FR. RICK'S DOMAIN at St. Joseph's Church, 242 Wall Street, Kingston, NY 12401 US - Feedback
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Subj: Re: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER Date: 6/18/2003 9:01:44 PM Eastern Standard Time From: dlangerfeld@HarrisburgBaptist.org I really hate to have to tell you this, but this story is untrue. Regrettably, I even used it for a devotional at church before I discovered the truth. You can read the real story at: www.snopes.com/glurge/stanford.htm David Langerfeld Harrisburg Baptist Church 4675 Cliff Gookin Blvd tupelo, MS 38801
Subj: RE: DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER Date: 6/18/2003 9:50:04 AM Eastern Standard Time From: kadam@hot.rr.com Claim: Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford decided to found their own university after being rebuffed in an attempt to donate a building to Harvard. Status: False. Origins: Another "Chicken Soup"-like tale warning us against the folly of judging people solely by appearances hit the Internet in mid-1998: The President of Harvard made a mistake by prejudging people and it cost him dearly. A lady in a faded gingham dress and her husband, dressed in a homespun threadbare suit, stepped off the train in Boston, and walked timidly without an appointment into the president's outer office. The secretary could tell in a moment that such backwoods, country hicks had no business at Harvard and probably didn't even deserve to be in Cambridge. She frowned. "We want to see the president," the man said softly. "He'll be busy all day," the secretary snapped. "We'll wait," the lady replied. For hours, the secretary ignored them, hoping that the couple would finally become discouraged and go away. They didn't. And the secretary grew frustrated and finally decided to disturb the president, even though it was a chore she always regretted to do. "Maybe if they just see you for a few minutes, they'll leave," she told him. And he signed in exasperation and nodded. Someone of his importance obviously didn't have the time to spend with them, but he detested gingham dresses and homespun suits cluttering up his outer office. The president, stern-faced with dignity, strutted toward the couple. The lady told him, "We had a son that attended Harvard for one year. He loved Harvard. He was happy here. But about a year ago, he was accidentally killed. And my husband and I would like to erect a memorial to him, somewhere on campus." The president wasn't touched; he was shocked. "Madam," he said gruffly, "We can't put up a statue for every person who attended Harvard and died. If we did, this place would look like a cemetery." "Oh, no," the lady explained quickly, "We don't want to erect a statue. We thought we would like to give a building to Harvard." The president rolled his eyes. He glanced at the gingham dress and homespun suit, then exclaimed, "A building! Do you have any earthly idea how much a building costs? We have over seven and a half million dollars in the physical plant at Harvard." For a moment the lady was silent. The president was pleased. He could get rid of them now. And the lady turned to her husband and said quietly, "Is that all it costs to start a University? Why don't we just start our own?" Her husband nodded. The president's face wilted in confusion and bewilderment. And Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stanford walked away, traveling to Palo Alto, California, where they established the University that bears their name, a memorial to a son that Harvard no longer cared about. As usual, the framework of the tale bears some general resemblance to the truth, but details have been altered that turn it into something quite different than the real story: Leland Stanford was a wealthy Sacramento merchant, a railroad magnate who built the Central Pacific Railroad (and drove the gold spike at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869), and California's eighth governor (1862-63). He was hardly the type of person to dress in a "homespun threadbare suit," walk "timidly" into someone's office (especially without an appointment), or sit cooling his heels "for hours" until someone deigned to see him. The Stanfords' only son died of typhoid fever at age 15, in Florence, Italy. That would have made him a bit young to have attended Harvard, and his death would hardly be described as "accidental." The closest this story comes to reality is in its acknowledgement that the Stanfords did visit Harvard (among other schools) to gather ideas for creating an educational institution of their own (not to discuss endowing Harvard with some type of facility -- the Stanfords had already decided that whatever facility they built would be their own, located in northern California). As Stanford's web site describes the incident: The Stanfords returned to America in May and, before proceeding to Palo Alto, visited Cornell, Yale, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They talked with President Eliot of Harvard about three ideas: a university at Palo Alto, a large institution in San Francisco combining a lecture hall and a museum, and a technical school. They asked him which of these seemed most desirable and President Eliot answered, a university. Mrs. Stanford then asked him how much the endowment should be, in addition to land and buildings, and he replied, not less than $5 million. A silence followed and Mrs. Stanford looked grave. Finally, Mr. Stanford said with a smile, "Well, Jane, we could manage that, couldn't we?" and Mrs. Stanford nodded her assent. The Stanfords did found their university (modelled after Cornell and located on the grounds of their horse-trotting farm) in memory of their son (hence the school's official name of "Leland Stanford Junior University"), but not because they were rudely rebuffed by Harvard's president -- because it was what they had intended all along. A 2001 version of this e-mail falsely attributes the piece to Malcolm Forbes, the founder and publisher of Forbes (a highly respected business magazine). The "rudely-spurned university endowment" theme of the Stanford story has played out at least once in real life. In July 1998, William Lindsay of Las Vegas contacted an unnamed Scottish institution of higher learning by telephone, saying he was minded to give some money to a university in Scotland. Taking him for a crank, he was rudely dismissed by the person he spoke to. His next call to Glasgow University met with a warmer reception, and in March 2000 that school received a check for £1.2 million, enough to endow a professorship in Lindsay's name.
