Saturday Reflection, December 1, 2007

Yesterday, Pope Benedict XVI's second encyclical was made public in Rome. To be known as Spe Salvi because the first sentence, from Romans 8:24 begins in Latin Spe salvi facti sumus. Translated: In hope we were saved. It is a document about hope and salvation. Don't look for anything new but do look for the revival of some forgotten code words Catholics use to express a genuine faith. It is very much a document for our world and its challenge to the genuine virtue of hope.

As the Pope wrote: "redemption is offered to us in the sense that we have been given hope, trustworthy hope, by virtue of which we can face our present." I found the document "loaded" with genuine pastoral gems ... although I must admit the journey through various philosophers challenged my attention.

Today I am jumping deep into the document, the 32 "paragraph" of the full 50 in the encyclical. The Pope is recommending some "settings" for learning and practicing hope. First and foremost the Vicar of Christ emphasis the importance of prayer. To learn the reality of hope and its many relationships, we must come to see that prayer is essential. We just cannot make hope a reality in our lives without prayer.

God is always present to us, always available to listen to us --- in prayer. If I pray, I am never alone. To illustrate this thought, we are introduced to a recently deceased Cardinal who was imprisoned "for thirteen years, nine of them spent in solitary confinement." His "precious little book," Prayers of Hope, makes clear how the ability to speak to God and to listen to him gave great strength. In this experience of daily prayer, he increased his power of hope. After his release from prison, Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan, became a symbol to those who heard him speak or knew of his life of a witness to hope. His life he was during the days of imprisonment was a witness "to that great hope which does not wane even in the nights of solitude."

In my own experience, I was a part of the Fordham University Jesuit community with Fr. Walter Cizek, SJ, a prisoner in Russia for almost 40 years. In a conversation he told me how it was the psalms and other memorized prayers that made survival possible. These prayers were the source of his hope.

So, we might consider even from these brief remarks how significant the new encyclical might be for us in our times. Surely there is not a day that goes by that we don't hope for something for ourselves or for others.

Friday Reflection: November 30, 2007 St Andrew

Today, final day of the liturgical year, we honor the very first disciple of Jesus, St. Andrew. The brother of Simon Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman. He was obviously a searcher for more than the right fishing spot. He had become of disciple of John, the Baptizer. One day, while away from fishing and following John, Andrew heard the Baptist say, "Behold the Lamb of God." Immediately Andrew left John and was catching up with the crowd following Jesus, the new preacher turned and said to Andrew, "What do you seek?" Convinced the John had pushed him in the right direction, Andrew explained that he wanted to know where Jesus lived. And then he heard the response that anyone seeking to learn what and where Jesus wants a disciple to be: "Come and see."

Deep within you, dear reader, I am sure there are times when you experience the want just to be with God. Isn't that a response to "Come and see." Surely Jesus stirs up feelings within each of us. For what? What is it that Jesus through the Holy Spirit's movements in our hearts is trying to say to you, to me?

Throughout our lives we get those "messages" from God which don't seem to make any sense. Like Andrew, if we know those attractions are from God speaking in our hearts, we follow. We seek to know. But first we have to come to Jesus and see where he lives ... in our hearts, in our lives, and foremost in our prayer.

Thursday Reflection: November 29, 2007

TODAY'S READINGS We begin now bringing the current liturgical year to an end with words about terrible things, terrible times, terrible events. So terrible, in fact, that I often wish we could use other readings.

These readings attempt to bring us to realize that these days might serve us well if we look back over the year to see where God has been giving us particular signs. Some of those signs, perhaps, may be indicating a change in how we relate to God; other may be God's way of directing us in new ways of living, working, playing and so on.

Some may look back of the year and ask "Where was God giving me signs?" This should be a response that tells something as well: has the relationship with God been all that serious?

All that we encounter in our lives, if carefully reviewed, most likely will speak God's message. But, again, we have to be listening. We have to set aside time to hear his whispers.

When we consider the "things" that have happened to us in the last year, have we even thought these were "signs from God"?

