September 14-21 2025
Friar's Footnotes by Fr. John Prenger, OFP
Hello and Christ's Love to all!
The upcoming scripture readings present a Gospel challenge giving us ways to approach the "atmosphere' that is brewing in our country and world. Read them expecting instruction from the Lord Himself. They are Amos 8: 4-12; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2; 1-8 and Luke 16: 1-12. The prophet Amos' reading addresses the greed and selfishness rampant in Israel at his time. He says that their taking advantage of the poor will not be forgotten by God, that God will mess with their religious observances, and there will be not only a famine, but a famine for the true Word of God. (Does that not describe our days?)
First Timothy exhorts us to pray fervently for all people, but especially kings and all leaders that we may live in peace and godliness. (We've been hearing that message almost daily from Pope Leo XIV.)
The gospel has Jesus telling the story of the savvy steward, who when he is dismissed from his job, discerns how to make friends as he is let go. He acts with the authority he still has to lessen the debt owed to the master. Jesus credits him for thinking ahead and that we are to do that in spiritual matters, because there is a reckoning coming.
Chapel Schedule
Noon Tuesday Eucharist (September 16), Fr. Jim presiding
Noon Thursday Eucharist (September 18), Fr. John presiding
5 pm Saturday Eucharist (September 20), Fr. Jim presiding
SAYINGS OF THE SAINTS
"Nothing has so divided the world, turning people against one another, as has self-centered love, from which injustices have sprung and still spring. .... Remember, then, that if you are clothed in selfish love, you cannot help God's servants, and that those who do not help themselves by growth in virtue and with enthusiasm for true justice, cannot help their people's city. I stress, therefore, that you need to be clothed in the new creature, Christ gentle Jesus, and His indescribable charity. But we cannot be so clothed unless we first divest ourselves--and I won't be able to divest myself unless I see how harmful it is to hold onto the old sin, and how useful is the new garment of divine charity. For when sin is seen, it is hated and stripped off; then a person loves, and in loving is clothed with the garment of virtue woven with the love of the new creature. The is the only way." St. Catherine of Siena in "Passion for truth, Compassion for humanity."
"For me Christ is everything" Fr. Pedro Arrupe, the Superior General of the Jesuit Order from 1965 to 1981, whose cause for canonization is in process
"Better to die for an idea that will live than to live for an idea that will die" Stephen Biko, South African hero, who was tortured and died challenging Apartheid
Well, that does it for me. I pray that each of you will step into the ministry of reconciliation that is so important these days. Peace and all Good.
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
