Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may our little faith bring You glory. Forgive us for our failures to allow the desire You have placed in our hearts to grow. Thank You for the gift of faith and all Your goodness among us. And please hear the petitions for all of our poor, sick, and suffering. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Amanda Dixon (6/9), Julianne Stevens (6/10). Anniversaries: Marge and John Lay (6/18/1973), Ann and Bob Romadka (6/8/1974), Renee and Randy Lumpp (6/8/1975), Melissa and Neil Cyrus (6/10/2002), Deacon Antonio Sandoval (6/11/1973), Eloise and Phil Georgian (6/10/1965).

Keeping In-touch: We have little to share from last week we're basically into a summer mode with many rainy days.

Decision Point: Decision Point: Bear Bate

The Readings: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
Even when we use our scientific knowledge to explain the working of seeds and the growth of all living things, all of life remains a mystery to us. God's working in our lives grows goodness among us. We only need a little faith, commitment and cooperation with Ultimate Mystery, to allow God's Kingdom to flourish in our midst.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

My Companions pray with me: Lord, as we receive your Holy Body and Blood may we more fully accept your self-giving love and bring you glory with our hearts and minds and hands, with our whole being. Forgive us for the times we have failed to open ourselves to you and bring your life to others. Thank you for all your gifts and blessings. And provide for all our needs, especially for our sick family and friends and all in our world who suffer persecution and neglect. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Al Hardy (6/2), Kris Fitzgerald-Rohr (6/4), Ann Romadka (6/5), Melinda Felix (6/5). Anniversaries: Linda and Larry Kent (6/1/). In memoriam: Grace Blake (6/5/2015)

Keeping In-touch: We have enjoyed some sun last week and have begun to appreciate days without rain. Soon we will again, probably, be parched and cry out for moisture. We see the suffering of the people in Texas who have too much water and those in California that have too little water. We count our blessings and pray for all who suffer from tragic weather. 

Decision Point: Decision Point

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

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
The wonderful Mystery of the Eucharist humbles me, makes me stop in my tracks to contemplate how God so much desires that we become one with him. Too often I fail to appreciate how intimate God desires to be with us... this is frightening, but life-giving.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we praise You and bring You glory as we live in Your love. Forgive us for not sharing Your "Community of Love" as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank You for all the gifts we have received, especially the companions we have who support and challenge us. And we humbly ask for your continued grace and blessings especially for the sick and poor in our world and neighborhoods  . Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Michael Ross (5/26), Eloise Georgian (5/29), Anniversaries: Fr. Ed Poehlmann (5/27/1967), Nancy and Tom Neihart (5/29/1971). In memoriam: Fr Harry Hoewischer SJ (5/18/2015)

Keeping In-touch: A Facebook friend summed-up the week with, "...rain, rain, go away; come back when we need it." Even though we receive the most rain in May, we usually see much more of the sun. We canceled our first camping trip due to the rain and illness. Marge recovers, slowly, from her pneumonia; I thank the Lord for antibiotics and for all your prayers.

Decision Point: Decision Point...Get Close and Stay Close

The Readings: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
The Ultimate Mystery of the Holy Trinity humbles us and we kneel in praise. How wonderful that Jesus revealed to us that God is Lover, Beloved, and The Love between them: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Pentecost Sunday

My Companions pray with me: Lord, in Your Holy Spirit we will bring You glory. Have mercy on our failure to respond you Your awesome gifts. Thank You for all the gifts we have received. And please provide for all we need, especially for all those on our prayer lists. Amen

Companion Events: Anniversaries: Aurdy and Vern Rapp (5/19/1951), Kathy and Mike DePriest (5/22/1982). In memoriam: Gerald Klaus (5/18/1987), Gary Dixon (5/20/2009), Mike Norton (5/21/1987), Thomas Dildine (5/22/2010)

Keeping In-touch: We were blessed with more sunny days. I played more tennis but Marge still fights to recover from her cold. We're looking forward to our first camping trip in the next couple days and the kick-off of Summertime in the Rockies.

