Beams of Faith

 
November 6, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today’s Gospel really made me think. Sister Mary Claire explained it in such a way that the lesson felt close to my own life, even if the words at first seemed a little hard. She talked about a barn raising and what it takes to finish a project once you’ve started it.

She said, “Imagine if we all came together to build a barn, and partway through, we ran out of the beams we needed for the roof. We’d be standing there, looking up at our work half-finished, with the wind whistling through the gaps.” She said everyone in town would shake their heads and maybe even laugh, thinking, “How could they start a barn raising without enough materials?”

In the Gospel, Jesus says something like that. If we want to follow Him, we need to be ready to give our whole selves—not just parts or pieces. It’s like making sure we have all the beams and materials to finish what we’ve set out to build. Sister said Jesus asks us to carry our own crosses, no matter how heavy or strange they seem, and to love Him above everything else—even the things we care most about. It means we need to have the strength to keep building, even when the work is hard or when we feel like we might not have enough.

As I sat thinking about it, Mini was right there by my feet, resting her chin on my shoe, as if she was listening to every word. She always seems to know when something is stirring in my heart. She stayed close, warm and calm, as if that alone could help me understand what I need to do. I wonder if maybe I need to follow Jesus like Mini follows me, with a quiet trust and love.

A Bedtime Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Help me to gather the beams I need to follow You, one by one, so that my faith is as strong as the barn Sister described. May I always love You above all else and carry my cross bravely. Thank You for the people and little friends, like Mini, who make me feel safe as I try to live for You.

In Your name, Amen.

 

Frosty Morning and Soaring Hopes

November 5, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning, I bundled up warmly for our walk to St. Mary’s. A thin layer of frost covered the fields, sparkling under the soft morning light like a sea of tiny crystals. The trees stood bare and tall, with just a few golden leaves hanging on, shivering in the breeze. Each step on the gravel path made a crisp, crackling sound, as if the ground were greeting the new day with us. Mini was overjoyed by the cold air, her nose glued to the frosty ground, taking in all the new smells. She trotted alongside me, her little bottom wiggling with each step—she looked like she was having her own little adventure!

Father LeRoy’s homily touched me today. The gospel reading was about the young man whom Jesus invites to leave everything and follow Him. Father explained that Jesus wasn’t only talking about our belongings but also the worries and fears we cling to. He said we sometimes hold onto these things as if they make us feel stronger, but true strength comes from letting go and trusting in God’s love. I tried to picture myself placing each little worry into God’s hands, one by one, and feeling lighter as I did.

When we got back home, Sister Mary Claire had a wonderful surprise for me—a beautiful tablet of airmail stationery! The pages are plain but smooth, and the envelopes have bright red and blue stripes along the edges. On the cover is a drawing of an airplane, and when I look at it, I can almost imagine myself aboard, flying back to Zurich to hand-deliver my next letter to Vreni. I can’t wait to write to her about everything that’s been happening here. It feels like I’ll be sending her a piece of my heart with every letter.

Dear Lord, thank You for this frosty morning and for the beautiful words Father LeRoy shared. Help me trust in Your care and let go of my worries. Bless Vreni and keep her safe. Amen.

 

The Blessings of Unseen Kindness

November 4, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today I wrote a little note back to Vreni, thanking her for her letter and the lovely Morning Devotions she copied out for me from her Confirmation prayer book. They were just what I needed, especially with the chilly mornings starting to settle in. It’s funny, but even Mini seems to enjoy listening to me as I read those words aloud. She snuggles up close, and her little ears perk up like she’s following along.

In my letter, I shared a bit about the Gospel reading from today. Jesus was visiting a Pharisee for dinner, and He spoke so plainly about kindness—the sort that comes without expecting anything in return. He said that when you invite people over, it shouldn’t just be friends or family, but also those who can’t repay you, like the poor or the blind. Jesus called them the blessed, and I think it’s because they remind us of God’s pure, unmeasured love. They might not bring a gift in return, but there’s a kind of joy that fills the heart when you help someone who truly needs it. Jesus said that the repayment comes later, at the resurrection.

I imagine Vreni will love this Gospel, knowing how thoughtful she is. I told her how it made me think of the kind gestures we can offer to those around us, even if we never get to see the reward here on earth.

The cold weather is definitely making itself known, and I think Mini feels it more than me sometimes. She gets her little legs tangled up in the blankets as she tries to make herself as snug as possible. We’ve taken to going outside a bit less, and when we do, she’s wearing her little wool sweater. I’m sure Vreni would laugh to see her trotting about the yard in it, looking all cozy and warm.

As I finished my letter, I included a little prayer. It’s one I read this morning: “Lord Jesus, help me to love with a heart that expects nothing in return. Teach me to see others as You do, and to cherish the smallest acts of kindness as precious offerings to You.”

And with that, my heart feels full and grateful, thinking of all these little blessings.

Goodnight, dear Diary, and God bless.

Amen.

The Greatest Commandments

November 3, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today, Sister Mary Claire explained the Gospel reading to me in such a beautiful way that I just had to write it down. It was from the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 12, verses 28 to 34. Mini even seemed to listen to every word as if she, too, understood the importance of what Sister was sharing.

The story began with one of the scribes asking Jesus which commandment is the most important of all. And Jesus answered with such clarity, saying, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Sister Mary Claire’s voice grew soft yet firm as she recited these words, and I felt them settle into my heart, reminding me of how completely I should love God.

