge and I connected and shared meals with special friends. As always our days passed quickly. We're expecting to say good-bye to our first cough/cold of the season this week.

Decision Point: Decision Point: What's holding you back?

The Readings: Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I have found the treasures in my life (most importantly, my Bride and my work) and, in a sense, have sold all I am for them. I thank the Lord for these fortunate discoveries and pray that together with these treasures I serve Him well and bring His joy more fully to the world. Let us all take the treasures entrusted to us by Our Lord, invest all our ourselves in them for His glory, and live as faithful servants.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

My Companions pray with me: May we praise You by accepting Your great love and allowing it to flow through us. Please forgive our greed and selfishness because it stands in the way of our knowing You and one another. Thank You for all the life You bestow on us each day. And please provide for all our needs.

Companion Events: Birthdays Elonore Kobza (11/4), Larry Pribyl (11/4), Joan Carnegie (11/5), Gail Audino (11/9).

Keeping In-touch:  This first week of "retirement" passed quickly. The days become shorter and the cold we're passing back and forth zaps our energies. But the football watching and tennis playing keep us alive!

Decision Point: What's holding you back? This is personal
  
 The Readings: Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
If you're like me, you feel anger when your shown disrespect. I can only begin to imagine how disappointed and angry Jesus must have been encountering the greedy and selfish people of his day who showed no respect for God who loves beyond all measure.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

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

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

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

Decision Point: Hungry for the Truth
     Commandments for life.

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

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

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

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

Decision Point: Stinking Thinking

The Readings: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

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

The Readings: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     Be a Rebel.

The Readings: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You, Lord, seek mercy for our sinful ways, thank You for all Your gifts, and beg for all we need,

Companion Events: Birthdays Jack Backer (10/3), Matthew Dixon (10/5),  In memoriam: Becky Peterson (9/30/2007).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed a quick camping get away and saw some peak viewing of the fall color at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. And I played in a tennis tournament all weekend.

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     God's Dream for You.

The Readings: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Jealousy brings people to poor decisions, sometimes mortally so for oneself and/or others.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You, Lord, in the morning, noon, and at night. We always wish to sing of Your glory. Count not our alienating thoughts, words, or deeds. Let Your love and Your mercy transform us. Thank You for all Your gifts and blessings. And help us with all we need to serve You, all we need to be whole and filled with Your Holy Spirit. Especially bless all those on our prayers lists. Comfort all who are torn by war: the physical wars that are fought between peoples and the spiritual wars that rip people apart. Also welcome "Rocky" DiPetrillo who died this morning to Your heavenly kingdom and comfort Debbie and all his family.


Companion Events: Birthdays Christine Lay (9/23), Hazel Quinn Figiro (9/24), Eric Olson (9/25).  Anniversary: Mary and Chuck Olson (9/23/??),  In memoriam: Tom Foley (9/23/??).

Keeping In-touch:  Our grandson, Nathan, kept us very busy at the end of last week. Together we enjoy the Broomfield Days parade and celebration activities. Earlier in the week we joined Alan and Connie at Rocky Mountain National Park and watch some majestic elk bully-bully. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner party with Bishop Paul from Uganda and Sam. I accepted some responsibilities to serve as Church

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     Live your best possible life.

The Readings: Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I sometimes act like the son who says, "Yes Lord, I will do what you ask." (although the discernment of what it is that the Lord asks me is often difficult), and then become distracted by my business. And sometimes I follow the way of the son who says, "Not now, Lord, I have other things to do." but I come to my senses and do what I've discerned is God's will for me.
Help me Lord to know Your will for me and to do it!

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We have busy lives, Lord, but we praise You and seek to show Your glory by living with good news and joy! We wish to show our love in all we say and do. Forgive our forgetfulness, Lord. Help us to acknowledge our failure to re-member You in our lives. And help us know Your mercy and work for justice. Thank You for all Your gift of life and the promise of eternal life. Please grant all we need this week. Especially bring comfort, hope, and renewed health to those on our sick list.

Companion Events: Birthdays Margaret Lay (9/19), Al Sheive (9/20), Fr. Eustace Sequeira (9/20), Sophie Schnitzer (9/20).  Anniversary: Evelyn and Jim Green (9/816/??), Chris and Don Lay (9/20/1980). In memoriam: Willalee Haris (9/19/2009).

