Tag: Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus

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Fund for the Elderly and Infirm

Jesuit Jubilarians 2022

75 Years in the Society
Screen-Shot-2022-04-07-at-10.54.34-AM-1024x621 Jesuit Jubilarians 2022
Fr. Jose A Dacanay, SJ.
Lumang-Jesuits03292022-copy-1-scaled Jesuit Jubilarians 2022

As we continue to celebrate the 500th Year of St. Ignatius’ conversion, we also recognize and give appreciation to our Jesuit priests’ long years of service as educators, heads of apostolic missions rendering community service, retreat masters, parish priests, counsellors, among others.

In many religious communities, Jubilee is celebrated on the 25, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75 and 80 plus years of profession in the community. In the Old Testament world, the time of Jubilee was taken very seriously and with great joy.

Today’s connotation of Jubilee comes from Latin meaning ‘to shout with joy’; hence, the reason for using this word in a manner of celebration.

It is in the spirit of gratitude that we therefore invite you to donate to the Elderly and Infirm Fund in order to defray the increasing costs of care of our elderly and infirm Jesuits.  

Support-PJAA-1-copy-2-1024x914 Jesuit Jubilarians 2022
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Fund for the Elderly and Infirm

The Roque Ferriols, SJ Suscipe Fund

In honor of his 80 years as a Jesuit in May 2021, the Philippine Province of the Society of Jesus is pleased to announce the Fr Roque Ferriols SJ Suscipe Fund.

The Suscipe Fund named after the famous prayer, “Receive, O Lord” of St Ignatius of Loyola at the end of the Spiritual Exercises, is launched not only to honor our Jesuit Jubilarians but also to raise funds for the support of our infirm and elderly Jesuits. With an increasing number of them needing special and individual attention, the Philippine Province is taking active steps to ensure support for their care.

The fund is made possible through the generosity of Mr. Manuel V Pangilinan.

Fr Provincial Primitivo Viray Jr. SJ was extremely gratified by Mr Pangilinan’s response, saying in his note of gratitude, “Your continued generosity will greatly help in defraying one of the Society’s biggest expense items and ensuring that our beloved Lolo Jesuits like Fr Ferriols and Fr Catalino Arevalo (also celebrating 80 years in the Society) continue to receive the best care.”

On his part, Mr Pangilinan stated “It would take a truly hardened heart to turn deaf to this request. Happy to do this.” Mr Pangilinan has often stated that Fr. Ferriols, his Ateneo de Manila Philosophy professor, taught him many lessons that remain with him to this day.

Mr. Pangilinan’s donation serves as the Suscipe Fund’s seed contribution and it is hoped that other friends and benefactors will likewise contribute in prayerful gratitude for the lives and missions of our Lolo Jesuits.

PHILIPPINE PESO DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO: PHILIPPINE JESUIT AID ASSOCIATION, INC (PJAA)

  • Online bank transfers
    • BPI family bank C/A 6861-0026-14
    • BDO S/A 0086-5001-6141
  • BPI Bills Payment to “PJAA” or “Phil Jesuit Aid Association”
    In place of a reference number, input your full name.
  • PayMaya
PayMayaAsset-1@2x The Roque Ferriols, SJ Suscipe Fund

US DOLLAR DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO: PHILIPPINE JESUIT FOUNDATION (PJF)

  • Zelle
    Please use pjf@phjesuits.org. Include your email address, and indicate Suscipe Fund.
  • Send a check to Philippine Jesuit Foundation, PO Box 312, New York, NY 10028. On the memo line, indicate Suscipe Fund.
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3rd Sunday of Easter

17th Sunday of the Year

The Word
Source: Acts of the Apostles 3:13-15, 17-19
(Some short time after the gift of the Holy Spirit, Peter and John went to the temple, as was their custom, to pray. While there, they cured a man who was crippled – raising him up in the name of Jesus. A great commotion followed, a crowd gathered and this is the story.)

3rd-Sunday-2021picture 3rd Sunday of Easter
Image from Google

13 [Peter spoke out:]
The God of Abraham, [the God] of Isaac, and [the God] of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate’s presence, when he had decided to release him.

