My Companions:
Judy Lay has returned home from the hospital and continues to regain her health. She wrote me with many gracious comments for the grace she has received. Dad still sounds raspy when we spoke on the phone but assures us that his throat gives no pain. This week I added Clarence Boitnott to our prayers for Elizabeth tells us his body has taken its toll after surgeries and treatments…
Keeping in-touch:
We enjoyed a quiet weekend after a week of recovery from our travels. My Maggie keeps busy preparing for Rachel’s wedding shower. I received a nice writer’s honorarium for my article, “My jihad, as a Catholic, with Islam,” from LEAVEN. Can you believe summer has begun and Friday is Independence Day? Now I need to get to work on The Emmaus Institute or some other fruitful endeavor.
The Readings:June 29th: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062908.shtml
Comments on the Readings
Fr. Foley's reflections on the Readings challenge us with the question, “Does putting love first seem impossible?”
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/PeterPaul062908/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections
When ever I have taught or facilitated a course on Jesus of Nazareth or a course in Christology, I begin the course with this question: “Who do you say Jesus is?” Then, after some reflection and some sharing of images and perspectives, I comment: “What you say about Jesus probably says more about you than it does about Jesus!”
I can not help to wonder how I might have reacted to the first church leaders, Peter and Paul. In the Gospels Peter comes off like a guy who just doesn’t get it. And some times Paul seems so arrogant it’s a wonder anyone listened. I guess the Lord can work through just about anyone: so pray for our leaders today!
I have not been lead out of prison by an angel like Peter and I’m sure I have a ways yet to run, unlike Paul, but I have been given a great gift of faith and recognize Jesus as Lord. I only pray this gift will grow and the Holy Spirit will work through me as I continue the race.
May the peace of Christ be with each of you.
John
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 16, 2008
June 22, 2008 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
My Companions:I have good news that my sister, Judi Cole, surgery was successful and now we will continue to pray for the recovery of her lungs. My sister-in-law, Judy Lay, went to the hospital on Wednesday so please continue to pray for her. And I have added our niece, Molly Komon, to our list as she struggles with her disease. And we just learned that 5 yr old Anna Margaret (My Maggie's Niece's daughter in MI) has a hole in her heart, that she may have had since birth, which the doctors will perform surgery on to fix.
I invited Mary Jane and Lou Burgess of Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland to my "Companions email distribution list." It will be good to have prayers from the other side of the Big Pond.
Keeping in-touch:
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Ireland... we met wonderful friends and visited beautiful sights (visit our blog laysinireland.blogspot.com). And I'm having a difficult time adjusting to reality... but I shot my best round of golf that I can remember with my friend, Ted: 96 strokes! I will try to update this on Mondays but give no promises!
The Readings:
June 22nd: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/062208.shtml
Comments on the Readings
Fr. Foley's reflections on the Readings challenge us to reflect on the wonder of God's love for each of us.
Of course we do not look like the models on the store magazines, but can you even imagine what God sees as God looks at each of us? From where do our standards of beauty, good and truth come?
http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/12OrdA062208/reflections_foley.html
My Reflections
Not one of the sparrows falls to the ground without the Father's knowledge but that does not mean we do not witness the poor little bird that meets the picture window at warp speed or the fowl that lie dead at the side of the road! Too often we ask the Lord to "make things right" (and we mean, "as we would have it) when we should simply be amazed at the unconditional love the Lord offers us and humbly expect the fullness of God's promise.May the peace of Christ be with each of you.
John
Monday, May 26, 2008
June 1st; Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time
My Companions
I hope this finds everyone filled with life and enjoying good health. I failed to keep sending my "Keeping In-Touch" emails and Kim asked my why I stopped. I'll uses the excuse we all use, "My life became so busy..." but as I told her, "I needed more interaction and feedback." So I hope you will join in my preparation and comments on next Sunday's scripture readings and participate in this blog. This will be a better forum for preparation and community building.
Keeping In-Touch
I have played a bit of tennis and have kept keep busy with my online courses. And a week from today we will travel to the Emerald Island so our planning and preparations keep us hopping!
I'm also very excited about reviving The Emmaus Institute that never really took-off. I have learned so much by teaching online and I'm finding resources that will help me serve online community building and religious education for others.
I wrote an article for "Leaven" with the title "My jihad, as a Catholic, with Islam."
Matthew graduated with his Masters in history from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on Friday. He will move back with us and begin working on another Masters in education at the University of Colorado in Boulder.
Link to the Readings
Comments on the Readings
Fr. Foley tells a story of a trip to Ireland and comments on the foundation issue of our Gospel Reading:
My Reflections
I know that I must listen more to the scriptures and to the wonderful companions in my life who help me stay grounded. I thank my parents and the faith communities that help me to experience the commands of the Lord as blessings. This I see as the strong foundation in my life.
I hope you will take some time to add to this blog as we prepare for our celebration on Sunday. Also, let me know what you would like to add to our prayer list.
May the peace of Christ be with each of you.
John
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