Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Elijah receives bread

My Companions pray with me: Lord, let us glorify by receiving Your life and following the calling you have given us. Forgive us when we give-up and allow our frustrations to overwhelm us. Thank You for our daily bread and the life You give us. Please comfort all who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Provide us with all we need and bring all our ancestors and friends to eternal life. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Gary Carnegie (8/7), Dave Himpelmann (8/8). Anniversary:Beverly and Larry Grau (7/28/1962) In memoriam: Phil Bammer (8/7/2011), Jean Lay (8/8/199), Linda Rose Lake (8/9/2014).

Keeping In-touch: I made my commitment to become a candidate for Ward 1 City Council Representative Thursday evening. Please pray for me that my response to this calling resonates with the voters of our Ward. Campaigning will keep me busy throughout the Fall. I appreciate your prayers as I move forward. Then we "headed for the hills" for a wonderful time camping with the Kobzas. After Mass on Sunday at Our Lady of the Mountains in Woodland Park, we learned that Tim Weed (Marge's nephew who is in the seminary at Notre Dame) was visiting near by; he was able to join us at the campground for lunch.

Decision Point: Decision Point: The Eucharist

The Readings: Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
This powerful event in the life of Elijah brought me a great challenge early in my college days: The Lord tells us all "I give you life; get up and continue on your journey."

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, let us glorify You as with lives of service and love of others. Forgive us when we fail to acknowledge Your gift of life, ignore Your graces, and seek another way. Thank You for our daily bread and all the gifts we receive. Please provide all that we need; comfort those who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Michael Schnitzer (7/27), Marie Friedemann (7/28), Ted McMurdo. (7/29), Karen (Norton) Graveland (8/1), Maggie (Wdowiarz) Lay. Anniversary: Beverly and Larry Grau (7/28/1962) In memoriam: John Lay (7/28/1963).

Keeping In-touch: We kept busy around the house, Marge with her cooking and cleaning and I fixing our deck with my good friend, Gary. We look forward to camping in the Mountains. We're expecting some temperatures in the 90s, so the natural air-conditioning will feel good.

Decision Point: Decision Point: The Epidemic

The Readings: Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
Like the Hebrews in the desert, I grumble and too often fail to notice Christ's presence among us. I will work this week to more fully respond to The Bread of Life.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, let us bless You as Your Creation is charged with grandeur! Have mercy on our failures to observe and graciously respond to a world of abundance. Know the gratitude in our hearts for all Your gifts. And provide all that we need; especially comfort and help to those who suffer physical, emotional, and spiritual illness. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Larry Grau (7/20), Marcel Dumestre (7/20), Jim Guyer S.J. (7/21), Cameron Ross (7/26). In memoriam: Mary Kilday (7/25/2003), Agnes (Lay) Klus (7/26/2010).

Keeping In-touch: We enjoyed a beautiful summer week. The rains have made the Denver area more like an emerald city than we can ever remember. My Bride seems to have all the luck when we play cribbage...we've been having fun (although it might not sound like it when we're playing). 

Decision Point: Decision Point

The Readings: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
The Gospel challenges me to stop questioning "Where can I get enough.... to...." and begin to seek to observe more closely the abundance of the Lord's gracious works among us!

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, let us bring You glory as we follow You. Hold not our wayward ways against us. Thank You for the green pastures, living waters, and all Your gifts. Please provide all we need to bring You Glory, especially our health.  Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Larry Lay (7/14), Mary Lawrence (7/16), Aimee Aron-Reno (7/17). Anniversary: Megan and Cullen Stevens (7/14/2001).

Keeping In-touch: The Pawnee Campground trip was wet! But we viewed moose, majestic, weird looking animals. We enjoyed a quiet celebration of Independence Day. Otherwise we're keeping busy around the house. "Face-timed" the out-of-State grand children. I received a letter from Charlie from Bible Camp... it didn't take long to read.

