Adeline,it would be wonderful to have that ritual at the conclusion of a 5th step!

After a retreat I sat by a river and remembered the  Anima Cristi which I had just learned:”water from the side of Christ. Wash me.”   And I looked at the river.  And I thought if the way the earth’s water circulates through the world. ( The planet doesn’t get “new” water, the same water circulates) And how the water the lady at the well drank, the water Jesus and everyone drank, even the water that passed through his body,  I had probably drunk, even swam in, right there in that very river.

I couldn’t agree with Kathleen more.  It’s one of the liveliest stories in any of the canonic Gospels  The woman is marginalized (as Susan says) and maybe even an outcast among other women – certainly she would be an outcast among all in Jerusalem, where she would more likely be stoned to death.

She’s interesting because she is familiar with scripture.  She knows about the Messiah!  Maybe she’s even literate?  She also is fearless, talking alone to a strange man she’s never met before.  I’d like for John to tell us more about her, but it’s enough, I guess.

Jointing Kathleen and Brenda in prayer for Marie, Lynn, and all suffering.

<p style=”text-align: right;”>Prayer for Lynn</p>

holding in prayer GA and sicreech and the thousands in Syria and Turkey.

the word “overwhelmed” haunts me

Today my reaction to the texts makes me want to run away and hide!   Even “to suffer slightly what God suffers eternally.” Obviously I am immersed in self this morning.  The AA third step prayer asks relieve me of the bondage of self.”    Jesus 1932 message to two poor women on London – yes, 1932 – included these words, among also many calls for joy:   “Kill the self. …every blow to Self prepares the way for your true, eternal self.” (“God Calling,” by “two listeners” and edited by A J Russell.).

Susan, wow. Thanks.  Constance Fitzgerald

Prayers for Diane with RSV or flu.  Maybe Covid?

prayers for Jose, whose daughter is caught up in addiction

The treasure is at the beginning?   Does this refer to the conversion experience, with a powerful  surge  of joy and energy, that I had Almost 30 years ago?    I miss that but I understand why it’s gone

I have at times done these things. By no means often enough, however.

I’m sorry that I can’t be in chapel Tuesday morning.   That parable leaves me baffled.

And yes, God is mystery.  But I wish I could respond to the mystery the way I respond to pictures from the Webb telescope.  Or the way I used to, years ago, when I could lie  on my back outdoors at night and look at the Milky Way – the rest of our own galaxy. Too much light and haze to do that anymore

What is happening out west, terrifying.   May Susan and all be somehow spared – May all be delivered from their distress.

we also learn that 1/3 of Pakistan is under water.

I don’t know any intercesory prayer but “help us all!”

My first reaction to Amy-jills’ commentary is that I actually know two guys who aren’t awaiting parole from life sentences for murder, through, AA corrections correspondence.   I don’t have to bind up Any wounds; all I have to do is sit here in NH and take a letter to the mail box.  (they are on the west coast).

i was about to say that I have an easier job than the Samaritan when I realized thst I missed AJ’s point.  The “good murderer.” Well – when I was awaiting cancer test results (all is well now)  back in April,  Jose would let me know by e mail every day that he was praying for me and that God had my back

Well your post inspired thst!

rifht now prayers for son in law Ernie – in so much pain be spent are the point  of living

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