Re: Christmas Carol Thank you very much for this informative material. I only came to know the true meaning of the song from you. Merry Christmas and a prayerful new year. Your avid reader. Lita
Re: Too Stressed to enjoy I was disappointed in today's thought from Dr. Jeff Lee. In my opinion, Dr. Lee's conclusion is not at all supported by his premise. He's mixing a couple valid things, then reaching for his point, but misses his mark completely. Christmas is about GIVING. Our heavenly Father gave what was most precious to Him on Christmas Day. It was a huge sacrifice, both for Father and Son. To suggest that disappointing his mother for Christmas so terribly in order to "do nothing" is somehow laudable is beyond my understanding. And then to conclude that this very selfish and unloving act is somehow analogous to Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus makes no sense and certainly is not the message of the Gospels. Sacrificing for our families and all of God's children is the very heart and essence of Christmas! --Susan
Hi Father Rick First of all, I would like to thank you for this wonderful service you have provided. It is very convenient to read the daily gospel readings on line & I love the little prayers that you add for each day. I have E-mailed this site to my spiritual director, Fr. Peter, at St. Veronica's in Howell, NJ & he enjoys it as well. May God continue to bless you & all those that you touch in such a unique way. (My sister, Margaret Brandon knew you from her parish in NY & was the one who informed me of this.) I received a copy of Daily Homily for Friday Dec. 5th. When I just tried to open it, I received a message that said it was not currently available.? If I receive them ahead of time, I usually wait until the right day to open them. Will that still be an option? Thank you again. I will keep you in my prayers. In Sincere Faith, Dorothy
Re: Christmas Love Praise God!!!! This is my first Christmas that I will enjoy to the fullest, being a child of the KING. My heart is so full of joy and thanksgiving, it is beyond any description that my mind can comprehend. God's greatest gift, "JESUS CHRIST" keeps giving to us always and FOREVER. Peace and Love in "JESUS" name
Re: The Gift of Self Dear Father Rick: How true. How often do we get so engrossed in all the holiday gift giving of store bought presents and we ignore completely hand made gifts made with love. The gift of oneself is one gift that we take for granted. Somehow we seem to think that it is enough or that we are not worth it. How sad indeed. Christmas always gives me a mix emotion. This year went so fast and we had such an emotional and busy year that I hardly have time to ponder on the great things that happened to us. Thanks for all the messages, I have actually experience some relief and thanksgiving for the trials that came. I have decided that I need to put more time to talk and surrender to God, not through lip service but through deeds. Have a Blessed Christmas. Menchie
Personal Reflection: The sun has set. With this setting sun, we will laid to rest our sorrels. Tomorrow we will all have a chance to see the sun rise again. When we wake up, the sun will shine. This will bring joy and life to our hearts. We will have the opportunity to have a fresh start with our day, and our lives. We will be able to build new bridges, and repair the one that were fractured. This is what a sun rise is all about, especially for those who prefer to sleep through it. Keep smiling, Your Friend
Personal Reflection: PURITY OF HEART From the beginning, Mary, who was conceived without original sin, had Jesus inside of her. Throughout her life, Mary's purity of heart and desire for God's Will attracted God to her in such an immense way that Jesus began to physically grow inside of her womb. But she had to say YES! We too are called to live the purity that Mary lived, to desire God's Will in our lives each day. And, God wants to draw himself close to each of us so that Jesus can begin to grow inside of each of us, too. We only need to say YES! to God, and Jesus will be born from the womb of our souls. Jim Barden
Re: Learning to believe What great timing! Take Care and God Bless Nicole Children are words of God. And God says nothing but infinitely beautiful things! Mother to : DJ (7), Coley (7), Jacob (5) and Isaac ( 4 months)
Re: Christmas and the Holiday Season Fr. Rick, Thank you for a wonderful year of beautiful Reflections. Your Mom, Sister ann family are in our prayers. Life was both bitter and sweet for us this year as my Mom passed away on Nov. 14th. She was 101 years young and was blessed with a bright mind until the end. She also enjoyed many of your Reflections and passed them around to other friends because I could print them up in large print. She will be missed greatly, but now she is with her ten brothers and sisters, parents, husband, and God. What better place could she be in! Remember "The Youth", by Samuel Ullman, you sent out in July; this was a good description of how my Mom lived her life. Always a young attitude. It went like this: "Youth is not a time of life, it is a state of mind. It is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees, it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions, it is the freshness of the deep springs of life." Wishing you all the blessings of the season! Most sincerely, Sharee and Ron Stanton
Re: This Christmas Is Different Dear Father Rick ~ This was an especially nice one, thank you ! This time of year is going to be so hard for so many for one reason or another, and different for most. Our church has just finished a holiday project that involved sending items to families in Kentucky, the very poorest people in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. We even got the smallest of children involved in one way or another in this project, trying to show them that, even as small as they are, everyone has something to give. I don't know why it's so hard for our world to take the time to care and to share and to love ~ God only knows the difference that would make. If we start small, like with the Sunday School children here, and continue to reach out then more people will be able to share in God's love. We are keeping you and your mom in our Christmas prayers. Have a blessed holiday, Father Rick ! Merry Christmas ! Ree, from Upstate New York
Re: Understanding Your Personality In Marriage DEAR FR. RICK THANK YOU FOR SHARING THE "UNDERSTANDING YOUR PERSONALITY IN MARRIAGE". WE HAVE SHARED THIS MEMO AND AGREE. YES, WE WILL PRAY THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL RETREAT AND ALSO PRAY FOR YOUR MOM WHO IS ON LIFE SUPPORT. WE ARE SORRY TO HEAR THIS, BUT WILL PRAY THAT SHE GETS BETTER SOON. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR WONDERFUL MEMOS EVERYDAY. I LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING THEM. GOD BLESS YOU BOTH.
CHUCK AND JOAN Dear Fr. Rick, Greeting of PEACE! Fr. Rick, thank you very much for the "Food for Thought" you're sending to me everyday. As I've told you before, I encourage some of my friends to subscribe it also to you and as I knew, some of them are receiving it direct from you. The reason why, I would like to un-subscribe is because this coming December 03, 2001, I will go for vacation(GOD's will) to our BELOVED country, the PHILIPPINES. More or less I will stay on my wife's hometown - Mulanay, Quezon Province for 75 days. You know every time I'm going for vacation, I always choose first week of December prior to Feast of Immaculate Conception. Yes, Feast of Immaculate Conception is very special to me. Through MARY - the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION she called me to be a Legionary and at the same time to be an "Eucharistic Minister". It is my GREAT PLEASURE to serve our GOD through MARY to save souls, for Mary, with Mary, in Mary and through Mary. By the way, at present the one who will replace me for the mean time here in the office, a non-Christian is already here in our office,that is also another reason why I would like to un-sbscribe. Again, Many thanks indeed. GOD Bless you and advance "MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY". With my best regards,
wilson (po lamang) Re: Depend On Miracles Dear Father, Thank you for the great reflections that you keep sending us. They are a constant reminders when we go astray and an inspiration when things get gloomy. We missed the "Musing in Mid-life" though. Is that possible to send it through? That will indeed be a timely reflection for both Dexter and I. Keep up the good work of inspiring people globally through the wonders of this 15-inch monitor. May you be showered with more blessings and touch more people's lives spiritually. Sincerely gid, Dexter & Nuyen from Australia
Re: Thanksgiving Message Thank you for the beautiful Thanksgiving prayer, so many times we do need to be reminded when the world gets to be 'too much'. Our family lost a friend the beginning of this week and we are finding the comfort, or 'thanks', in having the opportunity to be with family and friends throughout the holiday to pull together......quite a gift ~ one that we might miss if we had our eyes closed. Every day is a day to give thanks, we just have to keep looking for those little things ! Happy Thanksgiving, Father Rick, and thank you for all of the kind words that you share with us. Ree, from Upstate NY
Father Rick: I received a copy of one of the messages you post from a friend in Mass and it was great. When I subscribed I realized that you are in Kingston. I live in Poughkeepsie and frequently go up to Kingston for adoration. Would love to have a cup of coffee some day. ________________ Thanks for your prompt reply. I lnow where you are at now. I was there last year for Ivan;s visit. Wonderful. What a samll world this is and how wonderful to find a real commitment to prayer in our area! By th eway, the initial reflection I liked so much was on the need for purification and God purifying us until He sees His own image in us. I myself went though much pain at seeing my daughter suffer but we now realize the fruits of that suffering were deeper intimacy with God. Pray for María, th edaughter I am talking about. She was only 12 when all the surgeries started, and what was supposed to take 4-5 months took over three years. María is now getting ready for college, wants to be a doctor and she is a good kid. Please pray that we correct decision is made about college, a place where she will learn to be a good doctor but also a good disciple of Christ Jesus. Well, hope to talk to you sometime. Peace of Christ, Jesús R.