Decision Point: Decision Point...The Power of the Eucharist

The Readings: Pentecost Sunday 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
Let us celebrate the birthday of the Church and listen to the Truth that the Holy Spirit leads us to know.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Solemnity of the Ascension

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we honor You as we appreciate the Ascension. Forgive us for failing to notice Your love and Your power among us. Thank You for all Your gifts. And please provide for all our needs, especially the needs of our companions who request our prayers. Amen

Companion Events: Bithdays: Carmen Albiniak (5/12), Matthew Peterson (5/15), Pat Backes (5/15)  Anniversary: Katie and Jim Frodl (5/11/2007).

Keeping In-touch: Marge has had a cough that's debilitating her and we've had a week of rain and snow: Spingtime in the Rockies! I have not played tennis in over a week...getting grumpy. But we have a promise of sunny days ahead.

Decision Point: Decision Point...the True Presence

The Readings: The Solemnity of the Ascension 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
God is not confined to a time or a place. Sometimes our literal imaginations fail to serve us. We may imagine Jesus shooting into the heavens like a booster staged rocket... not to be seen or experienced. How do you imagine the Ascension of Jesus? And how does your image impact the way you live, your memories, and your expectations?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Sixth Sunday of Easter

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we honor You as we act in life-giving ways. Your mercy heals us and makes us holy. Thank You for all Your gifts. And please provide for all our needs, especially the needs of our companions who request our prayers. Amen

Companion Events: Bithdays: Willy Smith (5/5), Molly Norton (5/6), Sharon McKay (5/7), Pat Norton (5/8), Chris McDermott (5/8), Mike Hennigan (5/3), Tom Reynolds (5/3).  Anniversary: Al and Teresa Hardy (5/2/1987). In memoriam: Leander Lay (5/6/1975), Gloria Prymak (5/9/2014).

Keeping In-touch: We enjoyed our "fast and furious" trip to Chicago-land to participate in Steve and Ashley's wedding. Three of our grandchildren helped "Great Papa Eddie" plant his tomatoes. We were blessed with beautiful Spring days.

Decision Point: Decision Point...the Eucharist

The Readings: Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I enjoy compliments when I receive them; but, like St. Peter, I know I should always point to the grace of God for anything I can do for good! I'm just a man; any good I do is from the grace of God.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifth Sunday of Easter

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may our abiding in You show Your glory to all the word. Forgive us for failing to take Your pruning to heart and bring life-giving fruit to the world. Thank You for blessing us with all we need and more! And please provide for all our needs especially those we list, those we speak to our companions, and those that quietly reside in our hearts. Please bless Ashley and Steve on their wedding day and help them to grow in Your love for many years to come. Amen

Companion Events: Bithdays: Greg Blanchard (4/27), Steve Jacobs (4/27), Makayla Schnitzer (4/28), Rae Ryan (5/1), Anna Margaret DeBaar (5/3), Mike Hennigan (5/3), Tom Reynolds (5/3).  Anniversary: Al and Teresa Hardy (5/2/1987). In memoriam: Elaine Hebert (5/2/2013). Sacrament of Matrimony: Steve and Ashley Lay (5/2/2013)

Keeping In-touch: I was blessed to accompany the leadership team from Presentation of Our Lady Parish to the Amazing Parish Conference this week. And we joyfully hosted the St.Charles Lwanga Parish Team from Detroit, MI. So we now have more friends in Michigan who shared some of their stories and visions with us!

Decision Point: Decision Point...the Epidemic

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I can only imagine how rough it must have been for Paul, after his conversion, to meet with the very people he persecuted. They were afraid of him and he desired to share his experience of Jesus with the same zeal that he worked to uphold his understanding of The Law! The Lord radically "pruned" Saul; and Paul brought forth much "fruit."

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourth Sunday of Easter

My Companions pray with me: Lord, all the world is alive with Your glory. Forgive us for not appreciating your wonder and for going astray. Thank You for all Your blessings. And please provide for all our needs. Amen

Companion Events: Bithdays: Donna Van Dusan (4/21), Kevin Norton (4/22), Logan Felix (4/23), Kim Dixon (4/24), David Schnitzer (4/26), Kathy Shultz (4/26).  Anniversary: Fr. Michael Carvill (4/21/1990).

Keeping In-touch: The rains came and helped turn our world green... but also brought trouble: re-routing the water was backbreaking.

Decision Point: Decision Point...life is about

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Do you believe that the Lord would leave His heavens to come after you? He did!

