This morning was nothing short of wonderful. As I walked to St. Mary's with Sister Mary Claire and Mini, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy welling up inside me. Mini, of course, was her usual bundle of energy, and it was as if she was participating in a popularity contest, the way she wiggled up to greet everyone arriving at the church. It’s truly amazing how much love and warmth that little corgi brings to our parish family. She’s becoming quite the little celebrity with her charming ways!
Inside the church, I had the honor of handing out the Gospel readings today. As I looked into the eyes of each parishioner, I could see the anticipation, the quiet reverence for the Word of God. It was a humbling experience, knowing that these words carry the weight of truth and hope.
Father Leroy's sermon today was powerful, touching on the very essence of our faith. He spoke about the closing of Jesus' discourse in the sixth chapter of John, where our Lord presented the teaching on the Real Presence in the Eucharist. Father Leroy reminded us that the Eucharist is the standing or falling point of Christianity. Jesus' question to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave over this teaching?” echoed through the church, as he posed it to each one of us. Do we reject it, or do we accept it? It’s a question that challenges us to the core, demanding our true commitment to the faith. I could see in the eyes of everyone around that this was a moment of deep reflection, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose and conviction in my heart.
After the homily, the church was filled with a profound sense of reverence as we moved into the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Watching Sister Mary Claire pass out Holy Communion with such grace and devotion was a moment of pure holiness. It felt as though the whole church was united in that sacred act, truly accepting the gift of the Eucharist.
The afternoon was wonderfully quiet. I spent some time in the cave, where I took a nap and listened to Bishop Robert Barron on my transistor radio. His homily, like Father Leroy's, focused on the same gospel reading—how amazing it is to know that every Catholic Church around the world is in sync, hearing the same words and sharing in the same reflection! Bishop Barron’s words were comforting, reinforcing the truth of Jesus’ teaching and the beauty of our shared faith.
As the day came to a close, Sister Mary Claire and I settled into the prayer wagon to watch an old episode of Death Valley Days. We’ve gotten quite addicted to this program! Each episode tells stories from the American Old West, filled with tales of adventure, hardship, and triumph. The narrator, known as the “Old Ranger,” adds a touch of wisdom and humor to each tale. It’s a good way to end the day, with stories that remind us of the resilience of the human spirit.
And so, the day ends, with Mini curled up beside me, Sister Mary Claire offering a final prayer, and the peace of the evening settling over our little sanctuary. I feel blessed, content, and ready for whatever tomorrow may bring.
O Mary of Grace and Mother of God, may I tread in the paths that the righteous have trod!
Goodnight, dear diary.
Love,
Kathy
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