Sunday Sermon and a Couple of Camels

“Where did the knight park his camel?”
Camelot.

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Another really chilly day here. When I woke up, it was 29°. Time to break out the sock monkey hat again to bundle up for greeting before Mass. I even got to St. Gabriel early enough to greet the folks from the Chateau bus.

No pictures from Mass today. I think they had problems with their AV equipment.

Today’s Gospel was the story of Jesus hanging on the cross, and those that taunted him. But, one of the criminals defended a Jesus and asked to be remembered. Jesus said that the man would soon be in paradise with Him…..

Gospel 

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,
“Are you not the Christ?
Save yourself and us.”
The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,
“Have you no fear of God,
for you are subject to the same condemnation?
And indeed, we have been condemned justly,
for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,
but this man has done nothing criminal.”
Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him,
“Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.”

My take on it… people are human and make mistakes. God will forgive all who realize their errors, repent and make atonement for their sins. Forgiveness doesn’t come with a quick “I’m sorry,” and continuing your same old ways. The key is realize, acknowledge, repent, and atone.

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Now, for the cool part. This afternoon, the 60+ group from St. Gabriel was meeting for a potluck social gathering at Michael Millen’s house out in Prosper. Mike has the coolest house, most awesome acreage and the most amazing animals I’ve ever seen. He was kind enough to invite our group to his home again.

Mike is upper left photo, on the right. Thanks Mike.

Helene and I got a chance to pet the camels and horses. Lower left is a Zedonk. See his striped legs? So cute.

All kinds of beautiful creatures came to say hello. The cows remained in the pasture off camera. They didn’t need the attention.

We had a nice potluck dinner with enough food and desserts to feed an entire army. Father Cristian came and gave the blessing. He’s not anywhere near 60, but he joked and said,” I was so happy that I didn’t get carded at the door!” Someone commented, “Do you even shave yet, Father?” He’s very young looking.

A very special Sunday counting my blessings and sharing friendship, fine food, and fun animals.

Happy Sunday, my friends.