FRI, SAT, SUN, some MON- Apply for jobs, Kelly and Kyle visit, Parish Picnic
Friday, Saturday morning, Sunday morning, and Monday all day I spent applying for jobs. Kelly and Kyle arrived early Saturday afternoon, we spent time chatting, and they went off to William and Marissa's for fun and to spend the night after we all went met at B 52 in Lawrenceville for a family-style vegan dinner! (Mom's former student Jeremy said hello.)
Mom, Dad, and I went to noon Mass, and we went to the parish picnic afterwards. I ran into Adrienne and her fiancé, Philip, there! Sat near Malou and Bob, and Shelly, too.
TUE, WED, THU- Full weight in Physical Therapy, Bible Study, BeaBea and Solomon visit Lolo and Lola
TUEsday, I could add full weight in physical therapy. Also, a couple of standing exercises were added. Spent much time in the application process of several positions today, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Wednesday, Mom, Dad, and I went to Bible Study (17 of us plus Fr. Drew and an Oratorian). We read and discussed the readings for this Sunday, the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time:
Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29
Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a
Lk 14:1, 7-14
Thursday I had blood work and went to physical therapy. Saw a buddy from dance there. We chatted for a while. Two more new exercises (one on the tipping board). Beatrice and Solomon came to visit Lolo and Lola. I made mac 'n' cheese and Spam for them. Sent an application in. Went to a building meeting for FOBs to secure the doors.
MON- a Watershed Day
I have been job hunting, and have
applied for some jobs online. I've also been requesting recommendation
letters.
~~~~~
On another note...
Here's the full video of Hillary
Rodham Clinton's speech as the first student speaker at Wellesley College:
http://wapo.st/2bvsIIu?tid=ss_mail
SUN- Send-off to Maureen, Lector at Noon Mass with the USTFMS alumni
Today Maureen attended 8.00 Mass, then we went to Lawrenceville for French pastries. I enjoyed a sweet pastry filled with bakery cream and chocolate pieces, Maureen enjoyed a Brioche Bostock. She sipped coffee whilst I enjoyed a spiced chai. We went for a drive to check out new architecture in the East End---East Liberty, Garfield, Friendship, past Little Italy Days, back to Oakland. I dropped my bag off at Mom and Dad's home before making my way to the sacristy to lector at noon Mass.
Today is the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Because of my crutches, I processed neither before nor after Mass.
I read the first reading: Isaiah 66: 18-21
Gerry processed in with the Book, read the second reading, and read the General Intercessions.
Music Included:
Entrance Hymn: The Kingdom of God
Kyrie Eleison- Chant
Gloria: Vatican Mass VIII
Psalm 117: O. Alstott
Gospel Acclamation: J. Chepponis
Preparation of the Gifts: Let Us Come Now to the Kingdom
Holy, Holy, Holy; Acclamation; and Amen: from Mass for the City by Richard Proulx
Agnus Dei: Vatican Mass XVIII
Communion: You Bring Forth Bread from the Land by A. Motyka
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Recessional Hymn: In Christ there is No East or West
~~~~~
Fr. Adam V announced the presence of the med school class reunion at the start of Mass.
Two classmates processed to bring the gifts to the front. The classmates gathered in front of the Tabernacle, by the Door of Mercy, after Mass. I chatted with Kay, Alroy, and their three children afterwards (Celine remembered me), Karina, Don. I explained the brain drain from the Philippines to Don after Mass and bid a fond adieu and safe travels to Kay and family.
Mom, Dad, Dr. Pat, and I went back to their home. Ma soeur Belge m'a pose'e des questions par email. Je lui les ai repond.
SAT- The Cathedral of Learning Tours, and the Matrimonial Sacrament of Christina Marie P and Michael Joseph A III
SAT morning my Dad drove me to arrive in time for one of the two 10.00 tours of the Cathedral of Learning Nationality rooms. John P, a junior computer science major, led my group's tour. We started on the first floor, proceeded to a bathroom break on the third floor, then continued the hour-and-a-half-long tour on the third floor, making certain to visit the Austrian room and the future Philippine Nationality Room. The tour concluded on the first floor in the Chinese room. I approached both groups who had toured the rooms to inquire as to who wanted to visit the honors college and the Syria-Lebanon room. I took some of the guests to both locations. Dad picked me up so that I could meet Maureen at my house.
