Tuesday, May 7

May 7, 1955

Today began with the sun beaming gently over the horizon, casting a warm glow that promised a busy day ahead on the farm. Outside, the rhythmic chug of the WC Allis Chalmers with its two-row corn planter filled the air, a testament to the progress of spring and the essential task of planting our corn. The familiar noise, while disruptive at times, is a comforting reminder that life moves forward, and so must we.

This morning, Father LeRoy’s homily touched me deeply. He spoke eloquently about the Holy Spirit, the very heart of our Church’s life force. "The Spirit is the fuel of the Church," he began, his voice echoing through the modest church hall, "the energy and life force of the Body of Christ." It's fascinating how, amidst the mechanical sounds of the farm equipment, Father LeRoy’s words offered a different kind of sustenance—a spiritual nourishment.

He emphasized that this divine gift cannot be earned through heroic efforts but is received by simply asking. "The Father would never refuse someone who asked for the Holy Spirit," he assured us. It struck me, how often we strive to achieve through sheer will, forgetting that some things, especially those deeply spiritual, come only by surrender and request.

Father LeRoy cited Fr. Hesburgh, mentioning that regardless of our circumstances, the plea 'Come, Holy Spirit!' remains ever pertinent. This prayer, so simple yet profound, resonates with every phase of life, embodying hope and a continuous call for divine presence in our daily endeavors.

What resonated most was the invocation of Mary in this spiritual journey. In every Hail Mary, we implore, "Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death," seeking her intercession for the Holy Spirit's guidance. The connection drawn between our earthly endeavors, like the tending of fields, and the spiritual assistance we seek, encapsulates the essence of our faith—grounded yet aspiring towards celestial aid.

As the tractor continues its steady rumble outside, preparing the earth for growth, I too find myself preparing inwardly, inspired to regularly invoke the Holy Spirit in my life's work, just as I tend to the soil. The parallel between cultivating land and cultivating the soul is unmistakable and profound.

Let us, therefore, keep asking for that heavenly strength, with Mary’s support, as we navigate the fields of our lives, both literal and spiritual.

With a hopeful heart,

Kathy