Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: LORD, create in me a new heart. Take away my stony heart filled with regret, judgment, anger, envy and selfishness; make for me a heart filled with life-giving compassion, respect, generosity, and love for you and all your people. Help me to know your unconditional love and return that great gift through loving all people of good will. And please bless all of our work as we celebrate the gifts and joys of our labor.

Birthdays: Joseph Foresman (9/3), Mike Pintek (9/7); Anniversaries: Connie & Alan Kobza (9/3), Julie & Jason Schnitzer (9/5), Lori Beth & Tony Gulmantovicz (9/7); Joan & Gary Carnegie (9/8);  In Memoriam: Emma Lay (9/5/74).

Keeping In-touch: We have enjoyed a "regular" week, all but another warm one. I finished-up my "Adult Spiritual Life and Growth" course and endured a KofC leadership training in an attempt to look for opportunities to use our online services. And I'm reviewing a new course at Regis University: "Living Lives with Meaning." Marge fights the heat working to keep her garden growing. Otherwise the home-front is quiet. 

The Readings: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments: I guess that growing-up in the '50s and '60s I experienced a generation or two that seemed to ignore or disregard most law and authority. Even if there was an appeal to lofty ideals of "love" & "peace," many people just wanted to "do their own thing." The value of the law pointing to something good or life-giving was rarely noticed. As I grow old I appreciate the wisdom of the experience of "the ancient ones" and the icons they have left us; but I still become very frustrated with functionaries that honor with their lips, yet have hearts of stone. I hope I may follow "the traditions of the elders," and live by the law that has been "written in my heart."

Let us share all celebrate the work we have done, are doing and will do in our lives. May it always give glory to the LORD and serve our brothers and sisters.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: LORD, thank you for accompanying us on our journey. Help us appreciate and acknowledge your grace and your mercy. Help us find you in our families, our friends and in all things. May we celebrate our stories and visions and connect them with the Story of your love and the Vision of the fulfillment of our lives in you. Thank you for the gift of life and your curing hand especially Marge's renewed health, forgive us for our failing to love at all times, and please give us what we need: especially health and guidance for my sister, Judi, and her daughter, Molly.

Birthdays: Katie (Lay) Johnson (8/19), James Carnegie (8/26), Evan Joshua Parise (9/1); Anniversaries: Mark & Vicky Schnitzer (8/20), Bill & Lindsay Smith (8/29); In Memoriam: Fr. Joe Hirsch (8/24/09), Mike McClanahan (8/28/09)

Keeping In-touch: Wow! almost a year has passed since I added a post to this blog... and what a year it has been. The most important news: Marge has completed her chemo infusions and we have great expectations. We also have another grandchild, David Schnitzer! The summer has been delightful with a trip to Yellowstone and a visit from the San Jose clan. We completed a course at our parish: My Life with the Saints. I invite you to login and participate in the online element here; the enrollment key is the word Saints.
I will return to sharing my prayer and preparation with you.

The Readings: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary: Fr. John Foley, S. J.
My comments and an invitation for your comments: So where would we go? Peter's answer to the question of Jesus, "Will you also leave me?" strikes a cord with my experience. I have many friends and family-members who have "walked away from the church." I have also felt "used and abused," but where would I go? In spite of all the sin and idiocy I have encountered in the church (my own included), it is here I have experienced the unconditional love of Christ.

Let us share all the love we have experienced this week and always.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Let us love the Lord from whom all good things flow! May we experience the LORD's loving compassion and forgive all who harm us by commission or ommission: forgive us our trespasses... Let us walk with hearts filled with gratitude and turn to and trust in the LORD that we will have all we need: please LORD bless the sick, the poor and the forlorn, shine your loving grace on all your creation.

Birthdays: Joseph Forseman (9/3), Mike Pintek (9/7), MaryKate Weed (9/13), Taylor Smith (9/13), Margaret Lay (9/19).  Anniversaries: Julie & Jason Schnitzer (9/5), Lori Beth & Tony Gulmantovicz (9/7), Gary & Joan (9/8), Jim & Evelyn Green (9/16), Willalee Haris (d. 9/19).

Keeping In-touch: Maybe it was the holiday, but this week passed me bye! We had a wonderful tennis-social on Monday and there is a touch of Fall in the air.  Marge lost her hair over the weekend; that took a lot of energy.  She feels well and has the most energy since we began this battle. Today, Friday, we go for Marge's second infusion.  We saw a great volleyball game with our star player, Lindsey Ross, on Tuesday evening.  And my friend, Craig McBride, gave me my first Linux lesson: an ol' dog is attempting to learn "LAMPP" tricks!!

