Dear Diary,
The morning was quiet, and the roads were clear, making it a beautiful day for walking. Robert joined us on the way to Mass, and Mini trotted happily alongside us, her little paws leaving neat prints in the slushy road. The air had even warmed up, and water was dripping from the church roof when we arrived. It felt like a small promise of spring, though the snow still lay thick everywhere else.
Inside the church, Mini lay under the pew, curled up neatly as if she knew this was a sacred place. Now and then, I felt her little warm body against my boots. She stayed there the whole time, quiet as could be.
Father LeRoy spoke about the meditation we had been reading—on the disgraceful conduct of Judas. He, too, had been reflecting on the passage. He reminded us that Judas’ heart was not moved by Mary’s devotion when she anointed Jesus’ feet with costly ointment. Instead, he judged her, disguising his greed under the appearance of charity. It made me think—have I ever acted that way? Have I ever covered up selfishness with a false kindness?
On the walk home, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and I continued talking about it. Sister said it wasn’t just about Judas’ words but the way he let his heart harden against Jesus. Robert nodded, saying that Judas had many chances to change, but instead of drawing close to Jesus, he let his selfishness push him further away. We walked in silence for a little while, thinking about it. Even Mini seemed subdued, her ears flicking as she stepped carefully through the melting snow.
When we reached the mailbox, Robert said his goodbye and continued his walk home, which was the next farm over. Mini watched him go, her ears perked as if she were considering following him, but she quickly turned back to us, content to stay by our side.
Lunch was simple but delicious—Sister made salmon patties, and they were so easy and so good. Mini got a little taste, of course, which she accepted with great delight. She wagged her little bottom and looked at me as if to say, More, please!
For evening prayers, Sister Hilda had written a little prayer to go with today’s meditation. It was so beautiful that Sister Mary Claire and I decided to use it:
“O Jesus, Master, kindle in my heart the fire which Thou camest to cast on earth, that I may love Thee more ardently, that I may be more perfectly conformed to Thee, that I may follow Thee more closely. O Mother of Jesus, cover me with thy mantle of Immaculate purity, that so I may be able to love thy Divine Son more absolutely. Lord and Master, be Thou alone pleasing to me henceforth for evermore. Make me, Lord Jesus, a true and loyal servant—ready to suffer and die for Thee.”
Mini curled up at my feet as we prayed, sighing deeply, already half asleep. I stroked her soft fur and whispered, Amen.
Ingredients:1 can (14-15 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
1 egg
¼ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
Directions:In a bowl, mix together the salmon, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small patties.
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce.
Mini certainly approved, though she only got the tiniest bite!
The morning was quiet, and the roads were clear, making it a beautiful day for walking. Robert joined us on the way to Mass, and Mini trotted happily alongside us, her little paws leaving neat prints in the slushy road. The air had even warmed up, and water was dripping from the church roof when we arrived. It felt like a small promise of spring, though the snow still lay thick everywhere else.
Inside the church, Mini lay under the pew, curled up neatly as if she knew this was a sacred place. Now and then, I felt her little warm body against my boots. She stayed there the whole time, quiet as could be.
Father LeRoy spoke about the meditation we had been reading—on the disgraceful conduct of Judas. He, too, had been reflecting on the passage. He reminded us that Judas’ heart was not moved by Mary’s devotion when she anointed Jesus’ feet with costly ointment. Instead, he judged her, disguising his greed under the appearance of charity. It made me think—have I ever acted that way? Have I ever covered up selfishness with a false kindness?
On the walk home, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and I continued talking about it. Sister said it wasn’t just about Judas’ words but the way he let his heart harden against Jesus. Robert nodded, saying that Judas had many chances to change, but instead of drawing close to Jesus, he let his selfishness push him further away. We walked in silence for a little while, thinking about it. Even Mini seemed subdued, her ears flicking as she stepped carefully through the melting snow.
When we reached the mailbox, Robert said his goodbye and continued his walk home, which was the next farm over. Mini watched him go, her ears perked as if she were considering following him, but she quickly turned back to us, content to stay by our side.
Lunch was simple but delicious—Sister made salmon patties, and they were so easy and so good. Mini got a little taste, of course, which she accepted with great delight. She wagged her little bottom and looked at me as if to say, More, please!
For evening prayers, Sister Hilda had written a little prayer to go with today’s meditation. It was so beautiful that Sister Mary Claire and I decided to use it:
“O Jesus, Master, kindle in my heart the fire which Thou camest to cast on earth, that I may love Thee more ardently, that I may be more perfectly conformed to Thee, that I may follow Thee more closely. O Mother of Jesus, cover me with thy mantle of Immaculate purity, that so I may be able to love thy Divine Son more absolutely. Lord and Master, be Thou alone pleasing to me henceforth for evermore. Make me, Lord Jesus, a true and loyal servant—ready to suffer and die for Thee.”
Mini curled up at my feet as we prayed, sighing deeply, already half asleep. I stroked her soft fur and whispered, Amen.
Sister Mary Claire’s Simple Salmon Patties
Ingredients:1 can (14-15 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
1 egg
¼ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
Directions:In a bowl, mix together the salmon, egg, onion, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small patties.
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon or a dollop of tartar sauce.
Mini certainly approved, though she only got the tiniest bite!
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