14 You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you.

15 The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.

16 And by faith in his name, this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you.

17 Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did.

18 but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer.

19 Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.

A REFLECTION

The Acts of the Apostles is quite a vivid presentation of what happened in the early days of the Church. The timid and fearful fishermen of Galilee are now strong and speak out. The gift of the Holy Spirit gave them knowledge and wisdom and courage. In the first chapters of the Acts, we see all that happened, what all the apostles went through – first to bring the good news to the Jewish people, the people of the Covenant. Sadly, they fail. Then, inspired by the Holy Spirit, they will move on, and bring God’s good news of love and forgiveness and redemption to those who are not of the Jewish faith.

Peter and Paul will be the point persons designated by the Lord Jesus himself. Peter having received his commission from the Lord during the years of training and preparation and at the Last Supper and at the great commission given at the end of the Gospels. Paul, in a very different way, would also receive his commission from the Lord Jesus in a very unique moment of blindness on the road to Damascus. Paul did not know the Jesus of the apostles; he only knew the Risen One from that personal experience and from the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in his life.

I think is very important to read the Acts of the Apostles. How the early Church progressed to the preaching of those entrusted with the knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ. Peter and Paul are the first among these.

We are those who are being taught – we are the Gentiles, not inheritors of the old testament. We are the new people of God. We truly thank Peter and Paul and so many after them, even to this very day, who brought to us and continue to bring to us the Good News of Jesus the Christ.

ALLELUIA!

MY PRAYER

Look at the picture again – Peter’s style is so simple –
Would you listen to him? Would you pay attention to him?

Recall the events of just two or so weeks ago –
Recall the reading on Good Friday – what did the people cry out?
If you have been there and the place of Pilate – what would you have cried out?

Consider this carefully – Where do I stand – what do I say?
Where am I standing now – what am I saying?
Where do I want to stand – what do I want to say?

Jesus – your Cross is my salvation – I believe, I repent, I desire to you live your life for others –
I ask, dear Jesus, that you will help carry my cross I ask that you give me joy and fullness of life –  Thank you, Jesus, Thank You!

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2ND Sunday of Easter

17th Sunday of the Year

April 11, 2021

THE WORD, Source: John 29.24-29 (excerpt from today’s Gospel)

The Risen Jesus and the Unbelieving Thomas
(Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the disciples. John 20.19-23)

24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Jesus-hands 2ND Sunday of Easter
Image from Google

26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you”.

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”

28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

A REFLECTION

(Today is Divine Mercy Sunday – for some a moment of special prayer and novena. Our emphasis will be on faith in Jesus Christ.)

For the early church – the church of the lifetime of the apostles – the core preaching was about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ relying on his death and resurrection. There would have been many stories about what Jesus said and did, and these would later be put together in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

There developed, too, inspired by the Holy Spirit that the gift of faith was not just for the Jewish people, but for anyone who would believe in Jesus Christ. There would have been many stories shared about Jesus Christ; what he said and what he did. But it would only be a later time that these will be written up as the Gospels we know today from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These were written beyond the lifetime of the apostles.

The role of faith is well emphasized in today’s Gospel reading.
Thomas lacking trust and faith says: “Unless I see, I will not believe.”

Jesus accedes to this demand, going so far as inviting Thomas to touch his wounds. And Thomas is struck by this gesture of Jesus.

We still believe, 2000 years later. We are given a great blessing by Jesus –
“Blessed are they who have not seen but have believed.”

It may be good today to remember those who transmitted the gift of faith to us – parents, parishes, schools, communities. The testimony of Peter and Paul are still part of our lives today. We believe – because they believed and shared that belief, that faith in Jesus Christ.

MY PRAYER

As always – try to be comfortable and quiet
Recall God’s presence before you and you before him
What grace or blessing would you ask for at this moment.