Then Jesus continued, “The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Sister said that loving God and loving others are two sides of the same coin, inseparable, and that if we truly love God, it should naturally lead us to care deeply for others. I could almost feel Mini pressing closer to me, as if she understood how precious these words were.

The scribe replied to Jesus, agreeing that loving God and one’s neighbor is more valuable than all sacrifices. Sister explained that Jesus saw the scribe’s sincerity and understanding, so He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” She told me that when we understand and live these two commandments, we are drawing nearer to God’s kingdom—His presence in our lives.

When she finished, there was a peaceful silence. Even Mini seemed content, curled up by my feet as if she felt the holiness of that moment. Sister Mary Claire’s words made the Gospel feel so alive, and I want to carry this teaching in my heart—to love God with all my being and to treat others with the same kindness and care I wish for myself.

The Gospel of the Lord.  Amen.

 

November 2, 1955

Dear Diary,

Since most of what I wanted to say is already written in my letter to Vreni, I'll keep it short tonight. I mostly wanted to remember the story from Father LeRoy’s homily. Today, he shared a reading from the holy Gospel according to John, chapter 6, verses 37-40. He told us how Jesus said, "Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away.” Father LeRoy explained how this means that Jesus welcomes us all, no matter how lost we might feel. Even when we falter, He promises us that we’ll never be turned away if we come to Him in faith. It filled me with hope, knowing that we’re all held in His heart so dearly.

As I write this, Mini is barking at the window again. I don’t even have the ambition to see what it is; almost always, it’s a rabbit. She’ll tire herself out soon, and then we can both rest in peace.

O Lord, as I end this day, I place myself and my loved ones into Your care. Watch over us as we sleep, and let Your love guide us closer to You. Amen.

 

All Saints Day & Airmail to a Friend

November 1, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today was All Saints’ Day, and Father LeRoy gave such a beautiful homily on the Gospel reading from Matthew 5:1-12a. This reading is known as the Beatitudes, where Jesus went up on the mountain, sat down, and taught His disciples the blessings for those who walk in His way. Father LeRoy told us a story to bring the Beatitudes to life. He spoke of a humble farmer he knew back in his younger days, a man who had very little money but was rich in kindness and faith. This farmer always shared his harvest, even if it meant having less for himself. People often wondered why he gave so freely when he had so little, but he would simply say, “The Lord fills my cup, and it runs over.” Father said this man was the perfect example of being “poor in spirit” and “pure in heart”—always thinking of others before himself. Father LeRoy’s story reminded me of how good it feels to live with a giving heart, even in the smallest ways.

After Mass, I decided to make an extra copy of this diary entry to send to Vreni. I’ll include today’s Gospel reading with it, just like the ones I prepare for Father LeRoy every day. I know she would appreciate seeing what I do firsthand, even from so far away. I miss her, but it makes me happy to share a little bit of my life with her in these letters.

Mini and I went out for a few short walks today, but the cold wind nipped at our noses and sent us hurrying back inside each time. I could tell Mini wanted to stay out longer, but she quickly understood and was happy to curl up beside me by the fire.

Tonight, before bed, I say this prayer:

“Dear Lord, may my heart be open to those who need a kind word, a gentle hand, or a listening ear. Help me walk in Your way, with a spirit of joy and peace. Bless Vreni and all my loved ones, near and far. Amen.”

Tomorrow, I have another little story to share—something I found tucked among Sister Mary Claire’s books. But I’ll save that for then.

Under His Wings

October 31, 1955

Diary Entry:

This morning at Mass, Father LeRoy read from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 13, verses 31 to 35. In the reading, Jesus speaks of His deep love for Jerusalem, longing to gather its people together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, even though they had often rejected Him. Father said this showed how patient and tender Jesus is, always wanting to bring us close, even when we stray or turn away. He talked about how much love and protection is in those words—a mother bird covering her little ones with her wings, just as Jesus longs to cover and protect each of us.

It felt like Father was speaking directly to my heart. I could feel that same warmth when I got home and found Vreni's package waiting for me with antique holy cards. One card showed a group of birds perched peacefully on branches, surrounded by soft flowers, while the cold world lay quietly in the background. The words on the card read: "Der Herr Zebaoth wird Jerusalem beschirmen, wie die Vögel thun mit Flügeln"— “The Lord of Hosts will protect Jerusalem, like birds do with their wings” (Isaiah 31:5). It was as if Vreni somehow knew what I needed—a reminder that God’s love surrounds me, just as the Gospel and Father’s homily reminded us of Jesus’s desire to gather us under His protective wings.

As the day faded and the chill settled in even more, Sister kept the fire going to keep us all snug. I spent time with Mini, who nuzzled up to me after playing outside, her little body warm and comforting. My thoughts drifted to Vreni, feeling grateful for our friendship that reaches across the miles, like those birds sheltering each other in the cold. I said a little prayer for Sister, Mini, my brown hen, Shaggycoat the beaver, and Vreni, asking God to keep them all safe under His wings.

Evening Prayer:

"Dear Lord, thank You for this day and for reminding me of Your protection and love. Watch over Sister, Mini, Vreni, and all the animals You’ve blessed me with. Keep us safe and warm under Your sheltering wings. Amen."