Decision Point: Decision Point

The Readings: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
The Lord is my Shepherd. And He asks us to shepherd one another. The decentralization of many aspects of modern life brings us a challenge to discern the voices of true shepherds in our lives.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, with our companion(s) may we bring you glory by sharing Your Word with all we meet. Forgive us for the times we have failed to share Good News with the people we meet. Thank You for all Your gifts. And continue to bless us with all that we need. Please grant the prayers we have listed as well as those that remain in the quiet of our hearts. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Dave Larson (7/8), Katie (Norton) Frodle (7/11), Ryan Beck (7/11). Anniversary: Maggie and John Lay (7/11/2009) . In memoriam: Paul Pitzen (7/8/2008), Lesley Ann Meyer (7/8/2013), Birdene DeBoar (7/12/2007).

Keeping In-touch: We have a new engine in our truck and will test-drive to Pawnee Campground with Connie and Alan for a couple days (high temps in 60s lows in the 50s...natural air conditioning). We enjoyed a quiet celebration of Independence Day. Marge satisfies the thirst of her plants and flowers... Julianne and Charlie will attend Bible Camp this week, we pray that they encounter Jesus in a special way with their fellow campers.

Decision Point: Your Quest for Love?

The Readings: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
I have been blessed with wonderful companions that enrich and challenge my faith, especially my Bride. Too often I have been frustrated by others who do not want to hear or share Good News. The insight I take from this week's Gospel is, "shake the dust from your feet." Or move on... and share the joy with those who desire to celebrate life!

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, may we bring you glory by listening and following Your word. Forgive us for not listening to your prophets. Thank You for all Your gifts. And continue to bless us with all that we need. Please grant the prayers we have listed as well as those that remain in the quiet of our hearts. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays:  Christine Lay (6/30), Randy Lumpp (6/30), Allyson Morison (7/1), Timothy Strick (7/3), Ed Poehlmann (7/4), Thomas Hunt (7/4). In memoriam: Gerald Klaus (7/1/1987).

Keeping In-touch: The trip to Rocky Mountain National Park brought relaxation and delightful sights of elk, deer, and snowy mountains. Our truck broke-down on the way to Mount Rushmore in Cheyenne. Lori Beth and family were pounded with hail in Custer, S.D.

Decision Point: What is Love?

The Readings: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
It seems to me that Jesus could not do anything if people didn't have faith in him. The people needed to trust Jesus and open themselves to Him. To whom, to what are we faithful??

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, let us know Your love and Your healing power and give You praise. Forgive our lack of faith and for not seeking You for all we need. Thank You for all the gifts You give us, especially our health and life itself. We ask for all our needs and ask You to bless all of our Companions and our petitions. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Nancy Mulligan (6/23), Callie Nicole Johnson (6/27), Elisabeth Jane [Ellie] Lay (6/27), Stephen Lay (6/19), Leo Albiniak (6/28). In memoriam: Symantha Carnegie (6/26/2012)

Keeping In-touch: Summer arrived in a heat wave. I was able to play in the USTA District 6.0 Mixed Doubles Intermountain  District Tournament. Our team did very well; me, not so much. Temps were in the 90s. My out-a-town girls call me for Father's Day and Lori Beth and Matt came to visit. We're looking forward to our camping trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and Mount Rushmore.

Decision Point: Choose Your Friends Wisely

The Readings: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
This week Mark, the Evangelist, sandwiches his story of Jairus faith between that of the woman with a hemorrhage and her great faith. In this I hear a call to turn my troubles to The Lord and to include The Lord in all my joys in life.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions pray with me: Lord, especially in the stormy times of life we praise You, Lord. Please forgive our fear and moaning when we experience tough times. Thank You for all the gifts You give us, especially our health and life itself. We ask for all our needs and ask You to bless all of our Companions and our petitions. Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Andrew Kornacki (6/15), Gina Feely (6/15), Jim Frodl (6/19), Stephen Lay (6/19), Greg Serveiss (6/20). Father's Day (6/21/15).

Keeping In-touch: We have received much rain again this week and wish we could share some with our California neighbors and all who need water. 

Decision Point: Decision Point: Relationships

The Readings: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

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

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  
The Lord always cares for our lives. We may be distracted by the storms in our lives, but we must learn to turn to The Lord and know He will bring us through all of our troubled times.

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...