Last Sunday I shared with some enthusiasm just one “ordinary” day in my priesthood...drop-by visits of two different friends/parishioners just to say “hi”, some other appointments (also at least one drop-by) who just needed to say “Help!”, counseling a child who weeps and worries over the death of an aunt, visiting and hearing the Confession of a dear woman who just that day discovered she will die very soon of Lou Gehrig’s disease, presiding over a wedding, then dinner with parishioners, oh, and squeeze into that ordinary day an hour and a half for prayer, some homily prep time and some serious reading in my field of work.  Oops, forgot about a work-out at the gym every other day...and my mid-afternoon power nap of 20 minutes or so.
 This is the life of a happy parish priest, a man who heard the call of Christ over 50 years ago to “Come, follow me”… and who, to this day, rejoices that he can daily say with gusto, “Here I am, Lord.”
 What would you, young man, give for such a deeply satisfying and productive life? Would you give up “wife and children...all (your) possessions...and even (your) own life”? (Luke 14:25-33) In return, of course, Jesus promises you a hundredfold, plus eternal life, on your investment. (Mark 10:29-30) Considerably better than the Market, wouldn’t you say?
 Let me tell you that I have indeed received a hundredfold from the Lord during my ministry...and, God willing, I still have some good years of work left in me for God’s vineyard. I cannot imagine anyone wealthier or happier than myself. So many hearts and homes and hands have opened to me over the years, even to this present date, that, should I lose everything I own, I know that I’d still be richly provided for.
 Who could ask for more? Other, perhaps, but more would be impossible.
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 Before the Christmas rush hits, I want to share this precious morsel submitted by Catherine Palfy:
Gift-Wrapped Prayers
by Mary Brown
 I poked among toy shelves in a discount store searching for the perfect gift, a present for our two year-old godson Ryan. A fun toy, yet educational. A special one to remind him of his Uncle Alex and Aunt Mary whom he sees only twice a year. Picking up box after box, I grew more discouraged.
 Then I caught a few words of the Christmas carols playing in the store:
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given.
I wheeled my cart down a deserted sporting goods aisle and closed my eyes. “Oh, Jesus,” I breathed, “Yes, You are the only perfect gift. Help Ryan to know You and love You.” Then I went back and peacefully chose some building blocks.
 Later that night, I spread shopping bags across my bed. As I taped shiny green paper with red rocking horses around Ryan’s box of blocks, I found myself praying again for him. Pulling out another parcel, I thought, Why pray only for Ryan because he’s my godchild? Why not pray for Aunt Helen, who’s battling Parkinson’s disease, as I wrap her candle? And for the new job my husband Alex started? And for our dear friends the Richters who are moving away next month?
 As I cut paper, taped, tied ribbon and prayed for each recipient, love for each person swelled in my heart. God’s presence filled the room and surrounded me on the bed brimming with gifts. I plan to wrap each present  with prayer this year.
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? The second day of a diet is always easier than the first. By the second day you’re off it. (Jackie Gleason)
? A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the Kingston Pass. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for 16 hardened criminals.
? ‘Nuff for now, don’t you think?

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