Re: Cutting Some Slack Dear Fr. Rick, A Blessed morning! This is the 2nd day taht I got this Food for Thought from you, Thank so much, it always make my day blessed when I open my e-mail every morning. But as I told you before I do not have access to website or network only thru e-mail. Anyway... is it possible that I can also receive some Prayers from you. Thanks. Shirley
Re: Millenium Homily Dear Fr. Rick, Re: Feedback - Millenium Homily Collection. Is Darlene referring to the Sept. 11th event? God did not made it happen, it was the devil who did it, ..."One year from now, God will do such and such"..... God has given man free will to choose between good and evil, and these men chose evil.... Nina from California
Re: Millenium Homily Hi; I was browsing your site and randomly clicked on a date Sept. 10, 2000 and started reading the script. The first sentence surprised me and caused me to wonder. What a coincidence???? that Fr. Tom Bush wrote those words one year before such a dramatic event happened. I'm still reflecting on the meaning of this finding and of the current state of the world today. Peace and blessings. Darlene
Re: Watch Your Words Thank you, it is so true, and a wonderful message. Loretta
Re: Ethan At The Underground YKC! Hi Magie! This is a great definition of 'freedom'!!! I had a good time last night. I was telling Michelle about Kids Net and she is interested in getting it going at her parish. She is going to try to make our Oct. 25 meeting! Wouldn't that be exciting! Glenn
Re: Man And Wife Pals GOOD MORNING FATHER, ON THIS FINE BLESS DAY I REACH MY HAND AND HEART OUT TO YOU FOR ADVICE, MY MARRIAGE IS NOT THE HAPPY LATELY FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS I HAVE BEEN ASKING MY HUSBAND FOR US TO BUY A HOME, EACH TIME I WAS TURN DOWN WITH A POOR EXCUSE, IN OUR HOME I HANDLE ALL CASH FLOW SO I NOW WE CAN AFFORD TO. LATELY WE ARE NOT EVEN TALKING AND I AM AFRAID I AM LOOSING MY HUSBAND LOVE, MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY TOLD ME TO GO AHEAD AND PURCHASE THE HOME I WANT AND HE WILL FOLLOW AS SOON AS I MOVE IN, BUT FATHER I WANT THIS IMPORTANT DECISION TO BE A JOINT ONE. I AM NOT HAPPY SHOULD I GIVE UP MY DREAM TO SAVE MY MARRIAGE..WE HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 25 YEARS AND I DONT WANT TO LOOSE MY HUSBAND OVER A HOME.. HELP ME... Phillis
Re: Undercover Thank you This is very beautiful Can you send me Stephen's email so I can send him something else as a thank you? God bless Patricia
Re: Undercover >......(song) When will the world, see that it needs Jesus...... When???-they preach agianst"religion"-but never mention the words of our redeemer.They sing at him-some to him-when wil they sing with HIM?.....they are playing war games of thier own making, fighting battles agianst imagined foes, while the real infiltrator slips in- right beide them, under thier noses, and steals,and destroys......so, tell me..Why?, and When? Lilflower
Re: SHMILY Father, this is really abeautiful and touching story. It is such a rarily in this world nowadays where we live in a hurry-hurry ding ding world and no time to tell each other how we love them. thanks for sharing Love, Menchie
Re: Beyond Forgetting What a grippping sad and common story of the last generations. It hits so close- our children's curse......and their chilren.........Kathryn
Re: Friends This one I love--especially because it always comes as a surpise--It has shown up here from at least 4 souces--I love it each time... Bravo!.....Kathryn
So true. So needed. My brother had a serious cancer and was not supposed to live-but he did for another ten years. Worse than the pain of the illness and treatments-- people began to avoid him. They probably did not know how to talk to him? In any case, there was fear of touching him.....Such a difficult time for him. May we learn how to comfort the afflicted.............God bless. Kathryn
Re: Prayer For Hope Still--Lord, Lord,........Gimme-Gimme. Re: Five Great Lessons WHERE is " " forgive me, Father, for I have killed my children, killed the elderly, scandalized the young and not so young with immorality, approved same sex marriages, supported pornography, removed God and ethical morality from our public schools, imposed a NewAge' religion and poitically correct based subjects upon public school curriculum, and an endless list of evil passing as 'good'. In the bible it says -There'll come a time when they will call black- white. Evil- good...... How familiar that sounds in our times.........May God grant our blind America a change of heart. Pray for the end of Abortion. An end to the Culture of Death.. Too much blood covers our nation and world. May God help us to hear, see and understand that we are not sinless but guilty of crimes against nature. Kathryn
Re: Be As Little Children A big thank you for these heart warming stories....they really are a fine addition to you "Reflections" God bless you in your ministry. Kathryn
RE: My Children's Eyes Two Towers are gone, but the Crucifix and Flag remain. -Loretta
RE: My Children's Eyes Father Rick I am disappointed in you with this latest reflection...what we owe our children is a world in which people have a decent standard of living so they don't fall prey to desparate acts and unscrupulous and misguided individuals or groups. We owe them a world in which violence gives way to understanding, hatred is overcome by forgiveness, and we practice our Christian values, treating every person as our brother or sister, as they are in God's eyes. We seem to forget that God loves every one of us equally, no matter the color of our skin or which church or mosque or temple we go to. Afghanis already so starving they are eating grass....what do we want?? AFGHANS FACE HUMANITARIAN DISASTER Millions of Afghans face a devastating humanitarian crisis whether they stay put or flee possible U.S. reprisals for last week's attacks in the United States, the U.N. and other relief agencies said Wednesday. As thousands of Afghans fled cities, fearing U.S. strikes, the United Nations drew up urgent plans to feed and shelter the latest flood of the tired and the hungry. With bitter winter weather on the way, many in the war-ravaged and drought-stricken land are already forced to eat grass and animal fodder, aid workers in Islamabad said. Source: Reuters http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2001/09/09202001/reu_45026.asp Father Rick, I am an American and my ancestor signed the Constitution. I love my country, but I am not proud when it see it planning to react with force against the Afghani people, who have absolutely nothing to do with this tragedy. They have been suffering horribly for decades, with no help from us, while we have been safe and warm in our beds. Our own CIA trained some of the men involved, and we put the Taliban into power ourselves. The CIA was happy to use Saddam Hussein as a murderer when we helped overthrow a populist government in Iraq led by Kassem in 1968.. We might remember, the one who lives by the sword shall perish by the sword. Michael Moore has just written: Bush keeps calling what we are in ?a war.? Has anyone told him that the more he keeps using this word, the more HE puts US in jeopardy? A ?war? implies that two sides are participating in an action to kill as many of the other side as possible. Bush and the pundits use the word like it?s a one-sided deal, like we?re going to be the only ones doing the bombing. War