Fifth Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise for pruning and testing us to show us the way to your love. Forgive us for "growing wildly" and ignoring your plans for living fully with you. And thank you for all the fruits you send us each day. Please give us all that we need to live in peace and help grow your kingdom. Bring all our deceased friends and loved ones to your glorious care. And help all those in pain and suffering especially those who have no one to pray and care for them.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Kevin Norton (4/22), Logan Felix (4/23), Kim Dixon (4/24), David Schnitzer (4/26), Kathy Shultz (4/26), Steve Jacobs (4/27), Greg Blanchard (4/27), Makayla Schnitzer (4/28). In memoriam: Caroline B. "Carol" Kowis (4/27/13).

Keeping In-touch: We continue to live the high life experiencing the desert around Phoenix and now celebrating birthdays by the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Coast. We had a pleasant visit with my sister, Mary, and her son, Michael. Julie and her family continue to thrive in California. 

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I don't think many people look forward to the pain of being pruned, but most of us know the experience of growing through discomfort and pain. May the Lord prepare us to allow Jesus to live in us and through us.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise for the glory of your life that we may find in all things. Please forgive all our failings and help us to make amends with the help of your love. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts, especially the gift of companions who help us to grow in wisdom and grace. Grant us all that we need: we pray for all the people we have promised to lift up to your mercy and loving kindness. Welcome all our departed brothers and sisters into your kingdom.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Jim Middleton (4/15), Pat Serveiss (4/16), Pope Benedict XXVI (4/16), Ron DiSanto (4/16), Audrey Schnitzer (4/17), Donna Van Dusen (4/21), Anniversary: Fr Michael Carvill (4/21/1990). 

Keeping In-touch: We keeping active as always, sometimes fighting off little "bugs." Begrudgingly (because of graft, corruption, and much self-service in government) we have paid our taxes. We dodged "the winds of Denver" by getting out-of-town in the middle of the night! We enjoy visiting with family and friends... Life IS Good!

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Jesus has shown the greatest example of love by laying down his life... for all Creation. He continues to participate in all the suffering of Creation while enjoying the fulfillment to come...

Third Sunday of Easter

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we praise you for the glory of all the life you have given in your continual creation. Forgive us for failing to notice you and the work of your hands. Thank you for all your gifts, especially for sharing your life with us and welcoming us to participate as co-creators with you. We ask for your healing and loving kindness, especially for Mike, Keith.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events:   Birthdays:  Madelyn Ross  (4/9). 

Keeping In-touch: We had a wonderful trip to Chicago-land and South Bend.  We visited my brother, Mike, in the hospital, had dinner with family members, then traveled to Notre Dame for Fr. Tim Weed's Ordination and 1st Mass. The celebrations were beautiful and we received plenty to eat. Before we headed home we had a good visit with our friends Bob and Ann at their Wonder Lake Home. We visited the Schmitt Chapel and the Farm learned that my cousin, Keith, lost half of his leg because of an infection.

The Readings: Third Sunday of Easter

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Too often we find ourselves looking for "miracles" or "marvelous events" and we fail to notice the wonder of God in our everyday lives.

Ordination of Tim Weed

We were delighted to share in the ordination to the priesthood and the first mass of Marge's nephew, Tim Weed.
May he be richly blessed in his service to the Lord's people.
God bless you, Fr. Tim.

Second Sunday of Easter (Or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

My Companions, pray with me: Oh what a joyous gift you give us Lord by conquering death and offering us your love and mercy. Help us to open our hearts to your creative power and bring you glory with our lives. Forgive us all our selfishness and sin. Help us to experience your mercy. Thank you for all your wonderful gifts especially all the new life we experience this Spring. We ask you to care for all of your people who struggle with physical, mental, and emotional health struggles, especially the people on our list. Please grant you life and light to all who have gone before us to meet you in your kingdom.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Adam Olson (4/3), Mark Schnitzer (4/3), Benjamin DeQuiroz (4/4), Dani Schnitzer (4/6).   Anniversary: Jack & Anita Baker  (4/7/1956).

Keeping In-touch: We had a beautiful Holy Week and joyful Easter.  The ND Women Basketball team gave us quite a thrill last night; we'll watch the men's basketball championship tonight; dine with siblings on Thursday and celebrate Tim Weed's ordination to the priesthood on Saturday. What a full week! I'll try to play tennis today and golf on Wednesday... livin' the "high life" and hope you are also.

The Readings: Second Sunday of Easter (Or Sunday of Divine Mercy)

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Can you imagine encountering the Risen Jesus after experiencing the profound depression that Thomas must have felt? And can you really experience God's love for you and God's unconditional mercy? Alone, in the quiet, reflection on this "bowls me over!" What a message! What a delight!

Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we remember, especially this week, your suffering and death on the cross. We humbly seek forgiveness for our sins that cause such pain and anguish. Open our hearts and live your love through us so we experience your Resurrection from the dead each day. Please help all who suffer from physical and psychological pain; help them to know how you suffer with them and seek to bring us abundant life.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Carlos Garcia (3/26), Jay Klaus (3/26), Greg Stokes (3/29), Mark Ross (3/29), Michael Olson (3/29), Marty Sipos (3/23).   In memoriam: Gorden McKeller (3/27/14).

Keeping In-touch: We kept very busy with chores around the house last week. And, of course, we celebrated growth in wisdom (maybe), grace (maybe), and age (for sure). We finished the Breathing Underwater presentations and look forward to our celebration of Holy Week and Easter. We wish you all a Blessed Easter.

The Readings: Easter Sunday - The Resurrection of the Lord

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I can become overwhelmed when I contemplate all the suffering in our world. Without knowing that God has taken on all this suffering and has joined in all the pain we can find no excuse for all of it. Not only does the Lord suffer with us, we have been given a glimpse of the glory that is to come. Let us not live in doubt and despair, let us live in hope...great expectation. 

Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we cry inside as we contemplate your suffering and death. But for our sins you would not have suffered such a terrible death..

Forgive us all of our failings and help us to make amends to you and all the people we have hurt. Thank you for all the gifts you bring to us each day, especially the gift of faith and the gift of your awesome love. Please bless and heal all who suffer in body, mind and spirit from alienation from you and your glory. And welcome home all who have gone before us to your guiding light, especially Edmund Lay on the first anniversary of his leaving us.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Bob Weed (3/18), Chris Norton (3/19), Camila Castillo (3/22), Karen Carnegie (3/22), Rachel (Kobza) Varra (3/23), Sallie Dembeck (3/23), Tom Fatter (3/23), J.D. Plunk (3/24) Sandy Miller (3/24), Peggy Silvers (3/24), John Lay (3/24).   In memoriam: Tom King (3/21/12), Bishop Oscar Ramero (3/24/80), Bud Ferdon (3/24/15), Edmund Lay (3/24/17) .

Keeping In-touch: We spent some time watching college basketball and celebrating our February and March birthdays. I worked on some chores and find that the body just can not do what it used to do...and reminds me longer for getting in contorted positions. We look forward to celebrating Holy Week and hope your celebrations bring many blessings.

The Readings: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  I feel more saddened this year as I contemplate Christ's Passion. Maybe I'm more aware of my sinfulness or maybe I'm just more aware of God's awesome love that we could never diserve. 

Fifth Sunday of Lent

Fifth Sunday of Lent - Year A Scrutinies

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you raised Lazarus from the dead and taught that "if the grain of wheat doesn't fall to the ground and die, it remains just a grain of wheat. May we bring you glory by offering all our sufferings (our little deaths) for your kingdom.

• Fifth Sunday of Lent

Forgive us all of our failings and help us to make amends to all we have hurt. Thank you for all the gifts you bring to us each day, may you find joy in our use of these gifts. Please bless and heal all who are struck by sickness these days, especially Lindsay Smith, Becky Dvorak, and Bev Grau (sciatica pain). And welcome home all who have gone before us to your guiding light.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Neil Draxler (3/12), Wendy Fieldler (3/12),  Charlie Stevens (3/17), Lindsay Smith (3/17), Rick Dunn (3/17), Trish Buckley (3/17).   In memoriam: Myron Defrancia (3/17/12).

Keeping In-touch: The month of March is marching on rapidly! We enjoyed staying with our grandson, Nate, and his father, Tony, while Lori Beth attended a conference. The energy of a second-grader amazes us older folks. Now that we returned home we have many chores. Breathing Underwater keeps us thinking! and challenges us to renew our quest for unity with one another and God. And we're filling out our March Madness brackets.

The Readings: Fifth Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  No one wants to say "good-bye" to our family members and friends. Jesus also wept when his cousin, John, and his friend, Lazarus, died. But Jesus also taught us by his life and his word that our sufferings and even our death will bring life greater than we can imagine!

Fourth Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you cured the man born blind and you taught Nicodemus to see the light. Please help us see; help us open our hearts and minds to your loving kindness.

Thank you for all your glory that shines for us. We have hearts of gratitude for all our gifts. Please touch and make whole all on our list of those who need your healing, especially Becky Dvorak (Connie's sister who will under go more tests for cancer).

Bring all our loved ones who have gone before us to more fully experience your loving-kindness, especially Rev. Dennis Ryan who died yesterday.

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Bill Lay (3/8),Mary (Himpleman) Weightman (3/9),  nephew, John Lay (3/10)   In memoriam: Rev. Dennis Ryan (3/4/18), Sam Eccher (3/6/10).