Maureen and I freshened up and headed our for our adventure to attend Christina and Michael's wedding in Plum. The wedding party included three bridesmaids and three groomsmen, one each of the junior bridesmaid and junior groomsmen, in addition to the parents, grandparents, and flower girl and ring bearer. Fr. Tony Gargotta celebrated the Mass, assisted by Deacon Toby Gaines, formerly of St. Paul Cathedral. There were an organist, vocalist, and two violinists providing music ministry.
The Prelude, during which we entered the church, consisted of two musical pieces:
You Raise Me Up
The Prayer
The Procession consisted of three musical pieces:
Canon in D (J. Pachelbel)
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Trumpet Voluntary
The Liturgy of the Word Consisted of:
Genesis 2: 18-24
Sung Psalm 128
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a
Gospel- Mark 10:6-9
Homily
Rite of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Blessings and Exchange of Rings
Prayers of the Faithful
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Preparation of the Gifts- You Are Mine
Pater Noster
Sign of Peace
Communion- On Eagle's Wings
Concluding Rite
Dedication to the Blessed Mother- Ave Maria (Gounod)
Declaration of Marriage and Final Blessing
Recessional- Ode To Joy
~~~~~~
During the photos of the wedding party (which included Regina C), Maureen and I chatted with Jeff M and Chad K. We followed the two to the reception.
We sat at the "Kid's Table" as I told Kay...who sported with Alroy their three: John M, Claire, and Celine. Jeff and Chad were also at our table. The toast by the matron of honor (Katie Danielson) moved her to tears. We partook of a lovely, delicious buffet dinner, a cookie table, wedding cake, and a chocolate fountain (!) Had a chance to chat with Regina and John, their friends Jen and Adam, the couple of the moment, Robert (Christina's brother), and Diane (Christina's mom). A couple of dance chains/ conga lines came by during the evening, which I high fived, etc. Celine and I bonded over a bottle whilst her parents and siblings danced. We stayed to the end of the evening.
FRI- Mom's Medical School Class Mini-Reunion
Friday late afternoon was the first meeting of Mom's medical school class reunion. I went to the hall (very close to home) with Mom and Dad. I chatted with Fr. Steve P for a while, until some more people arrived---Mom called to my attention the presence of Maricel and Rita, my buddies from the last mini-reunion/ get together. They sat with me, and we chatted before dinner.
Fr. Steve gave the blessing. He didn't eat much, and he was gone by the time we ladies came back to the table with our plates full. The Philippine American Performing Arts of Greater Pittsburgh prepared and served the food---it was all so good, tasty, and delicious. I especially liked the halo-halo, with homemade mix-ins, including Mom's leche plan. I liked it so much that I returned for a second helping. William's family, who sat at the other end of our long table with Mom and Dad, bid adieu before the children's 20.30 bedtime.
The class met for a while after dinner. Various classmates took to the microphone, and memories were exchanged and shared. The event ended with many participants pitching in to clean up their tables before boarding the vans back to the hotel.
THU- Moving files from Mom and Dad's, Shredding, Snacks with Stacy, Olympics
I spent the early afternoon with Dad moving files from their home, shredding old papers, then met up with Stacy for milkshakes and sweet potato fries and illuminating conversation. I had a late dinner and watched the Olympics on NBC.
First was the story of the USA swimmers who were stopped at the Rio airport. Turns out Ryan Lochte, et al. may have fabricated the whole robbery report. See the post just prior to this one for a link. Second was a story with Bob Costas playing ping pong against a 16-year-old Team USA opponent-- and beating him!
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/ping-pong-prodigy-bob-costas-plays-olympian-kanak-jha?chrcontext=WCAU&extpar=rio20
Ashton Eaton of Team USA handily won gold in the decathlon. His wife, Canadian Brianne Theisen-Eaton, was the bronze medal winner in the women's heptathlon earlier in the week.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/olympics/2016/live-updates/rio-games/scores-and-latest-news/ashton-eaton-makes-decathlon-history-with-back-to-back-olympic-golds/?tid=ss_mail
In the women's 100m hurdles (a fun but tough event), Team USA swept up all three medals, a first for Team USA:
http://www.sportingnews.com/athletics/news/rio-olympics-2016-us-sweep-100m-hurdles-final-brianna-rollins-nia-ali-kristi-castlin/1vwqvwnmcc3la1dr2rrn7c0q29
Two USA men took the top two slots in the shot put tonight.