means we bomb them, then they bomb us. That?s what war is. We strafe Afghanistan, then the terrorists drop a canister of chemical weapons in the New York subway. ?War? is not going to get the justice we demand or make us more safe. You know it and I know it. There is a different way to go, and ...put...in a nutshell, it goes like this: One billion people on this planet have no clean drinking water. Two billion have no electricity. Three billion have never made a phone call from their home. We have the money and the people-power to alter ALL of this. We also have the moral imperative to stop supporting repressive regimes and corporations who exploit these people. When we decide to help improve these billions of people?s lives, we will pull the rug out from under the terrorists who need those they send to their deaths to be poor and exploited and angry at us. The multi-millionaire bin Laden isn?t going to give up HIS life! When all the people in the Middle East have food on the table, a decent home, a good job, and democratic control over their own lives, who among them is going to be convinced to sacrifice his life by crashing himself into a tall office building? In short, Fr Rick, why are we Americans so complacent and self righteous when the vast majority of us live in comparative luxury and neglect our Christian duty to work in peace towards a just world? If there is hatred, let us work together to identify the source, resolve and heal it, and to learn to live together in peace. This is our Lord's good news, this is why He opened his arms on the cross, to show us to love even when we are treated cruelly. As cruelly as He was treated, He loved until the end, proving that the triumph of love over hatred is possible. I am ashamed of my country, and ashamed of people who call themselves Christians, when I hear talk of retaliation. It is like a lynch mob, reacting emotionally with no proof, no legal process, no justice. Our Lord must be greatly pained when He sees that after 2,000 years, in the new millineum, we still act with Old Testament "An eye for an eye" feelings. Why did He suffer and give His life to make a new covenant if we have learned so little? Ghandi said, An eye for an eye will make the world blind. Your sister in Christ Patricia
RE: My Children's Eyes Thank you for this poem sent by 'Captivemom". Had I the talent, I would perhaps, put my thoughts/comments in poetry, also. J.M.J. Comment #1. Yesterday my cousin ( we're both mid-70's) were commenting on the fact that we were both raised by our parents in a very protected 'caccoon'. Life is happy and lovely IF you but live the Laws of your God and parents. We were taught nothing of Christ's Cross- other than if you have pain 'offer it up'. It is only in these later years that we 'hear' Paul's admonition on loving Jesus and His Cross. Our parents should have been taught The Cross and HOW to live it from childhood.. #2. regarding this poem's content. Her points are well made as far as they go. Perhaps, the author-mother could have focused her answer as to WHY? from God's perspective. Missing, also from the many ministers and priests speaking on the need for God's help and Mercy now seems almost a total absence of the Cause of God's ALLOWING this to happen. All God related efforts are focused on ' Lord, Lord.......". We must remember His reply to that. One priest- spoke over an hour and fifteen minutes on this subject last Sunday in Hillsdale, Washington. We should be filled with Praise and Gratitude to our God for only PARTIALLY withdrawing His hand of protection from America. He did not allow the worst, by far! America and the World is covered in the blood of our progeny-never born. America beginning (?) in 1968 began the mocking of God in our schools, lives, courts. We chose to be 'free' of Him and 'go our own way'- Free At Last.....blindly pursuing personal and economic 'betterment'. Our bishops bear a grave responsibility in their weak ineffectual -not even half-hearted denunciation of this murder of our own during the last century. Even Pope Paul VI must bear his responsibility ( a BIG one) in that his condemnation of contraception was not immediate and sharp/total. Humane Vitae was not as strongly worded as it could and should have been. The church authorities were 'the weak leading the blind" (Thank God for our newer appointments by Pope John Paul II, Mother Angelica and Mother Theresa AND Dr. James Dobson- who was earliest and strongest against abortion.) Yes, America is guilty of the rejection of God and our very own children. WE brought this catastrophe upon our own selves. The European communities are not replacing themselves- are being replaced quietly and inexorably by Moslems- NATURE WILL NOT ALLOW A VACUUM.. By our own selfish choice, the sons of Isaac ( gentiles are such-) are selling their birthright to the sons of Ishmael for a 'mess of pottage'. Our creator God NOW still holds His Hand out with HOPE. He has allowed the result of our own SIN to boomerang upon us--yet, Not the Worst. God Himself has mitigated the far worse destruction our enemy had planned for us- and the miraculous saving of thousands upon thousands of lives--those that 'just happened' not to enter that bombed area that morning of September 11, 2001. WHY? . With God there is no 'coincidence.! America has washed her continent in the blood of her children -blindly and willingly confronting our God. Will America read and heed the Signs of our Times? Will America 'Turn to her God in repentance and obedience? With this, our truly Christian President Bush and an experienced Christian cabinet (gift of God--Praise You Lord) and this severe warning ( resulting from our actions--allowed not a punishment by God--It's as a law in Physics--You drop a ball--God's Law governs the fall of that ball.not a direct intervention by God.), God has given America (and therefore the World, which will be affected by our actions) a HOPE-, yet, another chance to Turn to Him and say "Yes, Lord, I am guilty. I have sinned against nature and You. I regret...I will change....I will learn of You and Love You ...and Serve YOU.." " The god-ME cries to You for FORGIVENESS......... Yesterday, a daughter from Central New Jersey called us and left a long message on the recorder. She recounted many, many 'miracles-unexplained reasons that people were not in the buildings.) that she knew of. Gail was FULL OF THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE for God. He had saved so many of his people. WHY? Remember that Juliani and those who know- felt that 50,00 people would be dead. That does not include the horror of devastation if all the planes that were planned had been successfuL. WHY? Nor the fact that NO CHEMICAL OR BIOLOGICAL AGENTS were in those planes.WHY? Nor the blessing that at the Pentagon, that plane hit the most recently reworked area and did not break past the first ring! And the pilot obviously did not hit as he had planned..WHY? GOD DID, IN FACT, COVER OUR GUILTY NATION WITH THE SHIELD OF HIS FATHERHOOD'S LOVE. WE ARE A NATION BUILT AND NOURISHED BY GOD, HIMSELF.