Perhaps I think of the many who have passed the faith onto me, the knowledge and love of Jesus
⦁ Lord, bless those who have blessed me with the gift of faith –

I consider how faith in Jesus changes my life – how I live with others –
my family, household helps coworkers, those who approach me for help – for whatever –

  • Forgive me, Jesus, for the many moments I have been unfaithful to your example –

like Thomas, I come and kneel before you –

  • Strengthen me in my life of faith – I want to believe –
  • Jesus, I kiss your hands – I love you – thank you for your life and death and resurrection –

My Lord and My God!

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Easter Sunday 2021

17th Sunday of the Year

The Empty Tomb — Peter and John

1 On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. 

2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.”

3 So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.

4 They both ran,but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;

5 he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.

6 When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths* there,

7 and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths
but rolled up in a separate placed

8 Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.

9 For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

A REFLECTION

The Resurrection stories in the Gospels are all wonderful! Read and reread them this week. Here are two of my favorites – and a most beautiful Philippine tradition – read all the stories.

Easter-2021-pic1 Easter Sunday 2021
Risen Jesus with Mary at the tomb. John 20. 10 – 18
Easter-2021-pic2 Easter Sunday 2021
Risen Jesus joins two followers on the road to Emmaus and eat with them
Luke 24. 13 – 35
Easter-2021-pic3 Easter Sunday 2021
Risen Jesus appears to his Mother Mary
Salubong – Traditional Philippine celebration as the two statues carried in procession meet in the front of the church very early Easter morning.

(The first meditation for the Fourth Week of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius)

MY PRAYER

A time to be there at the tomb with the others – up to this point no one has experienced the risen Lord – they just see the empty tomb –
it was only later, after all had gone, as Mary Magdalene sat sobbing the Jesus showed himself to her. She was overjoyed – she grabbed him! I wonder what he felt, what she felt? GREAT JOY!

And now, my time to be with the Risen Jesus –
There are many Easter stories – today’s Gospel and two of my favorites above –

  • as much as possible, put yourself in a quiet disposition a quiet and comfortable place
  • know that God is with you and you wi
  • we ask for the grace of the Fourth Week of the Spiritual Exercises –

Father, give to us the joy and the peace that your Risen Son gave to his followers –

  • Imagine yourself there with the group discussing what happened to the body of Jesus
  • What would you hear? What would you say?
  • And if you stay behind with Mary –

Jesus, please give me a portion of that happiness that you gave to Mary

  • Imagine yourself at that table with Jesus and the two followers in Emmaus
  • It was their invitation “Stay with us . . . “ that brought Jesus to the table

Jesus, stay with me, stay with me

Lastly, consider how I can bring joy and peace – and blessings – to others

How do I accomplish this? By what I think, by what I say, and by what I do –

  • Jesus, by my faith that you are raised from the dead –
  • Give to me the grace to bring joy and peace and blessings to others –

Our mantra

Alleluia! Jesus is risen from the dead –
He is our life and resurrection! Alleluia!

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The Word And A Reflection and Prayer

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, [even] the king of Israel.”

PALM  SUNDAY  2021

The  Word, John 12.12-16

Jesus’ Enters Jerusalem for the Passover

12 On the next day [Sunday], when the great crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13 they took palm branches and went out to meet him, and cried out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,[even] the king of Israel.”

14 Jesus found an ass and sat upon it, as is written:

15 “Fear no more, O daughter Zion; see, your king comes, seated upon an ass’s colt.”

16 His disciples did not understand this at first, but when Jesus had been glorified they remembered that these things were written about him and that they had done this for him.

A  Reflection

The story of Jesus’ life for us rushes to its end. The great Passover feast of the Jews commemorating their freedom from slavery in Egypt is a highlight celebration even to this very day. But this Holy Week will be the story of the new freedom from sin one for us by Jesus.

Jerusalem is crowded – everyone wants to be there for the festival. People are delighted to see friends and visitors. Our gospel reading today is the reading used at the blessing of the palms before the Holy Mass. At the Mass itself we will hear one of the Passion narratives.

A simple note: Mondays Gospel will tell us of what happened that Saturday evening before the Palm Sunday event. Jesus was enjoying a “Thank You” dinner with Lazarus and Martha and Mary.

