Writers, Reality, Gratitude and Christmas Scenes .

Monday morning:
On Monday morning, I was pleasantly surprised when I heard a This I Believe essay by Richard Rohr (probably my favorite spiritual writer), on public radio as I drove to 7:00 mass. That would have been exciting enough but at the liturgy I was quite impressed when Ronald Rolhieser (another excellent spiritual writer) was co-presiding and gave the homily.

I wish this were not someone's reality:
Can you imagine, if you had no place to sleep because all of the emergency shelters in the city were full, so you decide to sleep in an abandoned building only to be arrested during the night for trespassing. If that were not bad enough, what if a brown recluse spider bit you on the head while you were in jail.

Thanks
Thanks to all who have sent cards, gifts and greetings, and for all who hold me and the people of New Orleans in prayer.

Several people have sent me money to use for those who are most in need. I am deeply touched and overwhelmed at how generous so many people are. Thus far the money has been used to buy groceries for someone who recently moved into housing who had an empty refrigerator earlier this week, gift certificates to Walgreens have been given out to all those residing in a particular shelter and to a few other homeless individuals, and a donation has been passed along to another social service agency. I find it difficult to discern how to best distribute the donations because there are so many needs, I am never sure where to start, but am glad to have funds to use as needs arise that are otherwise going unmet. Thank you.

Christmas Decorations in and near the French Quarter

Merry Christmas to all!