Keeping In-touch:  We had some cool, wet days last week but I still played tennis. We enjoyed playing with Nathan and having time at home. We were pleased by our quick visit with nephew Adam Olson and his friend, Travis, on their rest-stop before they continued to "Sin-City" and "The Granola State." (Las Vegas and California). The leaves have begun to turn bright colors and we have already seen snow...

Decision Point: Your Choices Matter
     We may have many more years than the young people that Matthew Kelly addresses here, but our choices still impact our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Readings: Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I appreciate the first line of the O.T. reading, "Seek the Lord where He may be found," as I reflect on this Sunday's Gospel. Many of us read this parable of the workers in the vineyard and claim, "That's not fair!" We've been "walking with the Lord" all (or most) of our lives and we don't think it's fair that "new workers" should receive the same "pay."
If we "Seek the Lord where He may be found," we will know the glory of the Lord in our work. Our pay is not "the prosperity gospel," but our reward is our walk with the Lord and our expectation of full life with Him. Even when our work/walk is difficult, long and/or filled with suffering, we can live with joy because Emanuel: God is with us! We don't work for pay but enjoy the gracious status of sons and daughters of God.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

My Companions pray with me: Lord, how can we give You praise and worship You? Help us listen to Your whispers that You speak in the depths of our hearts, respond to them, live abundantly, and bring You glory in our lives. Forgive us, especially our sins of busyness, where we don't listen to our hearts and know the guidance You have placed there. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and we thank You for all the life You give us. And we beg for all we need especially health for our companions and bread for the poor among us. Like Nicodemus, we seek You out and request the fullness of life.

Companion Events: Birthdays Mary Kate Weed (9/13), Taylor (Smith) Castillo (9/13).  Anniversary: Joan and Gary Carnegie (9/8/??).

Keeping In-touch:  We have begun to settle down from all our travels... at least for a month or so. My "news" is late this week but I'm catching-up on tennis (winter indoor breakfast league has begun), homework, and other odds-n-ends. Nathan has been able to help Nana make cookies and play Lincoln Logs with Papa John. We're returning to normal...what is normal? I'm adding a link on this blog each week to a video clip from the Decision Point Confirmation program:

Decision Point: Life is Choices

The Readings: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
"What must I do to inherit eternal life?" Do we even take the time to ask the question. Nicodemus must have loved life and must have wanted to live in the fullness of life! The answer is given at every football game, on billboards, and as graffiti all-over: Jn 3:16. But what good are answers if we're not asking the question. I want to life life to the full. I will put the laptop down more this week to reflect on the question.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We praise You and adore You, Lord. We trust in Your mercy and love as we confess our sin. We have so much for which to be thankful; our hearts are filled with gratitude. Please bless all our companions, especially those on our list for those in need of healing: Matt Gulmantovicz (a stroke).

Companion Events: Birthdays Joey Foresman (8/26), Evan Parise (8/31), Mike Pintek (9/7).  Anniversary: Connie and Alan Kobza (9/3/77), Julie and Jason Schnitzer (9/5/2004), Carman and Leo Albiniak (9/6/1969), Lori Beth and Tony Gulmantovicz (9/7/2003); In memoriam: Bernard Grau (9/5/2013), Emma Lay (9/5/1974).

Keeping In-touch:  We hope you enjoyed the holiday weekend and celebrated all the labor you do. We had a wonderful time with our kids, grand-kids, and other family members in Iowa. Now we have the long trek home. Breakfast-tennis begins this week on Wednesday and I'll enjoy seeing the players.

The Readings: Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
The Gospel presents me with a challenge, "Confront those who hurt you one-on-one, then with a couple others, and finally tell the church." This practice should bring us to more community. I will continue to individually find reconciliation with others and always pray for all of our conversions.


John

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We adore You, Lord, and live in wonder of Your glory. We trust in Your mercy as we confess our sin and seek to fully respond to Your offer of new life. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all Your gifts. And we ask for all we need: especially renewed health for all on our list. Please help us to do what we can to mitigate the suffering in our world but not loose sight of Your will.

Companion Events: Birthdays James Carnegie (8/26), Evan Parise (8/31).  Anniversary: Lindsay and Bill Smith (8/26/78); In memoriam: Mike McClanahan (8/28/2009).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed our week on the Oregon coast visiting lighthouses and watching whales (at least watching the spewing from their blowholes). We learned to play pickle ball and played card games with Connie and Alan. The ocean is filled with power and mystery and we had a grand view from our deck.

