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Veteran's Day - Thank Them for Our Freedom

11/11/2014

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Today is Veteran’s Day. I hope that each of us takes the time to reflect on the great sacrifices that our Veterans have made for us. Not just those who died, but all Veterans. They have sacrificed time away from home, time with their families, comfort, security and much more for us and our freedom. Scripture says “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Each Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of “up to and including my life.”

To my brothers in arms, to the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, I say “THANK YOU!” Thank you for all that you have done for me and my country. May God continue to bless each of you. To those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice – May they Rest in Peace.

While it is not yet Christmas, I think the following expresses the sentiments for Veteran’s Day well.

T’was the night before Christmas,
He lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of
Plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney
With presents to give,
And to see just who
In this home did live.

I looked all about,
A strange sight I did see,
No tinsel, no presents,
Not even a tree.


No stocking by mantle,
Just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures
Of far distant lands.

With medals and badges,
Awards of all kinds,
A sober thought
Came through my mind.

For this house was different,
It was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier,
Once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping,
Silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor
In this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle,
The room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured
A United States soldier.

Was this the hero
Of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho,
The floor for a bed?

I realized the families
That I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers
Who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world,
The children would play,
And grownups would celebrate
A bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom
Each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers,
Like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder
How many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas eve
In a land far from home.

The very thought
Brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees
And started to cry.

The soldier awakened
And I heard a rough voice,
"Santa don't cry,
This life is my choice;

I fight for freedom,
I don't ask for more,
My life is my God,
My Country, my Corps."

The soldier rolled over
And drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it,
I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours,
So silent and still
And we both shivered
From the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave
On that cold, dark, night,
This guardian of honor
So willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over,
With a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "carry on Santa,
It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch,
And I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas my friend,
And to all a good night."

 

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Fascinating Video - A Must See

11/8/2014

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I came across this fascinating video that I wanted to share with all of you. I never ceases to amaze me how wonderful God has made our world and how intricately He designed it. This 4 ½  minute video is well worth the time. I think you will find it as fascinating as I did. I hope you enjoy it.

I would love to hear your thought about the video. Just click the "comments" link above.


How Wolves Change Rivers

www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/
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Good Morning,

11/3/2014

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This is just a quick entry as we begin a new wonderful and blessed week. Over the weekend, I was able to upload my ordination and First Mass videos and pictures. I have created a new page for them that can be found HERE. Also, this week’s column has been added. There is no homily since here at St. Dominic Parish the deacons preach the first weekend of each month.

As we begin November please remember, in a particular way, to pray for the dead. On that note there are indulgences available for praying for the dead and visiting a cemetery. I have noted the particulars in this week’s column which can be found HERE.

I pray that you all have a wonderful and blessed week ahead.
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    I am a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. I am currently assigned to St. Dominic Catholic Church in Security, CO.


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