These days are truly days of hope. When we look at our lives for the last year, if we try and see God's will for us, we will find that God is always present, always wanting to give of himself to us ... if we just listen.

Wednesday Reflection: November 28, 2007

It is midweek. At noon today we cross the middle of the week ... we're over the hump, as a local radio announcer often announces each Wednesday at noon. The thought crossed my mind: do I tire a little in my prayer? Do I feel like I am climbing a steep hill, just struggling to cross over the peak to enjoy the easier side?

How often are we like Augustine. He knew that he could easily come to know himself through his dedication and fidelity to prayer. But, like so many human beings, he prayed ... "but not yet, Lord." Yes, there are the times when we might set our prayer goals to what we believe to be a more realistic expectations for ourselves ... usually praying something like Augustine ... not yet, Lord.

Spiritual writers, time and again, remind us that we must raise our prayer bar higher than we believe necessary or possible. This is most likely the only way we can have success in strengthening our relationship with God. We have to believe this even though there are the times when our prayer experience feels like we are stuck at the bottom of Mt. Everest.

We might consider looking at what prayer or prayers we use in our meditations or reflections. Are there particular prayers or parts of the gospels or teachings of the Church that expect too much of us? Are there times when particular prayers really scare us? No metanoia, change, has ever come easily in and through prayer. Imagine how Zaccheus must have felt when Jesus told him he wanted to visit with him. Ugh oh! What's he going to say to me? This is exactly what happens when, again, we feel that we are at the bottom and top is so far up and the climb so difficult.

Tuesday Reflection: November 27, 2007

TODAY'S READINGS

At times the world around us, our work environment, even our families present us with news about wars, destruction, murders, serious illnesses and other concerns. Surely it is enough to make some wonder if the dire forecasts about the end of the world coming at any time are not on target.

Surrounded by sadness, grief and fears, we have to remember it is not a president, a king, a queen or a dictator --- none of these people is ultimately in charge.

On more than one occasion Jesus offered us words of reassurance: GOD IS ALWAYS IN CHARGE. If we feel overwhelmed by events in our lives, turn the grief or concern away from the world's problems. Turn your attention for a few minutes of prayer to what Jesus said and taught. Ask yourself this question: do I truly believe God is in charge?

The very fact that we feel the need to go to God in a time of quiet prayer is a reminder that there is something in us that is turning us to the same God, the God who is in charge. Trust him; open up your heart to him.

Monday Reflection: November 26, 2007

TODAY'S READINGS

The stories in both readings are so directed to our times especially considering the impact of cultural mores that challenge us each day: a culture that challenges faithfulness; a culture that challenges willingness to let go of our hold on all we have, especially ourselves.

Surely the widow would be ridiculed as careless with her frightfully meagre finances or as a holy roller. She showed us her complete faith and trust in God. She did not hedge her holdings.

Daniel is like the contemporary believers in our culture. Challenged to forgo the rigors of the Jewish "commandments" regarding the types of foods to be avoided, Daniel and friends used the logic of their minds: substitute foods that are permitted and at the same time gain a position with the king! In Daniel we see adherence to his faith while responding to the demands of his king.

There are numerous challenges to the practices of faith that call believers to follow. Listening to many conversations during my 35 years of priesthood, it is clear that many Catholics lack the commitment of a Daniel or the total trust of the widow. For example: "... didn't make Mass the past weekend ... the kids had a soccer game." Wow! That must have been quite the game ... since Masses for the Sunday obligation usually begin Saturday evenings around 4 PM and continue through Sunday evening ... in every city! Or another example that is more sensitive: birth control. "What do priests, bishops, cardinals, even popes know about married life?" Wow! Is it surprising that Muslims, African and Hispanic folks are proportionately growing in such large numbers? Many of these folks do not accept birth control as their right. Soon the Caucasians will be the minorities around the world ... maybe in our own lifetime. Your great-grandchildren will not have to worry about immigration! They will definitely be the minorities seeking a better lifestyle. Surprised??? Shouldn't be if you really think about the realities of birth rates and deaths!

