Dear Diary,
The morning began with Mini hurrying down the gravel road to St. Mary’s, her little legs moving so quickly that I almost had to run to keep up. She knows it’s Monday, just like every other day we go to Church, but she still acts like it’s something new and exciting. I think she was especially eager today, as though she couldn’t wait to greet everyone.
At Mass, Father LeRoy spoke about the Life of Mary in union with Jesus and read from the Gospel of John: “And the word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” He explained how the Blessed Virgin became a living tabernacle, carrying Jesus within her, and how all her joy came from Him alone. Mary’s happiness was not in the things of this world but in knowing, loving, and serving Jesus.
I tried to imagine how peaceful Mary’s heart must have been—so full of Jesus that nothing else mattered. On the way home, I asked Sister Mary Claire, “How do we live in union with Jesus like Mary did?” Sister smiled at me and said, “We invite Him into everything, Kathy—our thoughts, our prayers, our work—and do it all for love of Him.” I tucked that away to remember.
This afternoon, Sister Mary Claire decided to bake banana bread. She had some very ripe bananas saved in the freezer, and it seemed the perfect day for baking. She pulled out the St. Teresa’s Altar Society Cookbook from Beresford, South Dakota, and said this recipe was always a favorite. Sister uses real butter from the Kalona dairy instead of oleo—she says it makes all the difference.
I got to mash the bananas while Sister measured the dry ingredients, but I must have been a little too enthusiastic because a bit of banana slipped off the spoon and plopped onto the floor. Before I could react, Mini darted over, snatched it up, and wagged her little bottom proudly as if she’d helped us with the baking. Sister Mary Claire laughed and said, “Well, I suppose Mini earned her share!”
Here’s the recipe:
Banana Bread
• ½ cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 1 level tsp. soda
• Dash of salt
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• 3 mashed bananas
Cream the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix well. Stir in the dry ingredients and bananas. Pour into two 4x6 pans and bake at 350 degrees.
The whole house smelled warm and sweet as the bread baked. When it was ready, Sister cut us slices while it was still warm, and we spread a little extra butter on top. I added my favorite—grape jelly—because I always love grape jelly on banana bread. Sister gave me a funny look and shook her head, saying, “That’s a bit strange, Kathy, but I suppose one likes what they like.” I just smiled because to me, the sweet jelly with the warm bread is perfect.
But then the day turned very sad. As we were finishing up our supper, Sister received a phone call. When she hung up, her face was quiet and solemn. She told me that Adam, one of our young farm neighbors, died last night—on the third Sunday of Advent. He had a heart attack, and now he’s gone. I couldn’t believe it. He was so young, and he leaves behind three little children—one of whom is in a wheelchair. Sister and I sat silently for a long time. I kept thinking how it was Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of joy, and yet this sorrow came instead. I will always remember that Adam died on that day. Oh, dear Lord, have mercy on him and his family.
Evening Prayer:
Dear Lord, please have mercy on Adam’s soul and welcome him into Your heavenly home. Comfort his wife and children, especially the little one who cannot walk. Let them feel Your love and strength through this sadness. Help me to be grateful for every day You give me. Amen.
Goodnight, Diary.
Kathy
Sources:
Jesus - The Model of Religious, Meditations for Every Day of the Year, Volume One, 1925.
St. Teresa's Cook Book (St. Teresa's Altar Society) - Beresford, South Dakota.
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