The Readings: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Foley's Reflections: Breaking the Chain
My comments and an invitation for your comments: I've thought a lot this week about how forgiving heals the forgiver.  Often I had made comments about how carrying a grudge only hurts the one hauling the load.  But this week I experienced more the power of turning this to a positive: forgiving heals the forgiver.  Also, in my tenth "week" of Spiritual Exercises I have imagined the invitation of Jesus to join him in his mission to love like one who is approached by a missionary to return with them to the Mission.  There is great power in a personal invitation to join another in a mission to love others!

An extra link on forgiveness

Let us watch for the lover who may approach us this week to join in a mission of love or to forgive a hurt in our lives.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Let us praise the LORD from the depths of our pain and suffering and from the heights of our joy and fullness of life!  Let us seek forgiveness from our LORD and from our sisters and brothers who have the power to bind and loose. Let our hearts be filled with gratitude.  And let us bring our needs and brokenness to the LORD for healing: touch all who are sick, I hold up especially Marge and Wally; guide the unemployed and under-employed; help all who struggle because of political and/or weather challenges, grant us our daily bread and all we need to do Your work for Your Kingdom.

Birthday: Evan Parise (9/1). Anniversary: Mike McClanahan (d, 8/28).

Keeping In-touch: We've tried to keep cool and look forward to the cooler Fall nights ahead.  I do not have any college courses so I'm mainly working on my Emmaus tasks. Through Wednesday Marge felt well with only a bit of a diminished energy level. The hammer dropped on Thursday: no energy, back & abdominal pain and a chilled self. But she fought hard and we joined our SCC group on Friday and Saturday afternoons at the camp sites at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The companionship and shared activities contributed to her stand! Lori Beth and Nathan joined us for the ride up and activities on Saturday: some of the best ammunition!  Sunday Marge had her hair cropped short in preparation for the inevitable loss ahead. This takes a toll on her spirit, but she looks like an enthusiastic little pixie to me.  Much of her energy has returned. Her allergies bug her a bit, but it's that time of year again.

The Readings: Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Foley's Reflections: A Love Story
My comments and an invitation for your comments: Sometimes I think that I'm pretty good at "forgiving and forgetting," but I find I tell and retell the stories of the abuse I took from an employer or a colleague.  Sure I forgive but I still sing the "he done me wrong" song!  I also avoid confrontation: "Why should I even bother with him/her?"  I guess because Jesus tells us, "He/she is your neighbor!"  It's an awesome power we have to love and to loose and bind.  Only if we accept the awesome love of the Father can we really follow Jesus and give forgiveness. Then we can pray from our hearts, "... forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."

Let us open ourselves to the LORD's love and forgiveness and love and forgive others.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Glory and praise to our God, who alone gives life to our world! Forgiveness hurting others by action or inaction...thus hurting You. Thank You for all Your wonderful gifts.  And give us all we need; help us to share our abundance with others.

Birthdays: James Carnegie (8/26).  Anniversary: Fr Joe Hirsch (d. 8/24)

Keeping In-touch: We relaxed and enjoyed our trip to Vail.  Then Marge "fought like a girl" at her first chemo session (8:30 am to 4:00 pm on Friday) and, pleasantly, did not have any reaction to the treatment. We went shopping right away that afternoon for some groceries and took our half hour walk Saturday morning.  Saturday evening we attended the Broncos game and walked a mile and a half to and from "Sports Authority at Mile High."  We went for our walk on Sunday, she received shots at the hospital on Monday, and she's been well. When we arrived at the hospital for chemo, I ran into Deacon Baker who told me that Dcn. Mike Howard had died (see below).  Marge and I were blessed to visit him in his home on the 8th and he died on the 10th.  We were friends who often only had a chance to share topic sentences.

The article in the Denver Catholic Register



The Readings: Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: What's in a Name?

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Do we fear acknowledging Jesus as the Christ because our notion of messiah may not be the Father's gift of the Messiah?

Let us open ourselves to our Brother & Lord, Jesus, who shows us the Father.

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!  Let us faithfully open ourselves to the Glory of the LORD.  Let us come to peace in our failings and know of the LORD's wonderful mercy and offer of the fullness of life.  Let us thank the Lord for all our gifts: especially our health and our participation in Love.  Thank You for the new members of the Ross Clan: Coraline and Max. Thank You for the fruit of the land and for opportunities to learn and grow.  Please give us our daily bread, both food and companionship. Help us live with an "active compassion" with those in need.