A Christ the King Prayer

Jesus, the Christ, I look to you as my King. God, our Father, has made the world for you. Today grace me with an open heart, to let your love and care be the ruler of my heart, my being, my every moment.

Free me from those moments in my life where I seek my own favor, my own successes and those times when I seek the affirmation of others rather than your care, your love.

May all of us share in the peace that is your gift to a heart open to you and your forgiving love. Amen

Christ the King Reflection

Ponder these words from Jesuit spiritual director Fr. Larry Gillick: "If we prayerfully accept his final gesture [Jesus dying on the cross for us] of our being forgiven and blest, then all that we desire has been proclaimed from the Cross by the "New David," the new victor and it is our response that determines how we see ourselves."

What is my response to the liberating gifts of love and care that come to me from the wooden throne of a crucifying (forgiving) cross and the king who hangs there, striped of everything except unending forgiveness and undying love?

It is simple, isn't it? Just what is my response to Jesus Christ the King? As yourself that question several times, letting the reality of this feast sink into your heart each time you ask. Let your heart be open to receive his kingly love and to walk over the many "tyrant kings" that distract us from responding in a heart-opened prayer of trusting gratitude and love.

Prayers Needed

On the same day that I went to the hospital recently, another priest of the Archdiocese of Washington was taken to Frederick Hospital from his mother's home where he was visiting. In just a few days shy of one month that priest, Fr. Walter Lawrence, lies in a deep coma, very close to death. After just a few hours at Frederick Hospital, Fr. Lawrence's doctors determined he was suffering Acute Leukemia. He was immediately helicoptered to Johns Hopkins Hospital. A very challenging and painful course of chemotherapy was initiate with an awareness that this was just an attempt to determine if anything could be done to begin gaining control. After two weeks of the debilitating chemo, Fr. Lawrence's doctors ended the therapy. He was brought back to a hospice in Frederick to be near his mother and sister for the final days of his life.

Fr. Lawrence was serving as Pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Barnesville. He also had served as Pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Kensington. Fr. Lawrence was a few years behind me at Gonzaga ... but certainly way ahead of me with Greek and Latin.

As he draws closer to the moment of his meeting the God who called him to priesthood, as he prepares to step into a new life, filled with love, filled with the graces of God, remember him along with his wonderful Mom and sister.

Why God would call home to himself someone so young (60 years old) is a mystery. I surely believe Walter will be in a better place. Imagine what he will encounter: being in the presence of God, being with his father again. He will now no longer say the words of consecration; he will speak personally with God.

Lastly, remember to pray for the priests of the Archdiocese ... we are about to lose of wonderful colleague, a deeply spiritual brother, and a man who cared for others. Deaths like this one do shake us all. It is only human that we are sad, we become lonely because a brother is no longer at the altar with us. We are happy he is with the Lord but we will miss his presence. Thanks.

A Future Thought

Here, the new Cardinal DiNardo is greeted by Pope Benedict's personal Secretary. As I look at this picture and begin to think about each man's future, let me say it here and today: the Catholic Church will be greatly blessed by this man's simplicity, intelligence and spirituality. And there are enough years ahead of him that God's graces may call him to yet another honor.

Thanks to Whispers in the Loggia for this picture and the picture in the next posting.

A Day of Great Joy and Thanksgiving

This morning, inside St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Church was given the gift of 23 new Cardinals. Pictured here are two friends, two of the new Cardinals. On the left in what looks like his current flu had taken over, Cardinal John Foley, a Philadelphian, a St Joe's Prep grad and also a former Jesuit novice. Since my first assignment in Philadelphia, Cardinal Foley and I have maintained a wonderful relationship. In visits to Rome, we often chatted in his office and at nearby restaurants. After some 20 years of leadership at the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, the "red hat" was finally put upon his head. My hope now is that when he returns to Philadelphia, I will be in better health and able to travel to the City of Brotherly Love to concelebrate Mass with my friend and colleague.