Usain Bolt won the men's 200m final dash. See
http://time.com/4458621/usain-bolt-200-meters-gold-rio-2016-olympics/
He blessed himself, Holy Spirit, Father, and Son before the race and knelt down after the race, and crossed himself again, Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. In his interview with NBC his Miraculous Mary medal was clearly visible. So refreshing to see someone showing their strong, positive beliefs.
The four USA women relay team (4X 100m) filed to rerun their heat because a Brazilian runner interfered with Allyson Felix's clear hand-off to her teammate English Gardner during the original heat:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/olympics/rio-olympics-usa-women-re-run-4x100-meter-relay-alone-pictures-1.12195791
Allyson had the wherewithal to encourage the team to finish the race. With their freshly-run time, they qualify for running the finals later.
A Sadder Side of the Rio Olympics
Turns out that Ryan Lochte et al. may have fabricated the robbery scenario late one night in Rio:
http://a.msn.com/02/en-us/BBvN4aH?ocid=se
TUE, WED- How about that, Simone Biles?
Tuesday was a day Dad and I accompanied Mom to her hairstylist whom Phyllis used to see. Dad had a trim, too, while I sat in the other chair. We went for sandwiches, burgers, frosty, and fries afterwards! Then a moment of shopping in the same plaza. Traffic was bumper-to-bumper approaching the tunnel.
We watched the Olympics, and Simone Biles spun, twisted, and soared to new heights to take the gold in the floor exercises. Ally Raisman also gave a virtually flawless performance to take the silver in the floor exercises. (A British woman took the bronze.) They were interviewed by Bob Costas after winning the event and were excited over eating fries (Finally!), and the prospect of sharing pizza with Zac Efron.
Apparently, Zac was pretty excited to meet them, as well. See the Today Show clip:
http://www.justjaredjr.com/2016/08/17/zac-efron-says-he-was-nervous-to-meet-simone-biles-the-final-five/
At the end of the interview with Bob Costas, he had them take the show to a break.
Today (WED), Dad, Mom, and I went to Bible Study and to the chapel for Eucharistic Adoration afterwards. The readings were for the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C), and read these readings:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082116.cfm
in a group of 21 (including Fr. Drew Morgan).
I proclaimed the first reading, Is 66:18-21, from the School of Isaiah. We discussed it, saying that Israel is a nation that was soon understood in a new way (see the last sentence): As a beacon to nations, as a nation with largesse. There was the insight that the gifts were not just for oneself, the gifts were not just for one people, but for all.
After reading the second reading, Heb 12:5-7, 11-13 , we discussed various translations, as well as being baptized to be "born into and immersed in the Trinity; being realistic about our crosses (dying to self to set us free/ to liberate us from ourselves);" and when we pass on, we become one in courage to the Paschal Mystery. Pope John Paul II said that sin is its own punishment.
A key to Catholicism is "humility. How can I help others to prosper? How can I build up others?"
The Gospel Reading was read Lk 13:22-30, and then we discussed it. The first quote appearing in the Gospel is based on the minority opinion belief that only a few of the select will be saved, the majority opinion being that only the select (Jews) will be saved. The Gospel blows that away, saying that that is parallel in many ways to the older, pre-Vatican II belief that "outside the Church there is no salvation," vs. all peoples can be open to the transforming power of God.
We then shared a joke about Heaven: "What's that distant laughter?" "O, that's the Catholics...they think they're the only ones who are here."
Then, we went to the chapel, then I helped Dad with his malware (660+ questionable files needed to be removed!) but he ran out of time and I had to get to my physical therapy. I got there just as it started to rain. I'm progressing well, so my PT Shanna gave me four more ("Jane Fonda") exercises to do.