Keeping In-touch: We returned from our Iowa trip and continue our "regular activities" and enjoyed some nice sunny, warm days. I attended our Men's Retreat that took place at the Seminary. Now we're visiting at the Gulmantovicz's, enjoying the mountains and with-standing the high winds...

The Readings: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments:  Through my companions, prayer and my presentations and study, I experience more each day the love that is always, unconditionally offered to us. I know the Lord loves us and wants to heal us of all our blindness. He wants to take away our "stinking thinking" and help us to see the light. 

Third Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you called for the Woman at the Well to give you a drink. She responded by seeking to engage you in a theological argument! Help us to respond to your call; help us to grow in relationship with you.

We sing the glory of God; we seek forgiveness with the knowledge of God's mercy; and we ask for all we need from God who only desires the best for us.

Thank you for all the life you bring us each moment. Touch and heal all who suffer and long for your sweet comfort, especially Clarlee Stevens.

Bring all our loved ones who have gone before us into your loving embrace, this week we especially remember Gary's friend, Vern,

  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Tom Duggan (2/26),  In memoriam: Vern Evans (2/21/18).

Keeping In-touch: What a wonderful time to visit family in Iowa (and what awful weather!). We enjoyed the talent and effort of all the young Ankeny Students in the Show Choir Event... especially our Julianne. I'm so grateful for my son, Matthew, filling-in for me at our Sunday gathering of Breathing Underwater. 

The Readings: Third Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: This is one of my favorite Gospel readings. No only does Jesus challenge the people of his day (and us too, today) to move beyond the life-stifling attitudes and conventions of our time, he offers life-giving water. And I relate to the Woman at the Well: too often I spar with my God in my attempt to know and understand, when all God desires is my love. God freely offers us life... we try to earn what we can never earn..............the love that is always, unconditionally offered to us.

Second Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, your disciples saw you in your glorified light, help us to know the glory of your light and life. Thank you for all your gifts and please watch over all who suffer and need renewed health. Wrap your loving arms around all those who suffer from the Florida shooting tragedy. Please continue to watch over and heal "Grandma Kobza" (Eleanore), Marge's friend, Jill, and all those on our list. Welcome all who have gone before us in to your loving light.  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Byron Plumley (2/18), Robert J Bruchez (2/20), Tony Gulmantovicz (2/22), Michele (McOmbar) Lay (2/23), Mitch Ross (2/23). In memoriam: Pasquale Frank "Pat" Bruno (2/18/2013), Richard Smith Jr. (2/18/1958).

Keeping In-touch: I don't know how I ever worked, often at two jobs. I guess I just lived this wonderful life with other focal points!? I enjoyed preparing for our presentation and discussion of Breathing Underwater, Richard Rohr's book on Spirituality and the 12 Steps. We had a wonderful gathering with much enthusiasm. Snow greeted us yesterday and last night... I guess that brought more gratitude for our trip to the Sunshine State. We're looking forward to our grand daughter, Julianne's, choral concert at the end of this week.

The Readings: Second Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I can not imagine experiencing Jesus in his transformed state with Moses and Elijah. Like, Peter, I would want to celebrate the experience, but, hopefully, I would simply enjoy that fullness of live. I desire to listen to God's Son and appreciate more and more "the Resurrection of the Dead." What do you think?

First Sunday of Lent

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we repent for following our "stinking thinking" and failing to appreciate the time of salvation that is now. May we renew our lives this Lent and become a light to others and bring you glory. Thank you for all your gifts and please watch over all who suffer and need renewed health. Especially watch over "Grandma Kobza" (Eleanore) and all those on our list. Welcome all who have gone before us in to your loving light.  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Bob Romadka (2/11), Lori Beth (Lay) Gulmntovicz (2/14), Matthew Lay (2/16), Tom Sermak (2/17). In memoriam: Deacon Richard "Dick" Mendenwaldt (2/14/15).

Keeping In-touch: I'm very late this week. We've been slacking and have had a wonderful time in Florida with Mike and Margie. It's taken me a while to get back into the "swing of things" but played some golf & ol' man poker!! We celebrate Lori Beth and Matthew's birthdays this week and continue to count our blessings.

The Readings: First Sunday of Lent

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I find the challenge of this week's Gospel not only in the call to repent, but more significantly in the call to appreciate that "the time of fulfillment is now."

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, we pray that you stretch-out your hand and heal us of anything that makes us unclean. Help us to know your love and mercy. May we show all people your glory by our lives. And we hold in your care all those who have gone before us, especially Marge's brother, Mike, on this week of the 30 anniversary of  his journey to the fullness of your Kingdom.  We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Anita Dunn (2/5), Avery Johnson (2/10). In memoriam: Michael Norton (2/8/1988).