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Third Sunday of Easter

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we bring You glory as we as we live life to its fullest. We count on Your Mercy as we confess our sins and do penance. Thank You for all Your amazing blessings. Please comfort all on our lists and especially those hit by storms this past week. Amen

Companion Events: Bithdays: Jim Middleton (4/15) Ron DiSanto (4/16), Pat Serviess (4/16), Pope Francis (4/16).  In memoriam: Dave Clarke S. J. (4/4/2015).

Keeping In-touch: We're easing into Spring: working to keep our steps up exercise :(  Marge's indoor garden shows new life. We've had some good tennis weather. We had a wonderful time at the Rockies/Cubs Game thanks to Matthew's Christmas gift to us. I've been "stepping back" from community activities; it's good for my soul.

Decision Point: Your Quest for Love.

The Readings: Third Sunday of Easter

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I love to share the Good News that we are each loved beyond our wildest imaginations by The Lord and have the promise of the fullness of life. But I can't help but wonder if I would be scared if Jesus appeared to me and my companions in His resurrected bodily form... would we offer Him some of our pizza?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Second Sunday of Easter Sunday of Divine Mercy

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we bring You glory as we pass through our doubts, experience Your great love, and bring Your love to others. Forgive us for falling victim to our doubts and failing to accept Your awesome love. Thank You for all Your blessings, especially the gift of life and the expectation of everlasting life. Please bless all those who we pray for this day especially our sick, our dying, and all who have gone before us. Amen

Companion Events: Bithdays: Benjamin Mason DeQuiroz (4/4) Dani Schnitzer (4/6), Madelyn Ross (4/9).  In memoriam: Dave Clarke S. J. (4/4/2015).

Keeping In-touch: We enjoyed a wonderful Easter Day with family and friends. The altar and cantor at Mass were absolutely beautiful, a wonderful celebration of Our Risen Lord. We delighted in hearing of the birth of Benjamin to Eli and Jen. The passing of Fr. Clarke reminded me of my gratitude for the opportunity to work with adult students; his leadership allowed the vision of servants to build opportunities for others.

Decision Point: What is Love?

The Readings: Second Sunday of Easter, Sunday of Divine Mercy

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Rarely do I doubt the power and love of the Lord these days; but often I have little trust for men and women of my time. How can we show God's love to the world when we live with so many selfish, crooked "leaders"? I can not begin to imagine a community holding all things in common (1st reading), much less selling our home and giving it to our bishops. I must focus on all the wonderful people I encounter who constantly give their time and talent to make our world a better place and who respond to God's love.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Resurrection of the Lord The Mass of Easter Day

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we live as Easter People and bring You glory in our daily lives. Shed Your mercy on us and after we fall help us to be renewed in Your Spirit. Thank You, especially for the gift of life in The Resurrection, and for all the blessings we have received. Please attend to all our needs that we list or remember this day. Bless all who have gone before us especially my Uncle and God-father Leandar who came home to you forty years ago today. Bless all who need your healing, comforting aid at this time, especially Kevin (a tennis partner's husband).

Companion Events: Bithdays: Marty Sipos (3/30), Fran Kehoe (4/1), Adam Olson (4/3), Mark Schnitzer (4/3).  In memoriam: Leandar Lay (3/30/1975).

Keeping In-touch: We're still enjoying the March Madness Basketball even though our top picks are no longer playing. I was spoiled celebrating my birthday for the week: so many wonderful people wished me well and, of course, my Bride spoiled me. The woodpecker is still banging on our flue so he must not have found a girlfriend yet! And we look forward to celebrating our high holy days: Triduum/Easter

Decision Point: Choosing your friends wisely

The Readings: The Resurrection of the Lord The Mass of Easter Day

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
Look at the joy in your life...even through moments of suffering. Are we an Easter People? Do we live with the hope and expectation of our participation in the Resurrection of The Lord? Do we not yet understand the Scriptures or do we "see" and believe?
Have a most joyous Easter

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we bring You glory by our reflection on Your passion and death. Forgive us for our sins that contribute to all Your pain. Thank You for the promise of eternal life with You. And please provide for all we need.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Randy Chance (3/22), Rachel (Kobza) Varra (3/23), Sallie Dembeck (3/23), John Lay (3/24), Jay Klaus (3/26), Carlos Garcia (3/26), Mark Ross (3/29), Michael Olson (3/29).  In memoriam: Gordon McKeller  (3/27/2014).

