The Sermon

June 26, 1955

 

Dear Diary,

Father LeRoy had been thinking about our conversation yesterday, and today he based his sermon on it. I had asked him about a quote from Chesterton's "Orthodoxy" that had been on my mind: "The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and left untried." Father LeRoy explained the quote to me and thought it would be a good topic for today's sermon so that everyone could understand and benefit from it.

Father LeRoy's words were deeply moving. He began by reminding us that the Christian ideal isn't dismissed as unachievable but demands our courage and commitment.

"My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves searching for meaning and purpose. We yearn for something greater, something divine. Chesterton, in his wisdom, reminds us that the Christian ideal is not something to be dismissed as unachievable, but rather something that demands our courage and commitment.

The world may tell us that living a life of faith, hope, and charity is too difficult. It may tempt us to settle for less, to abandon our ideals for what seems easier or more practical. But remember, my dear friends, our faith calls us to a higher standard.

Jesus Christ did not promise us an easy path. He called us to take up our crosses and follow Him. This journey of faith is indeed challenging, but it is also the most rewarding journey we can undertake. When we live out our faith authentically, we become beacons of hope and love in a world that desperately needs both.

Let us not shy away from the difficulties of our Christian calling. Instead, let us embrace them with the strength and grace that God provides. For it is in striving towards these ideals, even in the face of challenges, that we truly find our purpose and our peace.

May we all be inspired by Chesterton's words and strive to live out the Christian ideal with renewed vigor and dedication. In doing so, we honor God and bring His light into the world."

His sermon touched everyone's hearts. After Mass, he mentioned our Little Library and encouraged folks to stop by for a visit. The library is currently a box on a Rock, but we're moving it to the cave. Sister Mary Claire and I are giving little tours which will help build a real library next to the cave's entry.

After the sermon, Zeke and Judy, our good friends and neighbors, surprised me with a copy of Chesterton's "Orthodoxy." They said they had an extra copy and thought it should go to the new library. I am so grateful for their kindness.

As the day comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on Father LeRoy's words and the generosity of Zeke and Judy. I feel a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to living out my faith.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the gift of community and the inspiration to live out our Christian ideals. Grant us the courage to face the challenges of our faith and the grace to strive for the higher standard you call us to. May we always be beacons of your love and light in this world.

Amen.

Until next time, dear diary.

With love and faith,

Kathy