Birthdays: Margie (Czarnecki-Norton) Pintek (8/16), Katie (Lay) Johnson (8/19); Anniversary: Mark & Vicki Schnitzer (8/20).

Keeping In-touch: Marge had her port put in and is quite sore in that area.  She had a heart scan; an experience she described as "like Star-Wars."  And we're preparing for our first dose of Chemotherapy on Friday; actually we're escaping to the mountains for a couple days (curtesy of Kim Dixon) before we begin the process. I've been in-touch with a religious education professional in Hawaii and expect we will do some work there when we travel.  And Megan has found a contact for me in Des Moines. Charlie started kindergarten yesterday and Julianne began the second grade. Nathan visited on Sunday (papa let him drench himself playing in water and gave him a sucker... don't tell his Mama).  There is so much love and life surrounding us!!

Extra: a meditation, watch to the end

The Readings: Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Foley's Reflections: A Saving Faith

My comments and an invitation for your comments: And who do you say Jesus is?  Our answer probably says more about us than it does about Jesus!  What kind of Messiah do you seek?  Sometimes I just want to win the lottery or have the perfect employment with no worries and many amenities.  Rarely, if ever, do I want to hang on a tree with nails in my hands and feet. I would like someone to take away Marge's pain...  but Jesus is the Messiah who showed us to pass through the pain with love: that's who we say Jesus is.

Find comfort in your trials and experience the Love of the LORD!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Holy, Holy, Holy... let us acknowledge the glory of our Creator.  The life we have, and the life we have been promised shines with the Glory of the LORD.  Raise our voices to celebrate such glory.  And then let's bow our heads for our failures, and the greed and lack of compassion... the selfishness of so many who refuse the love of the LORD and do not let the glory of the LORD shine through.  Knowing the LORD's mercy and love we can live with grateful hearts: thank You, thank You, thank You!!!  Thank You for the new life, a new Ross baby.  Thank you for companions with compassion.  And thank You for our medical professionals who improve our sight, help us fight disease, and respect our physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual selves. We beg you LORD that you "give us our daily bread."  Help us to know the difference between our needs and our wants.  Give us what we need to build Your kingdom. 

Birthdays: Gary Carnegie (8/7), Neil Cyrus (8/11), and "Baby Ross" (8/10); Anniversaries: Phil Bammer (d. 8/7), Michele & Mike Lay (8/12)

Keeping In-touch: Another busy week! Tennis matches, golf tournaments and cook-outs along with meeting with the doctor gave us a very busy schedule. I used credits from a credit card to order an iPad and it's fun keeping-up with the technology.  Marge feels anxious about treatments that begin the end of the week and next week.  We're planning to get through the chemotherapy and celebrate its success on our trip to Hawaii.  We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers.  We have good news: another new baby, Clint and Theresa Ross had a healthy baby girl this week.  We had our portrait taken for the parish directory... good timing before Margaret's treatments... I'm looking forward to sharing the picture with all our companions.

The Readings: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Food for Dogs?
My comments and an invitation for you for comment: I see Jesus doing his assigned tasks... to show Our Father and His Love to Israel for they are chosen to be an example to the nations.  And I see the great faith of the Canaanite Woman.  And I know, in my heart, that the "dogs" (of whom I count myself) at the table of the LORD will experience the Love of our Master more than any that chase the glitter of wealth or fame.

Enjoy the "wonderful scraps" that have fallen your way!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions: Let us adore the LORD who gives us life, all good things and the promise of new life as we pass through sorrows, sickness and even death.  Let us know the mercy of the LORD as we move away from selfishness, dishonesty and greed. Let us thank the LORD for all good things as we show our appreciation to one another for companionship and support.  And let us call out for all our needs, that the LORD's glory will shine through our use of all gifts.

No Birthdays/Anniversaries on My Calendar; help with updates is always appreciated.

Keeping In-touch: Our camping trip gave us time with wonderful companions who give us great support and help us laugh on the hiking trail and as we play cards and board games.  At 8600 ft and upper 90s temps, we sought both shade and air!  We're listening to our caregivers and our friends.  It looks like we will begin a variety of treatments in a week or so.  And we're getting back to "diet and exercise."

The Readings: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Needs
My comments and an invitation for you for comment: How difficult, especially in these times of sickness and recovery, to hear the voice of the LORD: we listen to doctors, to companions who have experienced a similar situation, and to friends who show us some latest research.  But where is the LORD's voice?  How do we discern the LORD's will through the whispers and winds of our experience?  And then, do we trust that the LORD will "write straight with these crooked lines"?  Unlike Peter, I do not think I would ask Jesus to "command me to walk on water," but these days I would like to dive-in and swim to His feet!  I guess one really only knows one needs "to be saved," when one is drowning... or when one can not hear through the whisper or the wind.  May our trust in the LORD grow and our ears be opened!

