A Summer Cold

     Sorry about missing a post yesterday ... but as the title says, a summer cold has set in and I spent a great deal of time sleeping.

     Before I crashed yesterday, I officiated at the funeral service for a gentleman the same age that I am.  His name was Don Bonazzo.  He was a real estate agent and from what I gathered a friendly and gentle guy.  I told his sister, Ann, and those gathered that what he did so well in life - finding a house for those seeking a home - is what we are about in the Church.  We have the greatest "real estate agent" there ever was.  He provides a mansion for us in which each of us has a place.  In fact, the gospel I used was John 14:1-6 where we are assured by Christ that there are many dwelling places in his Father's house, and that he was going to prepare a place for us.  He shows us the "listing" through the wisdom and guidance of the Church, he assures us that the price is right (in fact, it has already been paid in the fullest way possible), and that when the time is right, he will show us the way, take us home, welcome us into his glory.  If we want a glimpse of that eternal home, then we must follow Christ, for he is "the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."

     Please say a prayer for Don Bonazzo, for his peaceful rest in the mansion prepared for him by the Father.

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     Today's Gospel (Mt 6:7-15) gives us the prayer that Jesus taught his friends.  Often a teacher or rabbi would share a prayer with his followers that would distinguish them as belonging to his group.  When asked for a prayer, Jesus taught

'Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.'