November 17-24, 2024
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello to everyone!
Well....We are approaching the final weekend Eucharist of our Liturgical Year. We will celebrate that Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah is actually ruling the universe as the SLAIN LAMB who is the LION OF JUDAH. He, as KING, is the Power of Powerlessness and the Powerlessness of Power. Keep that in mind if you are troubled at the state of our world and turn ever more to HIM!
Our scripture readings for the feast are Daniel 7:9-10; 13-14; Psalm 93; Hebrews 1: 1-8; and John 18:33-37. Daniel, the apocalyptic visionary, presents the Father God as the Ancient of Days and a human being (Son of Man) brought before God and given glory, honor and power and that all peoples should serve Him in a Kingdom that will not pass away.
The beginning of the letter to the Hebrews says that God has finally and thoroughly spoken to us, not so much by prophets (as in the Old Covenant) but by His own Son, His final and definitive WORD. We look to Him and His Reign as the Way, the Truth and the Life.
The account from John's Gospel has Jesus answering Pilate before His Crucifixion, saying that His Kingdom is not of this world, but that all who seek THE TRUTH do hear His voice and follow His Way.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (November 19), Fr. Jim presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (November 21), Fr. Jim presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (November 23), Fr. John presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Each day is a step we make towards eternity and we shall continue thus to step from day to day until we take the last step which will bring us into the presence of God." Venerable Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy.
"Day by Day, three things I pray: to see Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly and follow Thee more nearly" St. Richard of Chichester
"If people are sincerely trying to love Jesus Christ, they will gradually lose their attachment to earthly goods, and will become poor in spirit in order to be more united to Him. Their every desire will be directed toward Jesus; they will seek to please Him alone, always and everywhere." St Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorist order.
These saintly sayings speak to me of how to let Jesus be "our King". I trust it will be a good week for you after all, Jesus if King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus!
Much love,
Fr. John ofp
Padre’s Pontifications by Fr. Jim McNeely
November 2024
1. Check in regularly to https://drjimbomac.wordpress.com/ . I pontificate there too :)
2. Recently, our bishop – Michael Davidson – sent a message to the clergy of the diocese. We are meeting in March to discuss many items of importance to the denomination, the diocese, and us as a community. Let me make a recommendation to you: If you are a lay person, please feel free to share your ideas about the direction of the CEC and the diocese. I’m sure he would love to hear your thoughts. His email address is standintl@hotmail.com.
3. In October, I sent an email to the community about buying a gift for Fr. John. It’s not too late if you want to donate!
4. This month begins my third year being with the community. Please know how honored I am to be a part of this group. That I get to function as a priest here is whipped cream and a cherry on the top! J
5. As you continue in your prayers, I ask that you remember me, a sinner and your servant in Christ Jesus. Your outpouring of love to me at the 29th anniversary of my ordination was meaningful and touching.
6. This is my final edition of Padre’s Pontifications for this year. Next month I go for my semi-regular prayer retreat. I plan to be at Conception Abbey for a short time of intense prayer and spiritual reading. I plan to spend specific time asking God for discernment for my life in the future.
7. My prayers are yours.
Dr. Jim McNeely+
Parent, Priest, Person
