Picking up Sticks

 
August 27, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today was another blessed day at St. Mary's. Sister Mary Claire and I walked together along the gravel road, with Mini happily trotting beside us. The cool morning breeze carried the scent of the changing seasons, reminding me that autumn is just around the corner. As we approached the church, I felt a deep sense of peace and anticipation, ready to spend time in prayer and reflection.

Mini was her usual cheerful self, greeting everyone at the door with enthusiastic wags as Sister Mary Claire and I handed out the daily gospel reading. Today's passage was from the Gospel of Matthew:

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. But these you should have done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You cleanse the outside of cup and dish, but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean." (Matthew 23:23-26)

Father LeRoy’s homily today was especially powerful. He shared a story about a wealthy merchant named Samuel who prided himself on his outward piety. Samuel was diligent in following all the rituals and laws, tithing meticulously, and ensuring that his public appearance was always impeccable. His fine clothes and spotless home made him a model of success and devotion in the eyes of his community.

However, despite his outward show of righteousness, Samuel’s heart was full of greed and judgment. He was quick to condemn others for their failings, yet he neglected the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Inside, Samuel’s soul was like a cup that looked clean on the outside but was filled with bitterness and self-indulgence.

Father explained that Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in today’s Gospel remind us that true holiness begins in the heart. It is not enough to perform our duties and keep up appearances if our hearts are not aligned with God’s will. We are called to cleanse our hearts first, to focus on the weightier matters of the law: judgment, mercy, and fidelity. Only when our hearts are pure can our actions truly reflect the love and righteousness that Jesus teaches us.

The homily made me think deeply about my own life, and how important it is to nurture a heart full of love, mercy, and faith, rather than just focusing on outward appearances.

After Mass, the day was filled with the familiar rhythm of farm work. Sister Mary Claire and I spent the afternoon planting our fall garden, carefully sowing seeds in the cool earth. There is something so satisfying about preparing the soil and planting, knowing that with patience and care, the seeds will grow into something beautiful and nourishing.

Later, I took on the task of picking up sticks around the property, tidying up before the leaves begin to fall. As I worked, I noticed Shaggycoat by the stream, watching me with his curious eyes. It seems he had spotted me gathering sticks and decided to join in. Before long, he was busy dragging the branches back to his dam, reinforcing his little home. I couldn’t help but smile at his dedication and how he always seems to show up when there’s work to be done. His company made the task lighter and filled my heart with warmth.

As the sun began to set, Sister Mary Claire and I retired to the prayer wagon. The soft glow of the lantern cast a warm light over the wooden walls as we knelt together to offer our prayers.

"O Mary of Grace and Mother of God, thank you for reminding us to look within and cleanse our hearts of anything that does not align with your will. Help us to focus on the weightier matters of judgment, mercy, and faithfulness, so that our lives may truly reflect the love and righteousness of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

With that, we ended our day in peace, feeling the gentle embrace of God's presence and the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent.

With love, Kathy