I then went in the rain to get my hair cut. Angie's been cutting my hair for a while now. She did an excellent job today. I went home, had lunch and a nap, did some hand laundry, and went to Mom and Dad's for dinner. Dad went off to the Novena without us, who prepared dinner. After dinner, watched some Olympics...Women's 100m hurdles, semifinal heats for the men's 200m...it was great to see Canada's Andre De Grasse and Jamaica's Usain Bolt happily grin at each other before/as they crossed the tape together. See these photos:
http://globalnews.ca/news/2889290/rio-2016-andre-de-grasse-sets-canadian-record-en-route-to-advancing-to-the-200m-finals-at-summer-games/
Also saw some women's 100m hurdles before that.
Memes @ Olympics
Memes following Usain Bolt's running the 100m dash...
https://www.eurweb.com/2016/08/rio-olympics-usain-bolt-pic-launched-thousand-memes/
Remember McKayla Maroney @ the London 2012 Olympics? McKayla was not impressed...and her family placed the photo in a prominent place. McKayla even tweeted, "look what I came home to...hahaha":
http://mckaylaisnotimpressed.tumblr.com/
~~~~~~~
Went to physical therapy today. No air conditioning whilst I was there. I asked the head physical therapist, "Trying to make us get into Rio? Making it tropical, make us do exercises, and here we are in the gym!" I later asked the PTs why there weren't salsa music...the head PT joked back that this is like hot yoga. My PT gave me approximately another page of exercises to do at home. She asked about my jewelry, and I told her where I got it and who it reminds me of...my niece and nephew. I told her how my other niece and nephew used to pronounce the Olympics when they were younger.
~~~~~~~~
23.10
Watched the Men's 800m Finals for the Rio Olympics: Kenyan David Rudisha won gold, Algierian Taoufik Makhloufi won silver, and 21-year-old Akron student Clayton Murphy from the USA won bronze.
Also watched some women's 400m hurdle qualifying heats. Watched
http://summergames.ap.org/article/latest-russian-long-jumper-gets-ok-compete-rio
(see the 11.10PM time point) Shawnae Miller of the Bahamas "dove" to win the women's 400m final in 49.44 to beat out Allyson Felix of team USA at 49.51 who stayed on both feet to run across the line. (Should we eliminate swim moves from track events? What about other creative crossing-over moves from other sports--no, perhaps not.)
Watched the women's gymnastics individual events: Balance beam. Nederlander Sanne Wevers, whose identical twin sister was watching her and was sporting an Orangemen orange jacket, took the gold (performing precarious spinning on the beam in confident fashion), Laurie Hernandez of team USA took silver, and Simone Biles (despite an under-rotated move that ended with her holding the beam) of the USA handily took the bronze medal.
Always a pleasure
Spoke with Caro via Skype video call. We learned about what each other is doing since our last contact (by Skype). I learned how to say "a crutch" en francais: une béquille. I told her about my petite histoire about learning my calling...she thanked me for reminding her of the details.
We spoke for about forty-five minutes by video call. It's always a pleasure to talk with her!
Mom, Dad, and I went to noon Mass. Fr. Nick V celebrated the Mass. Dad was a minister of communion. Talked to EJ and his family after the service was over. We enjoyed sandwiches and salad afterwards for lunch.
~~~~
Watched the Olympics on NBC the past few days: Track and field, and swimming and diving events, including Michael Phelps's last event (4X200m medley relay) of these Rio games.
This evening, Mom, Dad, and I sat with Alva and some other neighbors for their building picnic. I made brownies for it, which disappeared handily.
During prime time tonight (Sunday) we watched the men's 400m track race: Wayde van Niekerk of South Africa. His mom competed in the Republic of South Africa during apartheid rule, and she could not represent the country in international games. His 74-year-old coach, Ans Botha, is a great-grandmother. See
http://wapo.st/2biw3G8?tid=ss_mail
Usain Bolt, whose image is visible in billboards around Kingston, Jamaica---for he is the country's sports darling---handily beat out all the competition by maintaining his 41-stride 100meters (as compared to the competition's 44+-stride race). In the qualifying heat he was seen to cross himself, and before and after the final race of the competition he crossed "Spiritus Sanctus, Pater, Filius," in that order, twice. In the NBC interview post-race he was seen to be sporting what looks like a Miraculous Mary medal.
Next was the men's floor exercises in gymnastics, upset by the British, and two Brazilians in gold and silver and bronze, respectively.