- somewhat like His Children of Israel, in that He gave us Life liberty and Happiness-if we follow His rules. This message and prayer of appreciation and acknowledgement, I do not hear in America. There was one priest in Hillsdale, Washington who remembered and shared God's view with his parishioners last Sunday for an hour and fifteen minutes. (St. John's Church) At the National Prayer Service in Washington last Sunday- our new NJ Cardinal gave not a word- just read the Beatitudes. Of that service, Billy Graham came closest to the point. I ramble on..filled with a terrible HOPE that America's many good people will outweigh the public media's agenda, angry war mongers, economically focused on #$$$$$ that war sill bring, and Satan himself foisting his hatred and bloodshed upon " America- the Land of the Free...Under God...." Let us PRAY, FAST, DO PENANCE, CONVERT, PRAY....PRAY......PRAY. Oh, Yes, my son recommends a solution to our delemna of what to do to irradicate these terrorist. LOVE IN ACTION. A Marshal Plan style rebuilding the infrastructure and people of Afghanistan. Love is stronger than hatred. The power base of these radical killers (against even their own religion) is Hatred. Lovingly recreating an Afghanistan with the money allotted for was and the hated CARA (45 billions) is a 'win -win' solution. May God have Mercy and His forgiveness for our sinful people. GOD BLESS AMERICA. LAND THAT I LOVE. STAND BESIDE HER. AND GUIDE HER.. THROUGH THE NIGHT WITH YOUR LIGHT FROM ABOVE ... Ramblings by Kathryn A. Coos Bay, Oregon
Re: A View From Afghanistan Hello Father Rick :-) I received this same writing from a friend of mine. This is how I responded to her. I think the writer is not current nor is he helpful. I think he speaks as if our government doesn't know this already. Here is my thinking on this... "War is tough. Our soldiers are good people. There will be collaterial damage. Our gov't know this. Pakistan is giving in. Bin Laden plan is going to fail. We must pray for our enemies as well. We must do what has to be done. I am sure we have the right leaders in, George Bush and Collin Powell are decent men and we will only do what has to be done. We are not going to kill on purpose the poor people. Bin Laden may set them up but we cannot help that. Bin Laden is at war and we have to go after him or you will see St Patrick Catherdral go down next during a Sunday Mass or you will see hospitals fall as well. The writer offers no solutions, but American children may be next. What should we do? Pray that our soldiers and government will do the right thing." Thank you Father, Gary
Father, That piece from the Afghan-American has just appeared on LifeSite Canada. That is an excellent pro-life site, covering the US as well as Canada. It is at www.lifesite.net. Tom Fitzgerald
Re: A View From Afghanistan Yes. Thank you. We were several hours on the road, yesterday. We were listening to KGO in the evening and many Moslems called in stating their situation of innocence. There will be a 5 hour education attempt to familiarize listeners with true facts about the Moslems. No date has been set as suitable speakers need to be obtained. Regrettably, our knowledge of these people is less than minimal. Yesterday's ' Reflection' by the woman from Afghanistan was well done and rings of truth. The rapid growth of mosques across the world has been a frightening thing to me. That, combined with the dreadful situation in Africa and other countries, seemed to me to be a fearsome 'Moslem' threat to Christianity and America. Come this senseless hateful "Attack on America" and true facts regarding the innocent Moslem peoples are pouring forth from emails, talk shows and some of the national media. We must focus on moderation and not fall victim to the element of angry, mindless and hateful retaliation that will destroy America and the world. We MUST complain to the national media that their coverage is slanted towards quick retaliation.(War is SO newsworthy.) The media, as has been their style for years, is 'milking' any and every situation for an emotional response and headlines... Media interviews seem to cut off any truly intelligent, seemingly informed and qualified responsible, moderate person trying to give a full response. This note was to be just a thank you. God bless you and your choices for 'Reflections'. Kathryn Anthony Coos Bay, Oregon
RE: When Our Towers Came Crashing Down Dear Fr. Rick, We sat for hours in terror because our son Charlie was working at the 2 World Trade Center when it was hit. We heard from him when the first building was hit and then we didn't hear from him when his bulding was hit. It was the most horryfying moment for me and his wife Pinky and the rest of my family. Thank God he was able to get out before the bulding collapse. This is indeed a tragedy so horrendous in proportion that we will never forget this day. Menchie
Re: It's Got To Begin At Home Thanks so much for the Food for Thought. It lightens my day and gives me strenght & comfort. God Bless, Carmen Camarata
Re: Friends Thanks for sharing with me! I feel the same about you. Your friendship and "You" mean more than you know. Fredda
Re: Friends Dear Father Rick, Thanks for being an on-line friend. More power to you and may God bless you and your family, especially your mom that is sick. Hope she feels better and recover fully from her illness. Danny
RE: Friends I am sending this back to you because I consider you a friend....a friend who cares enough about all of us "out here" to share all these beautiful, and helpful, readings with us. God Bless You and may He keep you well so you can Gerry S.
RE: Talk A Walk ARound Yourself THIS WAS ONE OF THE VERY BEST.......I SENT IT TO A RELATIVE WHO IS ALWAYS HURTING SOMEONE WITH HER FORKED TONGUE.....I HOPE AND PRAY THAT SHE IS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND ITS MEANING. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME......AS I AM HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME WITH SOME OF THE THINGS SHE SAID TO ME.....GOD BLESS pk Bilpak
RE: Praising The Good DEAR FR. RICK YOU ARE SO RIGHT. THE LIST THING IS A TERRIBLE WAY TO START A MARRIAGE. YOU HAVE TO LIVE EACH DAY WITH THE LOVE THAT YOU BOTH SHARE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT THE LITTLE ANNOYING THINGS THAT EACH OF US DO. WE HAVE FOUND THAT THIS WORKS IN OUR MARRIAGE. THANK YOU, CHUCK AND JOAN
RE: The Letter In The Night Father Rick, Thanks for the wonderful story. The letter in the night is really woke me up too, I will try to do the same. May God will lead me to doing that. Have a blessed day! In Christ, Julia
RE: The Letter In The Night Good morning Father Rick, Just wanted to say that this is one powerful thought for the day or for life. Thank you for sending these. Also want you to know that I am keeping your Mom in my prayers. In Jesus and Mary... Edie B
Thanksfor the message you have shared. - Gerald M. Thanks for a wonderful reflection. God bless!!! - Anthony G. Thanks a lot. I've already enjoyed quit a few FFTs forwarded from my friend. - Kate Y. Yes, I enjoy them very much! What I do is forward also these wonderful FFT to my friends and colleagues. Thank you very much and God bless. - Ken I.
Fr. Rick, I couldn't imagine you would be able to e-mail me back that fast! Thank you very much for including me to your long lists. I really need it. And may I ask, where are you right now? I also wish that God may continue to bless you and shower you with graces. For you continue spreading HIS words.I hope I can get in touch with you anytime through the internet. You know what? I am not really a religous or faithful kind of a person. And I worry so much coz I just pray when I think I need to or just feel like praying. I really have to work on my faith. Anyway good day! Jinger A.