The man on the right brings special joy to me today. I remember well when young Danny DiNardo sat in my history classes at the Bishop's Latin School in Pittsburgh. It was then that I came to know the man who was clearly, even in his high school years, destined to be super successful in whatever he would do. To be honest, it was truly painful not to be present with him for this special day in his life and the lives of all those who worked with him or have become friends with him. Clearly, once stronger and able to travel distances, you can bet that yours truly will be flying to Houston to concelebrate a Mass with Cardinal Dan. Watching the Holy Father place the red hat on Dan's head was a moment I believe will always be in my heart. To see the Holy Father's broad smile when the new Cardinal knelt before him was for me a clear sign of the Holy Father's respect and friendship for a man he had worked with when Msgr. Dan was working in the office of the Congregation for Bishops. How blessed the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is with his presence ... first and foremost as a priest and now as the first Cardinal of the South. Tonight I will sleep with a great sense of satisfaction and happiness. It is not too often that a high school teacher sees his student become a Cardinal. A day to remember and treasure.

Rest in Peace, Friend

For two "embattled years" "Wish," as he was known to family and close friends, and I worked together at the University of Scranton ... during the years of the protests and demonstrations against the Viet Nam War. Serving as Dean of Students under Fr. Galvin was truly a time when I learned what it meant to face shouting students, tossed eggs, and the like. But always watching from one window or another, was the President of Scranton University. He would always see me later in the evening to thank me for facing the music as he would say. When he moved to Prep, I had him come to my parents' home in Adelphi for dinner. The next day, his third day at the Prep, Fr. Galvin had a heart attack. As you can imagine, my Mom was beside herself, fearful her cooking had brought on the illness. Of course Fr. Galvin called my Mom a few days later to assure her that it was not her cooking that had him hospitalized for a time. Eternal rest grant to him, Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him.

Rev. Aloysius C. Galvin, S.J., 1925-2007
November 23, 2007
Members of the Georgetown Prep Community,
Today Prep lost one of its greatest treasures. Rev. Aloysius Carroll Galvin, S.J. passed away peacefully this morning. He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year but never lost his positive attitude and loving spirit. Fr. Galvin devoted his life to Christ and the Society of Jesus. For the past thirty-seven years our Georgetown Prep community has benefited from his loving service. As a priest, teacher, college counselor, and chaplain to the football team, he made a lasting impact on thousands of students, scores of fellow faculty members, countless parents, alumni, and friends.
We frequently ask the students at Prep to look for God in all things and we teach them, as Christ teaches us, that God is present here on earth, working through us to fulfill His will. Fr. Galvin’s life was a witness to that ideal. In a very real way he lived it every day. It is our mission at Prep to form men of competence, conscience, courage, and compassion; men of faith, men for others. Fr. Galvin’s life personified that mission especially through his thanksgiving for and devotion to the Eucharist. He believed in it, preached it, taught it, and lived it.
We will miss Fr. Galvin’s daily presence on our campus but we know he will continue to work for us and for God’s glory as he looks on in Heaven. We invite you to join us as we say goodbye to Fr. Galvin and celebrate his life.
Viewing

Monday, November 26, 20074:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Chapel of Our Lady

Georgetown Preparatory School
Funeral Mass

Monday, November 26, 2007

7:30 p.m.

Chapel of Our Lady
A reception will follow his funeral Mass on Monday evening, in the Hanley Center for Athletic Excellence.
Peace,
Rev. William L. George, S.J.
President
Rev. Richard S. McCouch, S.J.
Superior of the Jesuit Community

Reflection: Hanging on his words

Today's Gospel's final words

"hanging on his words" are what most of us hope to do when we get into our personal "prayer mode." We hope our attention is not distracted the many kinds of "thieves" who could steal our attention away from our prayer.

Perhaps we should begin each time of prayer trying to understand the word or words we use to begin our prayer: "Lord" or "God" or "Father." We usually use one of these titles and then immediately proceed into laying out our needs. "Lord, help me get something (like a deeper awareness or more specific need) from the words you speak to me now." Then we proceed to tell God precisely why it is that we are "praying."

