Thursday, September 5, 2024

The Walk to Church


September 5, 1955

Dear Diary,

Today felt special from the very beginning. Sister Mary Claire and I took our usual walk to St. Mary's, but something about it was different today. The cool morning air was crisp, and the gravel crunched beneath our shoes with a familiar rhythm, but there was a stillness that felt sacred. We didn't say much to each other, just walked side by side, taking it all in. Sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that bring the most peace.

When we arrived at church, we took our places at the entrance to hand out the Gospel readings for the day. It was the passage from Luke 5:1-11, where Jesus performs the miraculous catch of fish and calls Simon Peter, James, and John to follow Him. It felt like a powerful message for today, and as Father LeRoy began his homily, I could tell everyone in the congregation was listening intently.

Father LeRoy spoke about the deep faith Simon Peter had in trusting Jesus, even after a long night of catching nothing. He reminded us that there are times when we feel like we’ve worked hard with nothing to show for it, but if we trust in Jesus and His word, everything can change in an instant. Father said that it’s not just about our efforts, but about trusting in God’s timing and His will. When Simon Peter saw the great catch of fish, he was so humbled, feeling unworthy, but Jesus reassured him, saying, “Do not be afraid.” Those words echoed through the church, and Father reminded us that we are all called to be “fishers of men,” to share the love of Christ with others, no matter how inadequate we may feel.

Mini, of course, missed the whole thing! When we checked on her this morning, she was fast asleep under the bed, curled up in her favorite spot. She looked so peaceful, we didn’t have the heart to wake her. So, Sister and I left her to her dreams and hurried home after Mass to let her out for her morning pleasure. She loved sniffing around and exploring, just as she always does.

On the farm, things are going well. Our brown hen continues to provide, and today we reached a milestone—we’ve collected enough eggs to fill a whole case of 30 dozen! It’s the first time in a week that we’ve been able to gather that many, so I’m sure the Breakfast Club will be thrilled when we deliver it. It feels good to know that even in small ways, our little farm is helping out the community.

As the sun began to set, Sister Mary Claire and I gathered in the prayer wagon for evening devotions, Mini nestled between us. We offered our nightly prayer together:

"Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings of this day—the beauty of creation, the strength of our bodies, and the peace of our hearts. We ask that You watch over us tonight and keep us safe under Your loving care. Bless our little farm, our friends, and the work of our hands. May Your love guide our thoughts, words, and actions tomorrow, and may we continue to serve You with all our hearts. Amen."

Mini sighed softly, and I could feel the peace settle over us. As the day ends, I’m grateful for these simple blessings and for the gentle ways God continues to guide us.

Until tomorrow,
Kathy



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