Women's gymnastics showed the vault, with Oksana Chusovitina, a seven-time Uzbekistani Olympian competing at the age of 41 years, and two-time medal winner in team gymnastics and the vault. It was stated in an NBC program earlier that when her 16-year-old son became ill, they went to Germany to seek treatment, and likewise she participated in competition to help pay for his treatment. A photo was shown where he was standing with his mother post-treatment. Nineteen-year-old powerhouse Simone Biles from the USA handily won the vault event, followed by
During the evening, an advertisement for a movie, Hidden Figures, looks promising.: Has one of my favorite recently introduced actresses, Octavia Spencer. Also turns out Pharrell Williams (of "Happy" fame) produced and oversaw the music for the film. I love the last quote from the trailer!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4846340/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The Sad Side of the Rio Olympics
Just found out that some USA men's swimming team members (including Ryan Lochte) were robbed at gunpoint by people pretending to be police:
http://a.msn.com/02/en-us/BBvC1Pt?ocid=se
Sad, but true.
The Simones Last Night; the Fiji Rugby team
Here's a shout-out to some athletes making gold yesterday at the Rio Olympics:
Two American women named Simone (Biles- women's all-around gymnastics, Manuel- women's 100m freestyle swimming) and the Fiji rugby team hit gold!
Simone Biles, according to NBC sports last night, had such a gap in the all-around that the sum total of the gap from 1980 to 2012 did not bridge her gap. Her teammate, Aly Raisman, the only other American woman advancing to the all-around as well, pounced on the silver medal, nailing her last floor exercise elegantly. The Fiji men's rugby team handily beat the Great British men.
Simone Manuel thanked God and stated that she was "so blessed" in her interview right out of the pool with NBC television. The Fiji men's rugby team were seen in a newsclip on NBC's Today newsmagazine this morning to be joined in a circle in uniform, singing and praying together. See
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/todays-take-fiji-rugby-team-has-reason-dance
How refreshing to see such faith expressed in the athletes. Reminds me of Rebecca Dussault, whom I heard speak at a women's faith-based conference this spring. She spoke of how being an Olympic skier was difficult on practicing her faith during her presentation there. Somehow she found a way to practice both---her sport and her faith.
Simone Manuel does not want to be remembered as the first African-American woman to win gold (and break an Olympic record, at that) in an individual Olympic swimming event. See this news flash from BBC news:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37057236
THU- Finish reports for the week, Communiques, a Very Hot Day; Women's Gymnastics & Swimming
I finished my two reports for the week, communicated and updated a course syllabus, it was supposed to get up to 91 degrees Fahrenheit today...Mom and Dad visited Phyllis.
We're enjoying a home-grown chicken from Kelly and Kyle as tinola tonight and the Olympics on NBC: Women's Gymnastics (individual all-around) & Swimming
TUES, WED- Communiques, Olympics, ...
Tuesday I took care of electronic and paper communications. Mom, Dad, and I watched the Olympics--swimming (individual and relay events), women's gymnastics (uneven bars, beam, and florr exercises!!), and Michael Phelps took back the gold from Chad Le Clos (who was not particularly sportsmanlike in the room before the events, shadow boxing before MP), Ally Raisman nailed her floor ex, as did her teammates! We three ate ice cream early on in the 20.00-0.00 programming.
Wednesday (today) waited for Dad for Bible Study, but he thought I was not going, as Mom wasn't. Left me behind. Went to a medical evaluation appointment, and they showed me exercises I can do at home, as well. After, we picked up Mom at home and went for buffet in the South Side, then groceries. It started raining, so I took care of my online health tracker, which was keen neither on a password, nor on a reset password. Hope I can enter my data before the end of today, and keep my 80+-day-long streak!!
MON- Visiting friends and watching the Olympics during Prime Time
I visited some friends and had lunch out today (Monday). I recounted that I have partial weight-bearing (yay!) and shared some insights with them.
After recycling and organizing some of my files, I had a dinner of comforting macaroni and cheese chez Mom and Dad.
We watched the Olympics starting at 20.00: Men's synchronized diving, women's and men's swimming. It was refreshing to hear the USA men's synchronized divers voice their concern that "if they let this [event] identify [us, it makes no sense], because [I ] identify with Christ"-- (a paraphrase). So refreshing to see a belief in G-d.