Keeping In-touch: We're enjoying the March Madness Basketball. I finished my presentations at Presentation of Our Lady on Sunday mornings...what wonderful people who explored Meeting Jesus in Cyberspace. And, of course, I'm enjoying tennis... and golf!

Decision Point: Relationships

The Readings: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
We can not even begin to imagine the suffering of Our Lord in His Passion and Death. Our sin continues to contribute to the suffering of the Body of Christ. We desire to praise Him as Lord and King. When we take up our cross, we participate in this gruesome suffering and death. How could we tell this story without our hope in the Resurrection? How does this reading of the Passion cause you pain? How does our celebration of the Passion bring you hope?

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifth Sunday of Lent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we bring You glory by allowing our egos to die and bring fruit 100 fold. Forgive us for our fear of the "little deaths" of our life and anxiety about death and dying. Thank You for all Your glorious gifts. Please bless us with all we need for full lives that bring You glory.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Suzie Perry (3/16), Charlie Stevens (3/17), Lindsay Smith (3/17), Rick Dunn (3/17), Trish Buckley (3/17), Bob Weed (3/18), Christine Norton (3/19), Karen Carnegie (3/22).  In memoriam: Myron DeFrancia  (3/17/2012).

Keeping In-touch: We have enjoyed the lamb part of March lately. Tennis and keeping our steps up bring us great appreciation for these warm days.

Decision Point: Bear Bait

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Lent

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

Jesus knew the leaders were "out to get him." I think we, too, know when others want to "bring us down." We want to expect the best from all, but some are just misguided.
I avoid many "little deaths." Oh help me Lord to know that You will bring fruit from my little sufferings.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourth Sunday of Lent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we live fully and bring You glory. Forgive us our sins and help us to know Your awesome mercy. Thank you for all the gifts You constantly shower upon us. Please provide for all our needs: especially help us recover when we make poor choices, care for our sick and all who are oppressed.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Mary (Himpleman) Weightman (3/9), John Lay (3/10).  In memoriam: Sam Eccher  (3/6/2010).

Keeping In-touch: I enjoyed a good tennis game yesterday and we have good weather on the horizon. Marge and I work to keep our steps up...10,000 a day is a challenge.

Decision Point: Decision Point: - The Bible

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 

Too often I fail to keep my Lord as my number one concern. I'm blinded by worries and issues that will dissipate as the days move on. I want to see. I want to live in the light

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Power of Prayer, please join me

Come to Me

      At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. “Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

      “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

A friend called last night and asked us to pray.

     Our friend shared the situation of making bad business decisions. The fear of pain to family, the anxious anticipation of financial and legal repercussions shackle our friend.

   Please pray for the vision to know God's mercy. Pray for the insight that God can wright straight with cooked lines. Pray that we will be Jesus heart and hands for our friend.
     May all we think and say and do bring glory to God!

Third Sunday of Lent

My Companions pray with me: Lord, we bring You glory when we follow Your commands because they lead us to life lived to the full. Forgive us for the times we have not followed Your commands and have not had a zeal for Your house. Thank You for all the blessings You bestow on us. Grant us all we need to know, love, and serve You and our sisters and brothers.

Companion Events: Bithdays: Bill Lay (3/8). In memoriam: Sam Eccher  (3/6/2010).

Keeping In-touch: I'm still playing "catch-up" but I see the light at the end of the tunnel; or at least the light between tunnels! Our winter weather has shown-up... just as we readied ourselves for Spring (we thank the Lord that we do not live in the Chicago or Boston areas). Marge and I have recommitted ourselves to working toward our 10,000 steps and have been going to the rec center. It's no wonder we're not "in shape," we used to have to join the morning and evening traffic rat-race and work with other people...

Decision Point: Decision Point: - The Power of Habit

The Readings: Third Sunday of Lent

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments: 
I can imagine Jesus' responding to those who would miss-use the One Temple for their own profit. I too become angry when I encounter people who belittle others (temples of the Holy Spirit) for their own monetary gain or popularity. Let us live as free men and women honoring everyone we encounter and seek God in all things.

Comments, Reflections, Insights...