Comments on: Wednesday, July 8, 2020 – Let Yourself Be Found

By: Skip

Skip — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 18:26:39 +0000

Joe, thank you for your reply.
Yes, I’ve been reading this thread for 4+years now and really enjoy and been enlightened by these reflections and responses I read here.
I responded to your reflection because it’s so unlike most of your reflections. I’ve always thought you to be a “heavy thinker” and felt perhaps you got caught up in all the noise and distractions going on these days and felt that you could use a little perspective.
We all do have our off days, weeks, and even months and you are entitled to be so because no one is perfect. No, I’ve never thought of you as holier than thou.
You have helped me and other readers here, perhaps more than you realize.
This group on this thread are pretty amazing people. I am taken by the response people get when they ask for prayers. So many are quick to respond. So much good happening here when the world seems to be coming apart at the seams. It feels more like family here than it does at my parish.

Joe, one thing you wrote that really stuck out at me. You mentioned looking into your wife and child eyes. Early on and to this day, me and a woman I was dating (now my wife) would put our foreheads together and gaze into each others eyes. As Shakespeare wrote and Matthew 6 inspired “The eyes are the window to your soul”. What I seen early on and continue to see is love. That has always “grounded” me when I’m off kilter.
Oh, BTW, happy belated anniversary.

PS: I read about what happened at your parish. The priest in question definitely could have a better choice of words. I look at it this way, priest’s are human too. Emotions run high and words fly. It’s bad enough these thoughts cross our minds. Let anyone who’s not guilty of that be the first one to cast a stone.

By: Skip

Skip — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 19:15:56 +0000

Hey Joe, thank you for your kind reply.
Yes, I am a long time reader (4+years)?
Sure everyone has those off days, even weeks or months.
On the most part I’ve the impression you are a “heavy thinker” even to think stuff to death (so says my wife about me).
I just felt you were a little off kilter in your reflections and could use a little perspective so to speak.
All the noise and all the distractions has affected several people I know (including myself).
On the most part, everybody involved with this thread are here to help. Writers, readers, and those who leave comments.
I’ve seen people here ask for prayers and get large responses and prayers sent their way. On the most part, if you think about it, this is an incredible site.
It really struck out at me you talked about looking into the eyes of your wife and son.
Early on in my relationship with girlfriend (now my wife) we did (and still do) put our foreheads together and gaze into each others eyes. I was and still am amazed at the love I see.
Peace be with you my brother in Christ.

By: Joseph LaCombe

Joseph LaCombe — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 03:02:17 +0000

In reply to Skip.

Skip – thanks for the comment. I don’t believe you are tearing me down. You are a longtime reader/commenter, and I appreciate your feedback. Yeah, I am all over the map lately. I ask you, how can you not be? Just wearing my heart on my sleeve I guess, but that’s why I love this forum. I’m not pretending to be some holier than thou scripture expert. I have good days and I have bad days, and I simply like to write and use scripture as my guide, and let it inspire thoughts in my head. And if I’m all over the map for a season, I don’t see anything wrong with that. And I hope that inspires you and the rest of the readers that it is OK, to bounce around and not have the answers… Thank you for the reminder on distraction – definitely caught myself being distracted, literally the other day, and it kinda woke me up. I know what’s important, and what is right. I especially love one thing you said though – “These divisions in parishes are nothing new, perhaps your parish needs to be purged?”

Very eye opening. And I think you’re right. God bless.

By: Joseph LaCombe

Joseph LaCombe — Fri, 10 Jul 2020 02:52:50 +0000

In reply to Eric Morris. Thanks Eric. You're right in the midst of this with me, and so you get it.

By: Eric Morris

Eric Morris — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 23:31:35 +0000

“Neither side is entirely right. And neither side is entirely wrong.”

That is key. Thank you for stating it.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 19:11:12 +0000

Jesus called out the Pharisees for the hypocrites they were and your priest was right on for calling out this domestic terrorist group for what they are. They destroy peoples businesses, destroy private property, threaten people who don’t listen to their propaganda, shoot and ambush and kill our police officers and are intent on destroying our culture and way of life. Targeting people of faith and their worship houses are next on their list. Wake up and look around you and quit being so scared and cowering worrying about backlash that is their exact goal

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 15:42:26 +0000

Some thoughts to share:

It is indeed sad and heartbreaking to hear what is going on in your parish Joe. There is so much dissension and discord. Whether black, brown or white, fetus, infant or adult, rich, middle class or living below poverty line – ALL LIVES MATTER. Yesterday Hosea said, “When they sow the wind (of chaos), they shall reap the whirlwind (of calamities). Today he says, “Sow for yourselves justice and reap the fruit of piety.” Jesus advocated love, mercy and compassion which the world is desperately in need of.

Jesus commissioned the twelve disciples from followers to Apostles – they were sent to clean out the demons, cure illnesses and proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven. We are chosen too, called by name, to live God’s Word everyday so that His love, mercy and compassion will have an effect on ALL LIVES.

By: Grace

Grace — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 14:49:56 +0000

Happy 20th marriage anniversary and happy birthday to your son! Celebrate this day with your family that you have been blessed with, and do not allow the troubles of the world to dampen it. Let’s us all pray for reconciliation not only for your church, but for the whole word.