Celebrate your moments of consolation and discernment in your lives this week!

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (and the feast day of St Ignatius of Loyola, July 31)

My Companions: Let us praise the LORD with our minds and with our hearts and in every way the LORD shows the LORD's self to us.  Let us seek the LORD's mercy for our failures to bring Love into our world and experience the LORD's loving kindness that brings life despite our failures. Let our stoney hearts become hearts of flesh filled with gratitude for all good things especially our loving companions and the beautiful creation we have to share.  Let us ask for all our needs especially health in mind and body.

Birthdays: Cameron Ross (7/26), Michael Schnitzer (7/27), Marie Friedemann (7/28), Ted McMurdo (7/29), Karen (Norton) Gravelyn (8/1). Anniversary: Agnes Klaus (d. 8/26)

The Story of Ignatius of Loyola

Keeping In-touch: "Do you feel up to attending the social gathering for our liberal arts faculty?" I asked my Bride. "We must," she replied, "so many of them are praying with and for us!" So this was a gracious experience for us this week.  And we plan to go camping this weekend with our small Christian Community Group: this too will bring us life.  The bunnies devour Marge's flowers so that keeps her dander up and returns some of her spunk.  We'll see a University Hospital Physician on Friday for another opinion and just continue to pray for the LORD's glory to be found in our fight.  Although we have experienced many 90+ degree days, we hate to see the summer drawing to a close...

Readings: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Come to the Water 
The song "Come to the Water"
My comments and an invitation for you for comment: I feel selfish when I read the story of how Jesus lost a best friend and then, with little time for solitude, responded to the needs of those longing for the fullness of life: they came to a deserted place and He would not dismiss them.  In contrast, I sometimes just want to be left alone when my compassion takes the life-blood out of me.  It's ironic that when I do look beyond my own hurting, busy myself with the needs of others, I find a consolation that does not come with grieving.  Maybe that's why Jesus "fixed dinner right away."  Maybe that's why Ignatius found life in the way of Jesus and the saints!

May you too find consolation in your chosen service.

Many blessings,

John

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

The Readings: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

Many blessings,

John

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

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

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

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (written Independence Day)

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

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

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

The Readings: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

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

The Readings: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Jesus with the Eucharist

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

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

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

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

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

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

John


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

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

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

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

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

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

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Pentecost Sunday

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

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

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

The Readings: Pentecost Sunday

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

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

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

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

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

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

The Readings: Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord

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

May the Peace of Christ be with you all,

John


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Columbine, symbol of the Holy Spirit

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

Birthdays: Michael Ross (5/26)

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

The Readings: Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

May the Peace of Christ be with you all,

John


Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

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

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

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

May the Peace of Christ be with all of you,

John

Comments, Reflections, Insights...

Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

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

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

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Sheepish?

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

Third Sunday of Easter

Our Emmaus Institute Logo

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

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

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

The Readings: Third Sunday of Easter

Fr. Foley's Reflections: On the Way

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

May the Peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Comments? Reflections? Insights?

Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

"The Incredulity of St Thomas" by Caravaggio

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

Birthdays: Steve Jacobs (4/27)

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

St Joseph the Carpenter Georges_de_La_Tour

The Readings: Second Sunday of Easter  or Divine Mercy Sunday

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

Fr. Foley's Reflections: A Broken Heart


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

May the peace of Christ be with each of you,

John

Do you have a comment or insight to share?

Easter Sunday: Solemnity of the Resurrection of The Lord

Supper at Emmaus, Caravaggio

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

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

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

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

Fr. Foley's reflections: Dawn

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

May the Peace of Christ be with all of you,

John


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

Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

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

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

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

Readings: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion  

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

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

May the peace of Christ be with all of you.

John

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

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Vincent Van Gogh- La Résurrection de Lazare 

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

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

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

Readings: Fifth Sunday of Lent

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


May Christ's peace be with you all,


John


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

Nancy Fitzgibbons

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

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

An Old Irish Blessing

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

Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

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

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

Readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent

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

May Christ's Peace be with us all,

John

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

Third Sunday of Lent

Woman at the well

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

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

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

Readings for Third Sunday of Lent

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

May the Peace of Christ be with you all,

John

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

Second Sunday of Lent

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

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

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

Readings: Second Sunday of Lent

Fr. Foley's Reflections: Brilliant Suffering


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


May the peace of Christ be with you all,


John