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Good morning sisters and brothers; 
I hope all is well with our little reflection group. It has been a rather busy time , and I look forward to getting back to writing my reflections on a more regular basis. 
Recently during my evening prayers I have been thinking about the people in my life who are no longer here. Especially my sister Maureen, my mother Mary and my father James Aloysius. I miss them. Terribly. 
My dad's middle name was Aloysius. As a child I thought that it was a cool name. It has Irish roots of course, but it also Germanic for Brave Warrior. 
James Aloysius was brilliant, kind, compassionate, and beautiful. He almost became a Jesuit priest, but God had other plans . He would have made an excellent priest. 
I often wonder what he would have thought of me becoming an Anglican priest. Would he have been proud of me? 
From time to time I day dream of my father showing up unexpectedly to one of my services. Wishful thinking, but it fills me with joy as well as sadness. Several weeks ago as I sat in my office meditating before the services began , I decided that I would invite James Aloysius to the service so he could see what his son is up to. As I began setting the Eucharistic table, I called to him. And in my minds eye, I heard the back door open. I resisted the temptation to look up. I felt a presence. My hands had been ice cold all morning long, but they suddenly began to warm. I was not sure if I were going to be able to say the Eucharistic prayer. I felt like weeping. But I managed, because I felt the Holy Spirit filling the sanctuary. I felt at peace, and as the final hymn was being sung, I told my father that I love him. 
We all miss those who are now in the perpetual care of the God who made us all. 
We yearn to hear their voices just one more time. 
To hug them. 
To share stories .
To hold their hands. 
To look into their eyes, 
Grieving is a life long process which evolves. 
Our loved ones never really leave us. 
They walk with us, side by side. Spirit shadows. 
We are they, and they are we. 
For those this morning who are missing loved ones, take a moment to sit quietly and pray. Reach out and feel their presence. Call out to them. Tell them that you miss them and that you love them. And in the stillness of your hearts, hear their voices. For they will also tell you that they miss you and love you. 
Let us pray 
Listen to the words of the psalmist in psalm 94:19 
Our hope is found in the Lord. He
comforts and lifts our spirits if we will
run to him with our doubts, worries, and 
fears. If hope and cheer seem painfully
unattainable, take heart: Scripture tells
us that in his presence, they are here for 
the taking. 
Diosito me los colme de bendiciones y alegria 
Paz 
I love you 
John 
God bless our little reflection group.