Keeping In-touch: Well, I know I've lost my mind now because I joined a men's golf club and played golf in 30° weather last week (and I plan to play today in the howling wind). I met some new people as I addressed a singles group on the topic of loneliness and spirituality. Marge and I enjoyed some good college basketball. We concluded our 30 diet; so we're good until Ash Wednesday.

The Readings: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: I want to shout-out (or blog-out) the glory of the Lord and my gratitude for all his many blessings. But I am cautious these days, not wanting to fall or pick-up some nasty germs. I don't even want to go for a physical because of all the flu germs by the doctor's office and the hospital (those who know me well know that I don't like those places anyway). The gospel challenges me to look with greater respect on those who I encounter who are sick or suffering... 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, thank you for your work and desire to make us healthy and full of life in body, heart, and mind. May we always use our health to serve you and all our brothers and sisters. We seek your mercy and kindness for our times we have been self-absorbed and failed to care for the needs of others. Please show your compassion to all of those on our sick list, especially my sister, Judi, and Marge's friend Jill. And, always, we commend those who have gone before us and trust in your love and mercy. We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Mary Ellen (Lay) Olsen (1/29), Colleen (Weed) Galdys (1/30), Vicki Schnitzer (1/31), John Kane (2/1), Mike DePriest (2/1).  Ed Luckett (2/2), Ben Vager (2/3).  In memoriam: Fr. Gerald E Sheeds (1/30/2013).

Keeping In-touch: We enjoyed watching our favorite tennis professional, Roger Federer, win the Australian Open and his 20th Grand Slam Tournament. We submitted our passports for renewal and look forward to our trip to Europe. And some of our SCC Community Members walked through my first "Breathing Underwater" presentation. We simply delight in living our charmed lives.

The Readings: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Jesus cured Peter's mother-in-law, then she, immediately, began to serve Jesus and his friends. Too often when I have been "cured" by my disease of body, mind or spirit, I simply enjoy my regained health and fail to show my gratitude much less immediately turn to others and serve them.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, cast out all the unclean spirits in us or among us that seek to take us away from your love and mercy. Help us to acknowledge your glory among us and lead others to the fullness of life that you offer. Forgive us for the times we have chosen to seek pleasure or comfort in false prophesy that is set before us, or by avoiding responding to the good you offer. Thank you for all the gifts we have received, help us to use all of these to help build your kingdom. Please care for all who suffer physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, especially those on our "renewed health" list. Welcome all who have gone before us into your guiding light. We ask all of this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Gayle Schroeder (1/17; missed last week), Molly (Cole) Komon (1/23), James L Green (1/24), Michael Sheeran, SJ (1/24). Anniversary: Greg & Diane Blanchard (1/25/'76). In memoriam: Paul Pitzen (1/26/2008), Wally Shultz (1/27/2014).

Keeping In-touch: We  finally received some measurable snowfall. It looks and feels like winter now. Otherwise we've had a normal week... old man poker, a little tennis, yoga, and walks in the neighborhood.

The Readings: Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Once I received a phone call and heard a desperate request to help a young man "with the devil in his head." I responded the best I could, not knowing much about devils (I had studied psychology, philosophy, and religious studies...before that, math and chemistry.). I listened to the young man's story. We prayed together. And I experienced the comforting power of Our Lord. I still don't know much about devils, but I will never forget the experience, and I will always open myself to the power of Jesus in my life.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My Companions, pray with me:

Lord, you call us to help build your kingdom. May we praise you with our lips and with our lives. Please forgive all our sins. We can not express the gratitude in our hearts for your awesome mercy. Thank you for all the life you give us. Grant us all we need to live full lives and bring you glory. Lovingly touch all who are burdened with physical or emotional pain, especially those on our lists and those who we promised to pray for. Welcome all those who have preceded us in death. We ask all this in Jesus name. 

     Amen

Companion Events: Birthdays: Larry Gates (1/14), Mary (Dean) Norton (1/15), Martin Munoz (1/19). In memoriam: Baby Elizabeth Lay (1/17/1993), Lina Kilday (1/19/1958), Charlie Shelton SJ (1/20/2014).

Keeping In-touch: We enjoyed an ordinary week: played some tennis & pickleball and worked on our healthy-eating and exercise. Some winter weather has arrived. We're planning our summer trips. 

The Readings: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Some Commentary for prayer or study: The Sunday Website

My comments and an invitation for your comments: Two points struck me in our Gospel for this Sunday. First, Jesus calls all of us to join in the building of God's kingdom. Anything (our nets) that keeps us from living in God's grace and pointing to God's love and mercy should be dropped. And, secondly, the phrase "This is the time of fulfillment" challenges me to live in the present. It challenges me to experience God's presence in our lives now.