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I thought it was interesting that on Mother’s Day, the Gospel Reading included John 14:21. Jesus says to follow his two commandments. Both deal with love: Of God and of others. My first teacher on this “love concept” was my mom. I reflected on the stages of my life and her approach to love. Of …

The third Sunday in Easter has Luke’s passage of Jesus appearing to two travelers on their way to Emmaus. It took the two travelers a long time before recognizing the person that accompanied them was Jesus. What a great story. How many times have I been in a conversation and really didn’t hear the message, …

For Lent, Pope Leo XIV gives us this concept: “I would like to invite you to a very practical and frequently unappreciated form of abstinence: that of refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.” “Let us begin by disarming our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill …

I went to a “Celebration of Life” for a longtime friend, Candlin. She was one of the most kind, compassionate, and loving women I have known. I first met her in a business setting. I was in need of a person who could build teams and break down barriers. She turned out to be perfect …

The day after Thanksgiving, we go to Cost Co. Reason: The turkeys go on clearance. The price goes from $.90 a pound to about $.50 a pound. Yup, picked up an 18 pounder for $9. Went home and tossed it in the freezer. Several weeks passed and a group of our friends were all in …

My Mom’s family, the Hames, loved Christmas and decorating the tree. In early 1950 my Grandmother Hames died. Grandfather vowed to never have another Christmas tree. But mom found this artificial tree: The Lapin Xmas Tree. Grand dad loved the 2 and a half plastic trees where you would hang pre-determined patterns of bells and …

In fall, we add a petition to our prayer intentions. It deals with a prayer to our community for enough food, warm clothes and a safe/warm place to live. Last March a warm place was on my mind: Our heat went out. I woke up to a “cool” house. I instinctively turned up the radiator …

At each mass during the weekend, we have petitions. One that strikes me is asking God to assist us to be “viable” in the neighborhood. I always wonder what this means. My answer keeps changing from week to week. But I do feel 2 items are necessary: For me, the annual Fall Festival exemplifies these …

My brother-in-Law, Tim, and his wife Lisa, invited Maggie, my wife, Rick, our 14-year-old great nephew and me up to their cabin 35 minutes outside of Ely, MN. What a treat to get away for a long weekend. As I started planning for the weekend a thought came to me. It was from Luke 12: …

I love this art fair at “Kate’s.” Outside on their “front lawn.’ Rows of “Juried Artists” out showing/selling their work. Deborah Barce’s booth had a banner stating: “Resting on His Word” with a ‘n symbol. (My background recognized it as Hebrew for Life.) I couldn’t resist; I started questioning Deborah about her banner. What a …

For me, late May and June is the time when the earth blooms. All around me are a palette of colors from snowbuds, lilacs, tulips, and all the colors from new growth of the trees and bushes. The variety shakes me out of the grays of winter and into a new world. This season the …

First Communion Sunday impacts the whole parish: Congregation, Parents, First Communicants. Congregation: We all remember our First Communion. Fr. Dennis noted his at the sermon: He was in a class of 50 and all the boys wore baby blue ties and pants. Others around me noted how great the kids looked and were touched by …