The Readings: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I don't know how I would respond if Jesus called to me, "get behind me Satan," especially when all I wanted to do was to care for him! Oh, how difficult it is for us to see with the eyes of The Lord when we're filled with cares and concerns. We do not want to see our loved ones suffer. We don't want to suffer. And God doesn't want anything but the best for us. But sin has brought suffering into our world and, with Jesus, we must pass through suffering to find the life he won for us.

John

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: We will live in the joy of the Gospel and bring You glory, Lord. Forgive our failings, Lord, especially when we did not show mercy to others. Thank You for all the gifts and blessings You shower upon us. Please provide all we need, especially the peace and quiet moments to listen to the whispers You speak softly from our hearts. Help all on our list for healing and the list of those who have gone before us.

Companion Events: Birthdays Katie (Lay) Johnson (8/19), Clinton Ross (8/22).  Anniversary: Mark and Vicki Schnitzer (8/20/19??); In memoriam: Joseph Himpleman (8/19/1960), Fr Joe Hirsch (8/24/2009).

Keeping In-touch:  We had an "at home" week: cleaning and chores... Not much news, just looking forward to our vacation to Oregon followed by time with the "kids" and grand kids in Iowa.

The Readings: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
We too respond "the Christ!" to that most revealing question, "Who do you say I Am?" The Father has revealed this to us. And we must show His mercy and loving compassion to everyone we encounter. Jesus has risen. No longer can we "tell no one He is the Christ." We must preach the Gospel always. And like St Francis said, "use words, if necessary."

John

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: How can we praise You, Lord? Your glory, and beauty, and truth, and goodness outshine any effort we make to worship You! Grant us Your forgiveness and mercy for all our sins. Even in our work for justice, we know that only Your mercy can make us whole. Thank You for all your gifts. And help us with all we need. We pray especially for Tom King (in hospice care) and for everyone we have in mind: those suffering persecution, those in failing health, and those who have gone before us.

Companion Events: Birthdays Bev Grau (8/11), Neil Cyrus (8/11), Margie (Czarnecki-Norton) Pintek (8/16).  Anniversary: Mike and Michele Lay (8/12/1989); In memoriam: Walter Ong (8/12/2003).

Keeping In-touch:  We enjoyed another wonderful summer week that zoomed past us. I taped a couple sessions of the OT MOOC. I played golf in Presentation of Our Lady School's Charity Golf Tournament which was a success (I think I could learn to enjoy that game if I had the time and the money to play a couple or three days a week.). With the help I received, especially from my son, Matthew, we have the garage door working again (we're alive and have all our body parts). We remembered Bill Prymak on Saturday at his internment. Now this week, we're looking forward to our trip to Oregon.

The Readings: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Although the Canaanite woman would not have claimed to have a relationship with Jesus, she shared her true self with Him:
“Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters."
...and Jesus responds commending the woman's faith. The woman turned to Jesus because she wanted life, a full life for her daughter, not a life tormented by demons.
I, too, turn to Jesus because I desire abundant life! I ask that He take away my demons of worry, selfishness, and failure to apply the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, council, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. How much more should I share my true self with My Lord? He will not laugh at my petty requests or my appeal for help to become a saint!
John 

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Let us give glory to the Father through the Son and the Holy Spirit. We detest all our thoughts, words, or actions that alienate us from one another and from You, Oh Lord; forgive us our sins. We have hearts of gratitude and know that You will call us to Yourself and never allow us to sink; thank You for your love and Your mercy. Please provide for all our needs especially health for our companions who fight sickness in mind and body; help us to use Your gifts to bring You glory. Amen
//
Birthdays Gary Carnegie (8/7); In memoriam: Lina Kilday (8/6/1958), Phil Bammer (8/7/2011), Jean Lay (8/8/1992),  Linda Rose Lake (8/9/13), Dcn. Michael Howard (8/10/2011).

Keeping In-touch:  As you can see from the preceding blog post, Bill Prymak died last Wednesday. We pray that he rests in peace. We enjoyed a more restful week with some lovely rain and cooler temperatures last. As often happens, we fix one thing and another falls apart: the garage door spring broke but youtube videos and the help of friends will help us fight Murphy's Law!

The Readings: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

Often I can act just like Peter, "Call me Lord." then I loose confidence and hope: I begin to sink and then I moan and complain, "...help me Lord!" In those moments I, sooner or later, realize that I have not taken the time to quiet myself and listen for The Lord's soft message to me. I have not taken the time to rest in His love.  I will try to listen better this week.
John

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