My  Prayer

  • Make yourself quiet and comfortable
  • Look at the picture again – perhaps imagine yourself there
  • Read the story again – maybe a number of times – want to be there –

 Pray with the joyful children – HOSANNA! HOSANNA!

 Pray with the adults – Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Read again the Gospel – Recall that in a few days the cry will be “Crucify him!”      

Hosanna in the Highest – Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!

Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of Studies, Scripture from the New American Bible                  

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The Word and A Reflection and My Prayer

5th Sunday of Lent, March 21, 2021

The  Word, John  12.20-33

The Hour of Jesus’ Glory  (excerpts)

23 Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

24 Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.

25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.

26 Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.

32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

33 He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.

A REFLECTION

Our gospel story today is a jump almost three years from our story of last week when Jesus and Nicodemus spoke in the evening. Since that time Jesus and his disciples had spent much effort preaching and healing and forgiving throughout Galilee and Judea.

The background of today’s story is that Jesus went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But before going there as we will hear at the end of the week, he joined Lazarus and his two sisters, Martha and Mary, for a special dinner. It was at that time that Mary would anoint the feet of Jesus.

After Jesus’ joyful entrance into Jerusalem, he spent much time in the temple precincts talking with the leaders of the Jews and others about his Father and the role that he himself would play that all might be saved. Sadly, his words were not accepted and in fact, rejected and ended with his death in Jerusalem just a few days later.

A Reminder

Prayer time need not be long . Setting aside short but dedicated prayer time -even just 10 minutes each day is already a good practice.

MY  PRAYER

  • Put yourself in a comfortable quiet position
  • Recall God’s presence with you and your presence before God
  • Read the passage again – even more than once if so desired
  • What grace do you ask for – desire – need – for yourself at this moment
  • Feel yourself present – intently listening to Jesus

The Lord’s glory is seen in his death that brings life like the seed that dies (vv. 23 – 24) Lord, help me to understand this in my own life

  • A father or mother who gives up their life for the sake of the children (vv. 25-26)
  • The soldier who fights the enemy to preserve his home country
  • The office mate who gives a personal time to visit or to call s sick friend
    • Lord, help me to understand what it means to give of myself even a part of myself for others –
    • Help me understand what it means to give myself- for my family and especially those in need     

Jesus lifted up – draws all to himself – for new life  (vv. 32-33)

Lord Jesus – help me to know and accept the Cross.

Lord Jesus – draw me to yourself !

Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of Studies                                                                   

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The Word, a Reflection and Prayer

December 6, 2020, 2nd week of Advent

Father Bill Kreutz, SJ

The  Word

Reading 1    Prophet Isiah  40:1-5, 9-11

1 Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.

2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.

3 A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!

4 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; The rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley.

5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

9 Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings Cry out at the top of your voice: Here is your God!

10 Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm; Here is his Reward with him, his recompense before him.

11 Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, Carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

advent2 The Word, a Reflection and Prayer

A  REFLECTION  and  PRAYER

How wonderful the words of encouragement – today’s first reading. We are all feeling a bit low – COVID 19 devastates us with such heavy news, bad news each day. Some, for sure, feel endangered and they are worried about their families and friends. Others carry the heavy burden of the many in the hospitals -doctors and nurses, laboratory and office staffand the many maintenance personnel and cleaners – all carry the burden.

This is a very hard time – we really need good news; Yet I am sitting here, thinking of bright lights and listening to beautiful choral Christmas music.

Is this the best that I can do – is this all I can do? I am not sure but like the Magi, I follow the Star. These bring peace and joy to my heart. Some say this is just romanticism, but I have a gift of faith, I believe; I am comforted by the words of the Profit Isaiah.

And I take heed to John the Baptist’s call to change my life – to be better in the spirit of the Lord – for others. Can I bring comfort and joy to others? a telephone or video chat, a greeting, an email – with some beautiful pictures attached; a kind thought, a prayer; a forgiveness in my heart for those who have hurt me – and a prayer for them.

Using the style of Ignatian imagination:

  • I close my eyes and imagine myself walking through the wards of a crowded hospital 
  • I stop at one bed and another and talk for a few moments with the poor patient, perhaps an old person, a young mother, a crying child; and with each I pray to Jesus for healing and comfort and a Hail Mary.