The final sentence in today's selected gospel moment describe the people as "hanging on his words." That seems to be far from telling, far from an explicit expression of our needs. When we begin with "Lord" or "God," what are we saying? Perhaps we use these terms so often that they are little more than the "yes ... yes ... yes" we use in our conversations with others without really thinking about what we are saying. "Lord" and "God" usually means someone who is a ruler, someone with power over others, a creator. If my personal prayer begins with this awareness of his power, his care for me, then it is so much easier to "hang on his words." It is much more satisfying to allow him speak to me, to tell me what is best for me.

We have to make the house of prayer we enter each time we pray, regardless of the place of our prayer, to be free of the "thieves" who try to take away the quiet whispers the "Lord" or "God" is trying to speak in our hearts.

"it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all."

(from Responsorial Psalm)

Thanksgiving Day --- 2007

Today's Gospel

Perhaps a peculiar gospel is offered for this day of thanksgiving. Yet just a few moments with this story and you may come to realize the remarkable spirit of this story from the lips of Jesus. Like the lepers, we have been guaranteed a future by the God who made regardless of whatever sin we may have encountered in our lives. On this day, when you look back upon all that you have been offered by God, you can realize that there always is a future for you with God. With every gift given by the all-loving God, a new tomorrow has dawned in your life. With each gift given to you, like the lepers, you have been made whole.

We also reflect upon the lyrics of beloved songs such as America the Beautiful and the values of liberty and freedom that is ours today. Nonetheless, we cannot overlook the newest freedom struggle challenging our nation: the undocumented immigrants. This is the challenge to each of us to share the gift of freedom won by our ancestors. To us who proclaim freedom's beat across the land and the gospel Jesus preached that strangers and sojourners, along with widows and orphans, are vulnerable persons who must be treated with justice and compassion. In 1996, the beloved Pope John Paul II presented these words to the world on World Migration Day: "In the Church no one is a stranger, and the Church is not foreign to anyone, anywhere ... the Church is the place where illegal immigrants are also recognized as sisters and brothers."

America! America! God shed his grace on thee 'till selfish gain no longer stain the banner of the free.

Reflection: Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve

You need to have read the daily readings to understand some of these thoughts.

The unusual example Jesus used in the selection fa nobleman who was going off to be formally installed as a king warrants some reflection. Especially his severe treatment of those who did not make profit on his funds while he was away. Even beyond that this same "nobleman," one returned as king, ordered the execution of those who had objected to his becoming a king.

We know the story of the talents (a specific coin). Upon return, being the business man that he was, the new king demanded an accounting. All of the servants did well ... except one, the one who had been given the smallest amount, one talent. For his failure to make even the interest in a banking investment and his fear of the new king (probably one of those who disliked the man becoming king) he lost everything.

Jesus uses this example to teach something about the Kingdom of God. He uses the story to show that the king is not for those who are enemies of God. There will be a time of accounting. (As one commentator I read said, "So much for the good and gentle Jesus.")

So what does this story mean for us? It is simple: the kingdom of God has its price! God asks us to be all that we are, all that he created when he made us. The Christian vocation is not easy. Yet, as we have read many times in Scripture, in the lives and words of saints and our Church's teachings, it is worth everything --- even our lives! The imagery of the "talents" easily translates into our regular use of the word "talent." Again, simply stated, "Use it or lose it!" Be like the Maccabee boys: they accepted the gift of their faith and never buried it even though it meant martyrdom.

November 20, 2007 Reflection

The stories of Eleazar and Zaccheus in today's readings offer considerations for contemporary Christians, addressing head on, in a way, challenges of modern society. Today, who would think of OT Eleazar as a model of staunch loyalty and fidelity to his Jewish faith? Refusing to eat meat (pork) at the command of authority, he knew he faced a tortuous death. Even the encouragement of close friends to "fudge ... just this one time" to save his life was rejected. In the winter of his life, he believed his actions should not scandalize the younger men in the Jewish community. He would not sell his soul!

Just stop for a moment now. Consider all the time these words have been spoken in your presence: "oh, just this one time won't make a difference" when your faith is challenged by immoral or unethical actions.

