Waterfall number 1!

I took these pictures during "wilderness day" while on my Holy Week Retreat! From noon on Saturday, March 19 (the day before Palm Sunday) through Breakfast on Easter Sunday, we first year students had a reatreat. The seven of us participated in conferences, daily mass and prayer, works of service, times of silence, watched "Jesus of Nazareth" and "The Passion" and studied the accounts of the Lord's Passion in the 4 Gospels. We also participated in the Holy Week Liturgies in the Archabbey Church (these were some of the most beautiful services I have attended).

One thing we participated in was the Great Easter Vigil which started at 8:00 pm on Easter Saturday, and continued with the reading of all 150 Psalms (and other various readings) until the Vigil was continued at 5:00 am Easter morning and concluded at about 7:00 am. I was truly blessed to be a server for part of the sevice and also to read a group of Psalms (51 through 55 and 78 through 81). Staying up all night was not too bad (I took a 4 hour nap between breakfast and lunch this morning) but it was well worth it.

God has so much for us, sometimes we need to just stop and take a look at what His next step for us will be. By being on this retreat, and already being in a time of prayer and preparation in Lent, God continues to bless me with more than I can think or ask.

Waterfall number 2!

The "wilderness day" was rainy and cold, but we each went our separate ways to experience God in the desert. I saw some beautiful countryside as I drove along the Ohio river, as I hiked for a few hours on some wilderness trails in the Hoosier National Forest I saw 3 deer in one location and 7 in another (I watched the group of 7 at two different times over about 1 1/2 hours - then I saw the coyote that spooked them the second time I saw them), numerous squirrels and birds, heard some woodpeckers working at their craft, and just got to spend some quality time in prayer. God brought many good memories, thoughts and blessings to me that day.

I would suggest for anyone to take a "wilderness day" and see how God can bless you through spending time in the nature He created.

Time for an update - and a break!

It has been about six weeks since school has started. I have had my first papers to write and tests to take in over 25 years - and let me tell you, it was a little stressful, but all is turning out good! In fact I got an A and an A- on my first two papers - YEA!

This Lent has been a real growth time for me. Looking at who I am in a new light has been a very uplifting and humbling experience. When we look deeply at the motivation in our lives, sometimes we like what we see and sometimes we can see room for improvement. As I have reflected on my 47 years of life, the steps that have brought me here and the future that is ahead, I am so thankful that God continues to offer me grace and mercy in my journey. Knowing that I have submitted my will to His will gives me the greatest peace I could ever know. And this is not just about being in Seminary and because I am on the road to Priesthood. It is more about the last few years that I have truly been open to the direction God would have me take and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Being at St. Meinrad is the culmination of this time, but as in any endeavor, the journey is where the learning, the joy and the peace can come from.

Not everyone is called to life as a Priest or nun, but we are all called to follow God's will for us in our vocation. To be Christ's representative in our families, work places, schools, clubs, among friends and even at our church. God's love flows through us to others most effectively when we are walking the path of life with God.

I pray that you are discerning God's will for your life and that the Holy Spirit open your eyes, mind, heart and will to accept the love of Jesus and to pass that love to those you come in contact with.

In Christ,

John