Hi Fr.Rick, Thank you very much for the response I was expecting one from you. I have been touched by all the reflections that you sent to me. I even printed and saved all the reflections. I found comfort reading all those stories. I learned that everything we asked from God will not be answered unless we believe that he exist. I came from a broken family and to grow up with all the hurt and hatred in my heart makes me fall everytime I want to stand up. With all the hurtful words I hear from the people whom I thought will understand my situation and my feelings I thought of ending my life. But before I did that I prayed and asked God why is my life like this and then he touched and I cried for not the good things that I received inspite of the trials I've been through. I know because of my experience, I may have hurt other people, it affects my working attitude and my family. But because of God's promise I'm still alive right now. I found friends who really understand me specially my weaknesses. My brothers became successful in their lives too and I'm very thankful that God had been there for me and my family until now. I never shared this feeling of mine to anyone because I thought they might not understand me but I know they will. I'm still trying to cope up with some heartaches that I've experienced. I hope you could give me advises on how to deal with problems that sometimes I thought I couldn't do anything. I'm 23 years old now supposed to be enjoying having fun with friends but I don't have that because I grew up in a fearful way. Please give me advises Fr. Rick. Till then, hoping for your reply. Mary J.
Dear Father, I want to thank you for the beautiful and touching Reflections you send us. They definitely do keep us going... Sometimes we are too busy to do some reflections. All I do is just open your e-mails to us and they are so spiritually enriching. Please do keep on sending them. God bless you and your family. Loveguid, Oyen Villanueva-Caballero
Dear Fr. Rick: I really appreciate the reflections that you are sending me. Thank you so much. It is of great help in my studies. Wish you good health and prosperity as you journey in your ministry. God bless you always. In Christ, Spiro M.
May God bless you Fr. Rick! You no doubt do a very good job with composing and passing along these reflections to your subscribers. And although I can not say that they are always for me, sometimes they are, or are for me to pass along at some time to someone else. However, In my walk with Jesus,and God, our heavenly Father, I have found that He has never left me-but rather the pain-I and my family have had stems from others-directly-interferring in our lifes and the plans God has ordained for us. You see, it is when we as folks, decide that we know what is better for others -more than God does-it is then that we become God's adversary instead of His companion, His diciple, His child. Dealing with some people here that really think they are GODS sent to save us, they have employed people to gather info on others to be used in ministry so as to seem to be godly, when in actuallity, they have made themselves rivals with God himself.I thought they could be changed, but they remain the same.May God defend the vulnerable,and the weak,and stop the lies and the deception,and cause the hearts of those in this "ministry" to change,repent and make thier wrongs somehow, right. It has been the misfourtune of so very very many to have had to live with thier forced upon opinions as well as the misfourne of the results of thier lies,and thier defamation of other christians charicter. And a great pain of way too many that has seen a new face of satan in those who should have been reflecting God. You see Father,Satan is a liar and the father of lies. And it is when christians refuse to be honest and humble themselves that they choose to be satans children instead of Gods.In a quest for "power"- too many have gone astray and wrecked the cause of Christ. Making a delay- but never stopping the plans God has ordained for His children since the world began. Thank you so very much, for being a part of my life and for listening, praying, and sharing your thoughts and those of others with me. You will be always in my prayers i humbly request that we,my family and myself, remain in yours. Untill next time Father, I'm asking to be removed from your mailing list for now. I'm closing doors and shutting windows! Pray please....................I'll write u sometimes.....Praised Be Jesus..forever. God bless you! Cindy N.
Hi, FR, Rick, I hope this finds you well. I was browsing your archives and discovered some very beautiful reflections that somehow I did not recieve ---some are real treasures that I hope you will consider using again. Here is a cute one i hope you will enjoy. Have a blessed Day! cindy Nehls
Perfect Peace This real peace, it is a gift, to be fimly grasped! I've been extremly blessed with this gift, Its only when I fret over the EXtrmly lost souls of the people I know, that I panic. And then HE whispers so deep down in my soul, and all is well, untill the next epiosode. You see Father, I love so much, these folks, that are so confused and blind, that when I realize what they are doing, and what they have done, I wonder If our heavenly Father -how, our heavenly Father bear it-please pray for all of us in this area, Mobile, Foley, and Orange Beach. That the true peace that is here amist these storms, will lead many out of the bondage others have placed us, and themselves in. Praised be Jesus! Forever, Jesus, and Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints! Cindy
Re: Beginning A New Life Dear Fr. Ric, Just dropping a few lines to tell you how much I enjoy having and reading your thoughts for the day letters. Sometimes I can't help myself from crying because some of the stories are sometimes similar to my own. Like on your yesterday's issue, when it was mentioned that "thinking of the times when mothers and fathers are searching for their lost children". I really wept father because I had been searching for my long lost natural mother as well, and thinking maybe somewhere she might be doing the same for me. It is really sad to lose your real family. Having been deprived of knowing who your real relatives are. I really get envious sometimes with people who have brothers and sisters around, and seeing the tightness and closeness among them makes me long for my long lost kin. Sometimes I think maybe this is what God intended for me, and I have just to accept it wholeheartedly. Thank you for reading my mail and thanks again for all your reflections. Sincerely, Danny
Re: Beginning A New Life Dear Rick: This reflection could have not been any more timely for me. I just returned home from taking my son to school early today. I found myself feeling especially saddened due to my personal situation and the condition of being isolated from my family members. I too, was scarred deeply at an early age by a sibling. Fortunately, my relationship with my parents was pure and sure. I perceived them even today as my two best friends. I thank God for the love we shared without condition. I can still feel their arms of support around me even though they are both now deceased! The pain of rejection that I had been reflecting on emanated from words spoken and actions taken by my siblings, especially one. We have been alienated since I can remember. Sometimes the feeling of dislike for me by her is almost unbearable. Many things have happened over our lifetime. I just finished writing the words to a song that I wrote describing the pain of rejection. This seems to have transferred to two of my three children. I have had friends to turn on me with heartbreaking results. It is definitely unnatural. I find myself thinking surely, if I were right I'd have a sincere friend, a caring sibling, a significant other who was genuine and true. My youngest son, 15 at the time tore up a picture of me holding him as a baby. That was one of the first pictures I had of us. I was truly crushed when I noticed the shreds of it on a dresser. I keep reliving that and still have the shredded picture parts in a container. Each time I see it the pain comes back. My daughter, walked out of my life unannounced two weeks before I was to take the Bar Exam and have remained out for all purposes since. I see those actions by two of my three children as an extension of the rejection that has permeated my life. Every aspect of my being has been affected by the Pain of Rejection. Therefore, the message in today's reflection was especially meaningful to me. I like the 7 year old who relived the event over and over, must move on and out of the pain of rejection. I cherish today's message. Thanks. I will send it on. God bless you and please pray for me. Sincerely, KTTOUSANT