Like Zaccheus, there are times when we find ourselves up a tree because of our own thinking or wanting. Zaccheus wanted to hear what it was that Jesus was preaching. Up in the tree, he was rubber-necking. If he did not like what he heard, he could easily climb down and hit the road. Were he really willing to open his heart ... before Jesus called him down and invited himself to Zaccheus' home for dinner ... he could most likely have made his was to be in the front line. Shorter folks always seem to have a great skill at getting up close ... perhaps one advantage of being on the shorter side.

Do I truly want to follow Jesus and the teachings of our Church? Am I afraid of being up close?

Reflection: Thursday, November 15, 2007

Breviary (Office of the Hours) readers are currently reading a 2nd century homily as part of the Office of Readings. The writer is calling the hearers to reflect upon non-believers the life of the believer has. His homily called attention to what we might say as "saying one thing and doing another." Apparently those outside the Church marveled at the beauty of the words and hymns that would come from the lips of those who were seeking to follow Jesus.
But there were those whose lives were seemingly different. Their lives were a "scandal" to those who wanted to know more about Jesus.

Some 19 centuries later we can ask is it any different? Do we proclaim our faith when it is convenient? Do we try parsing the Word of God and the teachings of our Church so that we can finesse what seems to be something that interferes with the faith values we publicly proclaim?

We might say that our advances in knowledge since the 2nd century may well have brought us to a more regular and frequent awareness that we must chose the will of God without parsing it if we want to be a part of his Church.

We can make choices each day --- choices for good rather than evil. When the sailing gets rough, the 44th Psalm, used in the Office of Readings as well today, reminds us the alone we may fail but that God is always present to strengthen us in our choosing.

Thursday Progress Report: November 15, 2007

Steady progress. Meeting with surgeon who guarantees me that there was a heart working inside my chest when he opened it (!!!) has evaluated my current status. Making progress! No concerns at this moment. See me in one month!

Today a first post-operative visit with the cardiologist. Hoping for the same kind of report.

Accomplishments yesterday: climbed a flight of stairs four times during the course of the day, one steady ten-minutes walk.

Had a wonderful dinner with Msgr. Duffy last evening. He came to visit, to make sure I was progressing and that he would not be interrupting his retirement for too long a time!!!

Reflection: Tuesday, November 13, 2007

"Since the Second Vatican Council, the obligations are fewer and there is an expectation that we each will make our own personal choices for sacrifices and service that express our love for God. Superficially it seems that things have become more lax, but in reality it has become more challenging because we have to take more personal responsibility. We each have to discern what it is that God is calling us to do to serve him and those around us. It is not an easy task sometimes because he does not lay it out in black and white, and sometimes it is frightening that he may call us to do something beyond our comfort zone." From Daily Reflection, Creighton University, November 13, 2007, Susan Ternus Tinley.
Take more personal responsibility.
1. Living the spiritual life of priesthood (or any vocation)
a. what does this mean for a priest, for me, today?
-fidelity to prayer, recitation of the Office, rosary
-working more closely with Spiritual Director
-fidelity to priestly lifestyle
-frequent use of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
-spiritual reading
-associations
-using the Daily Examen regularly to keep myself on the pathway God is pointing out to me
-taking time to discern, to see or hear what God is calling me to do, to say, to believe.
Where is God calling me at this time of my life?
Does the passage of time create a a comfort zone that gradually erodes my attention to the spiritual life? It can happen. It does happen ... to almost everyone regardless of vocation. Creating our own comfort zone and living in it too long easily opens the doorway for weakness, letting concerns or obligations slide, to enter my life. And, as any adult would tell a child: once any weakness gets into your life, life a weed, it grows quite rapidly and spreads wildly. In no time weakness leads to omissions. Omissions lead to waving off obligations. And all of this offers a resounding welcome to sin in our lives.
God, my Father, grant me the freedom of spirit and health of mind and body to do your work and your will each day. Amen

Thanks for Concerns

Some wondered if all was well because I had not blogged for a day or two. I am recouping well but find the blogging really tiring and not helpful. When I really feel the surge of energy, I will reappear to blog.