You may also want to use this method:

Walking along the street and encountering many beggars who are in need; a little girl selling flower: can I visit a poor family with only a simple parol hanging at the door, no Belen. What do I say to these people – what do I do?

This is my offering, my time – taking time in prayer for others

I really don’t know how it works – but Jesus does –

A personal response to John’s call for change –        

Come,  Lord Jesus,  Come!

                  

Scripture from the New American Bible, Images from Google Images

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The Word, A Reflection and Prayer

CHRIST THE KING 2020

CHRIST THE KING 2020 (Kristong Hari), November 22, 2020

The Word

Matthew 2 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

Matthew 25   31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, 32 and all the nations will be assembled before him.”

Picture4 The Word, A Reflection and Prayer

34 Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”

40 “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Picture2 The Word, A Reflection and Prayer

Matthew  21  4 This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:

5 Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'”

John 18  36 Jesus answered [Pilate], “My kingdom does not belong to this world.”

John 19  2 And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, 3 and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.

Picture3 The Word, A Reflection and Prayer

John 19    14  … [Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” 15 They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!”

19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read,

     “Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.”

A  REFLECTION  and  PRAYER

Brightness —  Light  —  Darkness —  Glory

A number of years ago, Father Ruben Tanseco and I were discussing themes for the Feast of Christ the King. (As you may know, Father Ruben passed to the Lord a month or so ago – may he be in peace.) We talked about the common image of Christ the King sitting on the magnificent throne crowned with gold and holding an orb and a scepter. Super glorious!

And he mentioned the image of Jesus standing there so much alone with the purple cape and a crown of thorns being presented by Pilate to the people – “This is your king!”  (You can see it on Google images.)

I have outlined a bit of this reality in the Scripture passages chosen above:

  • the Magi bringing wonderful gifts to a newborn King
  • how the great king will judge and reward
  • a king entering Jerusalem for the Passover festival – not a king riding in a chariot drawn by great horses and surrounded by well-armed soldiers –but a humble servant-king riding on a donkey
  • a dialogue with Pilate ending in a death sentence – but with the saving inscription above the lifeless victim – “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
  • finally, the glorious moment from the Book of Revelation as the king draws the generous of heart to himself

 =  =  = =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =  =   

As you can imagine, each of these small episodes are not for reading but for reflection and prayer.

Perhaps you can take five minutes for each text – imagining each scene in your own mind, being in the scene – by seeing, by hearing, by feeling;  participating – by speaking, by touching, by helping.

You can also pray over one episode each day this week – that would make for good daily prayer. We keep in mind that the journey of Jesus was of compassion and mercy, gentleness, healing and forgiveness.

Can we journey with Jesus? Can we do as he has done – compassion and mercy; gentleness, healing and forgiveness?

Pain and suffering are part of the journey – these we offer with the pain and suffering of Jesus.

Jesus Christ, our king, give us your grace for our lives!

Father Bill Kreutz SJ, Loyola House of Studies, Scripture from the New American Bible. (Images from Google)

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The Word, A Reflection and Prayer

33rd  SUNDAY OF  THE  YEAR, November 15, 2020

The  Word

Reading 1   Book of Proverbs Chapter 31

When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize.
She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands.
She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle.
She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a reward for her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

Responsorial Psalm 128

Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants around your table.

Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

A  REFLECTION  and  PRAYER

>>  Thankfulness to parent and respect for them even at difficult moments

>>  Care and fidelity among husbands and wives – there are many herds here – can we ask forgiveness – can we give forgiveness? Can we promise love again and again?

>>  Dear children – are we patient? Encouraging? Are they aware of how much they are loved?

>>  Lastly – how well do we take care of –

  • those who help in our household
  • employees that we may have
  • our fellow office mates
  • the poor we see on the street, the homeless, the elderly who need special attention these trying days.

Lastly – look at the readings again, pray  again – Try to reread them one or two times this week – Consider who you are – a child, a parent, a grandparent –

Be filled with God’s grace and share his grace with others.

Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of Studies    

Scripture from theNew American Bible