Re: If You Love To Argue After a great sermon on the Prodigal son this am, your daily post was more of God's word for me today. Thanks- Lynn in TX -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Re: The Healing It is the day to day involvement God has designed we apply to oneanother's lives as his children that effectively takes our focus from our individual "petty hurts" and transforms the hurt to become healed. Thank you for the story you've shared here with others,may we also share this prayer: that as Jesus has instruct- ed us, that we love oneanother as he has loved us. It is through this love, others will be drawn to lay aside the things of this life that hold them bound and 'conditioned' in their thinking. The Lord himself has said, "By this(love) all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34,35 Thank you again, may the peace and presence of our Lord bless the members of your household. Don -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Re: Obedience Inspite Of Fr. Rick, Thank you again for your great help. Tunay kang Filipino. Fr. Rudy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Re: It Happened On Christmas Eve thank you very much, father. God bless you. Lysander Hi, Fr. Rick. Just an observation after reading the subject Reflection. I agree that many times God ultimately reveals His plans for us during our human existence and we begin to understand how the things we seek are not always in our best interest. But in the case of the Holocaust, I don't think the victims of genocide understood what it was all about. Indeed, none of us can ever rationalize what spiritual good might have resulted from this horror. However, I also understand that we are trying to comprehend an infinite intelligence with finite human minds. So I think in some instances, and for whatever reason, the good that the Lord has in mind for us may never be revealed during our mortal existences. JOE I. WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY 12590 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My dear Father Rick, Peace and joy with Christ! I really appreciate the daily reflections you've started sending me, especially the one about standing by the door. I'm on a battle to continue walking in His Light. Life's trials make me tired but I still want to live in hopes that one day, I'll reach the end of the tunnel. I have my own personal homepage, which is a collection of my poems and thoughts. If you have time, please I will be very delighted and honored to see you in my guest book. Here's my URL: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/RomanceRd/gloriaestelita Please include me in your prayers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Father Rick, I am wondering if you agree with the comments of Dennis and Barbara Rainey today? I am thinking that their definition is not much more than the forgiveness and love that we are told to extend towards all our fellow men. Is there something more expected, seeing as it takes up 1/10th of the commandments? This is an area that I have a few problems with. I have two parents who are very hard to 'honor'. Yes, I can forgive them (or should I say, I should forgive them), but to place two very destructive people (one of them as close to evil as you would ever like to see) on a pedestal is very hard for me. I would very much appreciate your advice in this matter, as I am not sure what I can do and what God expects of me. God bless, Jeff H. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Father Rick, Thank you for sending me such a beautiful story. With the husbands name being John, it left me feeling so Blessed to have my John in my life. This reminded me of the little things that he always does to show me how important and Loved by him I am. Although he never promised me a bed of roses, he did promise to always love me, take care of me, and always be there to dry away my tears and after 24 years of marriage, he still does. With his love he has always helped to drive away any fears. Most of all I want to take this time to thank God for blessing my life with this wonderful husband. Thank you again---Toni -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Fr. Rick ~ Thank you for your daily sharings. They have been exceptionally good and the one for today is outstanding! God bless you and your ministry! pax ~ Sheila -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yes, Father,( If your a priest), This is a true reflection on the , what the Catholic Church, over the centuries, has found to be, what they call the "economy of salvation", Athough we know, and the Church teaches, that grace, as the word describes, is gift, and cannot be "merited" , However, the "works" that we as christians do, like repentance, and living a life faithful to God's commands and demands, still "merit" blessings from above,although, as we see in the story of Job, that too, is in the hands and will of our Heavenly Father. When I truned my life over to Christ, and subsquently reloacated to Foley Ala, the "christians" in place there decided that they were in owenership of the area. Unbenown to me, these people took illegelliberties in my home, they "bugged" it, and caused great pain and suffering to my family, and the destruction of my family life, as well as safety. Putting Satans presence in my home they precedded to destroy and steal and kill. If not for the pure grace of God, and the protection of His great and mighty holy angels, I think that we all would be demon possesed now. These people pass them selves off as being Christians, and they rob, steal, and "rape" people on a continual basis.And because they hide behind a facade of "christian Ministry" they get away with murder.This is what the church is up agianst in the mobile, and surrounding areas, and this will be, and has been, the cause of the loss of faith in practicing ones devotions publically, for many people.They are insideous, gaining entry into peoples lifes via, not only the internet, but by the eviel spirits that they allow to be attached to themselves, they employ tecnology to harrass and to sabotage peoples lifes, and hire "private investagators under false pretence to gain control in peoples lives, all the while trying to keep thier affilation with the abusers annoyomous. That is what "Christian" radio is abuot in this part of south ala, and untill our Almighty Father, and His only beggotton Son, Jesus Christ, decides to stop them, it will continue to be so. Only He can give these people the necesary grace to change, but they refuse to recieve it.I was asked by some, because I'm Catholic, "what do they have on you",( they apparently,agian unbenown to me,were trying hard to find ways to "discredit" me and my son, and have succesfully done so to many Catholics who were effective in ministry in the area,( they apparently "court" people, and then set them up, to see if they will "fall" and then hold that info over thier heads, (or what they make thier info LOOK like to suit thier purposes, so that they may use them to thier advantage). ti the point of them having to leave the area,) they, being the radio ministry, and I replied, ??what do you mean?...? these people need to be stopped.They have been destroying for far too long.To take every one of them responisable before a judge, would be impossible, for they are legion, and not worth my time. But, the God that I put my Trust in, will protect and defend His little ones, for He has spoken,"vengance IS mine,saith the Lord God Almighty" May the peace of Christ and the Joy of His presence, be always with you,... Father Rick, and remember us ( christians here) at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. No, God never plays games with us, but many who claim to preach in His name, do. And, it will take along time, or maybe, just one word, An apology, an explanation.. before I'll be able to trust any them agian. SO, pray for thier next victim,Me and my family will get over it, the next onr might not be so very blessed . God Bless you, cindy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Father, How delighted I am with your web page. Thanks so much for forwarding it to me. When I saw your page my heart and soul leapt for joy. So your a priest, huh? Well I'm a Catholic too! I attend St. Joseph's Church at Freeport Il. Not every week as I should, but almost. Depends if I can leave the house that day and drive...Sometimes I get a little goofy and I don't want to leave the house. So you see, even when I yearn for the Eucharist, I can't seem to make myself go to church, your food for thought brings me to the pew to listen to Christ's word. Thank you. My prayers are with you while you are on vacation, have a great time. Here is another poem for you. Child-cide Have you ever heard an unborn baby weep? Listen close the sound is deep. A sanctuary for new life is called a "womb", and not meant to be a warm dark tomb. Who are we to say who shall live or die? Barren women with empty arms and countless tears to dry. Who are you to terminate the life that grows within? To act for God you well must know is a mortal sin. Barb T. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Father Rick, I am glad that you will have the chance to go home for a vacation. I remember when you waited so long for your first chance to go home after being in Fishkill for a few years. How great it must feel to know that you can go home more freely now. Have a wonderful trip home and a blessed visit with your family. I pray that the weather will be better for you there than if you were to stay in Kingston in February. Remember my Mom to your Mom. Have fun, Love, Camile -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aloha, Fr. Rick. Glad to hear that you are having a vacation to our homeland. May you have a good one. I pray for your safe and enjoyable vacation. Take care & will talk later....Anggie -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a wonderful Time on your Vacation Fr. Rick. You deserve it.Thanks for all the great daily input.......Terry F. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Godspeed, Father Rick. Regards, George -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fr. Rick, I pray that you have a wonderful well deserved vacation and great times with relatives and friends. I thank you very much for your uplifting messages. I and my family and circle of friends do enjoy them a lot. God Bless you and yours always. Love, FredieA. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am glad you informed me of this near occurrence. I only wish there was someone else to send the messages. I know you deserve the vacation and pray a happy one for you and yours. I pledge to seek or share one a day with friends who have enjoyed yours so much. God bless you. Sincerely, Katherine, a thankful recipient of your daily food for thought. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Father Rick, Greetings. Thanks for the reflections. Please be assured of my prayers for your vacation. May the good Lord bless you. Father Esteban -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fr. Rick, I will pray that you have a safe and happy vacation. Is there any way that I can stow away in your luggage? I would love to go so I can see a very dear friend in Cagayan de Oro. I will anxiously await for your return and the continuation of your daily reflections. If you get a chance, call Fe L. at the Cagayan Capitol College in Cagayan de Oro and tell her hi and that you are the one that is responsible for the reflections that I send to her. You might also tell her that I said Hi and I send her my love. Jim S. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a wonderful time! I will miss your daily reflections but I will look forward to your returning. May Our Lord keep you safe on your trip. Pauline L. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Father Rick: We will miss your daily reflections.. it is so good of you to keep in touch these past few months since you left St. Mary's. By the same token, we are happy that you are able to go and visit with your family; they most likely miss you very much. Until we communicate again, we wish you a safe trip and will pray for you... Yours in Christ, Lucy and family -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for sending all the neat and cool stuffs. They really make my day. Hope that you enjoy your vacation in the Philippines. Frank L. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fr. Rick, Well, I hope you'll have a safe travel... & have a good one...but be sure to hurry back...otherwise we'll be missing your daily reflections...How I wish I'm going too...Anyway,regards to our kababayans...Don't spend too much...Regards to ERAP! Godbless, Sol -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fr. Rick, I am from the Philippines and we were the ones who went out on email about the "Rosaryo para sa Milenyo" last December. Anyway, what part of the country are you visiting? Who knows ... we might bump into each other (God willing). Will you be attending some event or are you just visiting some friends? You just missed the 3-day Marian Festival for the Holy Trinity which just concluded a few hours ago. Just let me know if I can help you with anything when you are here in the Philippines. May God bless you on your trip. To Jesus through Mary, Paul Edward S. His Watchful Servants Foundation -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Fr. Rick, Have a safe trip. Please be careful what you eat and drink. How long will you be in the Philippines? Take care. Marianne -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fr. Rick, I hope that you will have a good trip to the Philippines and have a nice time while you are there. Thanks also for your daily reflections because I always read them over and over again and appreciates reading them everytime. I love one of your reflections entitled "letting go" which I can relate with me in real life. I find it so hard to bury the past and everytime things keep me remembering the past and what happened Reading "letting go" made me a different person, and helps me a lot in forgetting even the most sad incidents in my life. I helped and nurtured me to have a different outlook in life and it was a good sign for me. Thanks again for all your beautiful reflections, and once again, "Happy Trip". We hope to hear from you soon... Sincerely, Danny -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a happy safe trip and back, Father. Where about in the Philippines you are going father ? I am from Hilongos, Leyte and grew up in Cebu. God Bless !!!! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Rick: A well deserved rest, I'm sure! What part of the Philippines will you travel to? I thank you for your articulate, lucid and clear diction when you speak in Church. You are clearest to me in the vestibule of the church when those speakers are on. I stand there at times for medical reasons. I thought your comments on the continuing struggle to insure a personal victory over evil as well as a social victory based on good works was well stated. Thank you, Jack G. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We hope that you have a wonderful vacation in the Phillippines! I know you will be so happy to see your family. Marcia & Mike -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fr. Rick, I'll certainly pray for your safe trip back to RP. Looking forward to more of your reflections later. More power and thanks. . . Ed C. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- dear fr, rick, have a safe and wonderful trip to see your family. i loved to read the thought of the day, and please send more. god bless you, lorraine. p.s. when you come back you should come for dinner with fr. aris. i think it will be nice. we'll talk. lorraine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a great trip! Regards, The Kramers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi! Fr. Rick, Hope you have a great vacation. Enjoy your trip. I am sure you Mom is very happy and looking forward to your trip home, too. Hope she is well and back to good health. We will pray for your safe journey. Take care, Marty & Agnes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Fr Rick, Thank you for your continuous reflections. they are all very refreshing and encouraging and i really do enjoy them. Good Luck with your trip to the Philipines....... An avid reader, amy y. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Father Rick, That's okay.... I understand it must be hard to take care of this mailing list all by yourself. I admire you for that. Good luck and looking forward to receiving more mail from you...! Fify -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Father, How delighted I am with your web page. Thanks so much for forwarding it to me. When I saw your page my heart and soul leapt for joy. So your a priest, huh? Well I'm a Catholic too! I attend St. Joseph's Church at Freeport Il. Not every week as I should, but almost. Depends if I can leave the house that day and drive...Sometimes I get a little goofy and I don't want to leave the house. So you see, even when I yearn for the Eucharist, I can't seem to make myself go to church, your food for thought brings me to the pew to listen to Christ's word. Thankyou. My prayers are with you while you are on vacation, have a great time. Barb T. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Re: Letting Go My heart was deeply touched by this message. I had just decided on yesterday to get out of a painful situation on an environment where I was working with an acquaintance in their business. Others language and behavior was offensive to my spirit. I had been trying to help out a friend and do something towards helping myself tide over until I move forward with my prior business and career. In fact just before I checked my mail today, I was praying to God on my knees that he help me to forget so many crippling pains and disappointment of my past and move on to the level he has for me. This message is just a confirmation to me. Please keep the inspirations coming my way. Again much thanks. Sincerely, KTTOUSANT HELP! I just accidentally deleted the Thought from 1/16/00 about being a Grandmother. Can you send me another copy please. I wanted to make a copy for my Mother. Thanks and God Bless You for these thoughts every day. Sally -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- a friend emailed me a reflection that I thoroughly enjoyed please include us in you mailing list. Send to jftyco -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fr. Rick, I just scanned today's FFT. I'll read it closely when I get home tonight. With your daily FFT's I'm feeling much "Better for It" that is life ITself.