Nineteeth Sunday in Ordinary Time- Noon Mass, PAPAGP, Organ Concert
Mom, Dad, and I went to noon Mass. Fr. Adam V celebrated. One of the morning Mass regulars announced to me that she is a great-grandmother, and her grandchild is being baptized today! Chatted with E.J. and his parents after Mass. We went for sandwiches in Oakland after Mass, then stopped by to say hello at the Philippine-American Performing Arts of Greater Pittsburgh. Said hello to Tito Ollie and Tita Nenette, Abigail, and Dee Dee and Hector.
I went to this Sunday's Organ Concert for the Cathedral Summer Series of Organ Concerts. This afternoon, "our friend,...the one and only Don Fellows" performed.* (*As introduced by Ken Danchik.)
Don's afternoon concert consisted of:
Trumpet Tune in A (David Johnson)
Variations on a Dance Tune - Balleto del granduca (J.P. Sweelinck)
O Mensch, bewein dein' Suende gross (J.S. Bach)
Prelude & Fugue in E-flat, BWV 552 (J.S. Bach)
~Two Chorale Preludes - Blessed Assurance
- I love to Tell the Story (Robert Farrell)
Outer Hebrides - A Fantasia on Three Celtic Melodies (Paul Halley)
~Six Pieces for Organ - III. Blue Nocturne (Jeffrey A. Donnelly)
Litanies (1937) (Jehain Alain)
Greeted Don after the concert.
~~~~~
Watched the Olympics until midnight, including women's all-around qualifying for gymnastics; a human interest story about a female gymnast who is 40+ years old; swimming (both men's and women's).
First FRIday of August; Saturday- quiet at Mom and Dad's home
This was the First Friday of August. Dad went to an earlier Mass, Mom and I attended noon Mass. I started a basket for her online to purchase from a drugstore. Worked on correspondence. I was serious sous chef for dinner. We watched the opening ceremonies for the Olympics in Rio.
Two event organizers/ planners for the opening ceremonies spoke early in the NBC broadcast: They indicated that the ceremony would focus not only on Brasil, but also on the rest of the world....That techno-presentation would not overshadow the people aspect of the Games.
There were Refugee Athletes sporting the Olympic rings on the breast lapel of their blazers, right before the Brasilian athletes marched into the stadium.
After the Olympic torch was lit, a metal sculpture gyrated behind it, and a samba party ensued.
Friday was my first day since 2009 that I wore the compression TED stockings.
-----
Saturday, I got up late (9.00), helped Mom to purchase drugstore items online, caught up on correspondence, and we three had a late lunch of miswa soup with beef and sayote, along with their bittermelon (ampalaya) casserole.
It was a perfect day for cool refreshment: Went with Debbie to Dave and Andy's for ice cream-- tried and enjoyed a "Birthday Cake" cup! We chatted for a while there.
Watched women's volleyball, swimming, a bit of boxing, and lots more this first full day of Olympics coverage.
THU- Organize papers, campus errands
Today (Thursday) I spent the morning recycling first-year seminar paperwork, and organizing other paperwork.
I had a lunch of a small ham, cheese, and guacamole sandwich with iced decaffeinated coffee with milk sweetened with maple syrup.
Went to campus to mail a card to a colleague who is out, and to go to the Human Resources department to take care of paperwork. It is humid and overcast, but not yet looking like rain.
WED- Bible Study, Bea Bea and Solomon visit (with WIliam), Novena
WED- Today, Mom, Dad, and I went to Bible Study in the morning. There were twenty-two of us, including Fr. Paul who led the meeting, and Fr. Mike, who facilitated it. The readings were:
Wis 18:6-9
Heb 11:1-2, 8-19
Gospel Reading: Lk 12:32-48
When we discussed the first reading,
1. Someone asked if this were describing times before the Exodus from Egypt. I said re: the last line of the passage that it included the times before the Exodus because the first Passover had them painting the lintels of their doors with the blood of the lamb.