Fr. Jordan

Engine Repairs

The results of the investigation led to the need for a heart catheretization ... that was done last Monday. During the process the cardiologists ... note its up to two now ... determined an angioplasti could not be done.

There was a solution: triple bypass surgery ... the next morning. So that is what happen. Monday I remained in the cardiac area of the hospital with a little "joy juice." Early Tuesday morning, exactly one ago today. After 5 1/2 hours of surgery I was returned to my room.

Surgery was successful. Heart in good shape: just the fuel lines to the engine.

I have returned to St. Jane de Chantel parish to a guest room without a phone, which restrictions on visitors for another ten days. Following this period I will continue to convalesce before returning to Our Lady of Victory. My cardiologist was firm about my returning to parish work in the month of December. I wonder why???????

I will not be checking emails and the like very often. Please contact Ms. Wanda Gomez at the parish (202-337-4835) if you have a problem. Msgr. Duffy is Acting Pastor during the time of my absence. You see it's hard to keep the likes of himself down regardless of age and retirement.

Please continue to remember me in your prayers. Know that I have a great team of medics taking care of my health. The cardiac surgeon made a "rectory" call this morning to check on me. When is the last time you heard that kind of news. Likewise, the staff, especially the good Monsignor Essex, go out of their way to ensure that I get the rest I need.

The one prayer of thanks I offer throughout the day is to God because as my cardiac surgeon said to me, my siblings and Msgr. Essex, has deeply impacted my thinking: With situation around my heart was such, that I was very lucky to be alive and that I was susceptible to a massive heart attack. More on the whys after getting some strength back.

If any of this is disjointed, let me assure you that it is so difficult trying to concentrate these days. My mind runs in different directions, my thoughts get taggled with other things have happened.

Thanks to all of you who have been helping me: especially my sister and brothers, my secretary, our school principal, Msgr. Essex's staff at St. Janes and the priests who live here.

Gas Line Troubles

My last blog, October 28, indicated that the blog would be down for time to do so engine repair. Well, as some of you know, the engine itself is a good shape. It seemed to be the gas and oil lines leading to the engine that were in need of immediate repair.

Two Sundays back, I embarked on what I though would be another long walk. I had just returned from a birthday dinner celebration of "Doc" John Warman's birthday. Without having gone even a full block, I found myself encountering some frightening shortness of breath. I suspected the culprit was indigestion. So, I turned back to the residence and sat back for a while. In no time, I felt fine but very tired by the experience. A couple of Rolaids and I was feeling fine.

On Monday morning I drove to the barbershop. I had to park about three blocks from the shop. While walking there, I had a similar incident with my breathing although it was not as intense. After the haircut I walked to the car, and pointed it to New Mexico Avenue where my doctor has an office. I could not afford to play with these two signs of some trouble. As soon as the doctor returned to the offices, I was his first customer. Dr. Umhau checked me out and decided it would be best for me to have an immediate consult with a cardiologist. Dr. Nancy Davenport, noted cardiologist in DC, is also a tenant in the same building. Within ten minutes of arrival, I was looking at pictures of my heart (eckocardiagram) and then in another ten minutes looking at the ekg report sheets that were being pumped from the printer. Five minutes later: "There is something there that is not right. We need stress test. I will set that up for Thursday.

Thursday, and the mystery begins to unfold. Nearing mid-day, I appear in "light clothing" at Dr Davenport's office. Within three minutes I was submitting to another ekg. That completed, Dr. Davenport tell me that another aid will be arriving to hook me up to the eckocardiagram machinery. Once hooked and looking at the heart, I was directed to get on board the treadmill.

In just about a minute's time, Dr D. moved me back to the eckocardiagram table. As she and he aid looked at the pictures of my pumping heart, she said, to her assistant "Do you see what I see?"

Well, she directed my to what was the beginning of something I would never have suspected.

You will have to wait for the next installment. perhaps later this afternoon.

Fr Milt