Thursday, November 14, 2024

A Chilly Morning and the Kingdom Among Us


November 14, 1955

Dear Diary,

This morning started off brisk, with a frosty 34 degrees. Mini wasn’t thrilled about leaving her warm spot by the fire, so I coaxed her out with a tiny dab of peanut butter on a spoon—just enough to tempt her to follow me. I try to keep her trim, so it was a very small taste, but it did the trick! Soon we were off to Mass, and our breath made little clouds as we walked in the chilly air.

Today’s Gospel reading was from Luke 17:20-25, where Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God. After Mass, Sister Mary Claire explained that when Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is among you,” He was teaching that it isn’t something we wait for or point out—it’s already here, living in our hearts and in our choices. She reminded me that Jesus also warned His disciples not to chase after signs, saying, “Just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky, so will the Son of Man be in His day.” Sister Mary Claire said it will be clear when He returns, just like a flash of lightning lighting up the whole sky.

For lunch, we made tuna salad sandwiches on soft white bread. Here’s how Sister Mary Claire makes her tuna salad:One can of tuna, drained
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon of finely chopped celery for crunch
1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley (if we have it on hand, which today we did)
A dash of lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

She mixes it all together and serves it on slices of homemade white bread. The tuna salad is creamy, light, and just a bit tangy from the lemon. It was delicious! I’ll share our recipe for white bread tomorrow.

As the day ends, I’ll offer my evening prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary, using a prayer by St. Bernard:

"Holy Mary, turn your eyes of mercy toward me; see, in my weakness, my need for your gentle protection. Under your shelter may I find rest, in your guidance may I find strength. Blessed Mary, be my light, and lead me closer to the Kingdom of God."

Goodnight, dear Lord. May your Kingdom grow in my heart.

In Jesus' name, Amen.





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