2. one man asked how this Old Testament reading foreshadowed the second New Testament reading or the Gospel. Karina had some good ideas, and when I spoke I acknowledged them, as well as Fr. Mike's statement of Joseph living all by "God's Will." I also added that line 2 of the reading mentioned the faith of the Israelites, as did the penultimate and last line mentioned their faithful behavior.
3. Fr. Mike mentioned a show he had heard on NPR in which a novelist said that writing a novel is like driving at night---one can see only a limited distance ahead. One can only see a small distance into the future, but you get to your destination (the end of the novel) eventually.
He likened that to St. Philip's wonder-working words when we discussed the Gospel.
I had the honor of proclaiming the Word for the second reading. I particularly like Hebrews 11:11-12, with chapter 11:12 coming from [11:12] Gn 15:5; 22:17; 32:13; Ex 32:13; Dt 10:22; Dn 3:36.
It resonates with me, regarding my particular calling in life.
We then read the Gospel reading, and discussed all the readings.
The Gospel reading sparked plenteous discussion. Dorothy noted that (from a few weeks ago) that our earthly treasures/ wealth are not ours personally....the things of the heart are what is important. Fr. Mike noted that one does not know the hour (and, thus, must be vigilant), and it is all for God's will (now, that's the Big Picture). He mentioned St. Philip's wonder-working words, too. ("...and then what?"...Sometimes what's at the end needs to be at the forefront of one's life's agenda.)
But a particularly memorable quote from our discussion is that of Karina S: "You cook in Hell: You're Done!"
______
Bea Bea and Solomon came over for lunch, and stayed until dinner with Lolo, Lola, their daddy, and me. We also watched American Ninja Warrior and Bea Bea shared her newest Scratch programs with me. We stayed on the computer and watched the Beatles perform; kids, teens, and elders reacting to various things; the annoying Orange; and a multilingual version of "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen.
Then, it was time for dinner---mussels in garlic and ginger sauce, rock shrimp, rice, etc.
I said my farewells to them, then found a seat at the Cathedral for the Novena for our Lady of Perpetual Help. Fr. Adam V and Seminarian Tom G served, as well as Don, who provided music ministry from the loft.
We sang an opening hymn (Salve Regina), during Veneration of the Icon, Tantum Ergo Sacramentum, and (#614) from the Worship Hymnal.
Dad had driven them home, so Mom and I loaded the knee walker/ getalong into the trunk and hopped a ride with Dad.
Today was my first day with Official Partial Weight (50 pounds!)
TUE- Communications, Reference, Grocery Shopping, and America's Got Talent; Demonstrations at Koln Dom Cathedral
Took care of communications (including my second wedding invitation in a month's time), wrote a draft of a recommendation letter, then went vitamin and grocery shopping with Dad in Oakland and East Liberty.
Am now watching America's Got Talent with Mom.
~~~~~
Koeln Cathedral- Protests of Turkey coup/ support of Turkish president at the Cologne DOM Cathedral:
http://www.dw.com/en/police-in-cologne-wary-ahead-of-turkey-coup-protests/a-19437244
MON- John DeFrancesco's Funeral Mass
Today about nine choristers joined cantor Christina, music director Don, and organist Ken to provide music ministry for John DeFrancesco's Memorial Mass. These pieces were sung with organ:
Processional: On Eagle's Wings (M. Joncas)
Responsorial Psalm 61: Rest in God Alone (Batastini/Gelineau)
Gospel Accamation/ Alleluia: Chant
Sanctus/ Holy: from the Community Mass (Richard Proulx)
Memorial Acclamation and Amen: from the Community Mass (Richard Proulx)
Agnus Dei (Chant)
Communion: The Gift of Love (Hal Hopson)
Communion Meditation: Panis Angelicus (Cesar Franck)
Rite of Commendation: Receive his soul and present him to God, to God the Most High
Rite, Send Off: In paradisum deducant te angeli...Chorus angelorum (chant)
Judi was key in my crutching and scooting up/ down to/ from the choir loft today! Saw Frs Kris S, Adam V, Donald B after Mass today. Spoke with them and with Carmella and Bob K, Pat P, Elaine J, and more.
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Spoke by phone with my UTA about the syllabus.
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Mom, Dad, and I chatted with Cherie for quite a while last night. Mom was encouraging, I listened to her geneaological findings, and Dad took over as I left in the 23.00 hour.
