Dear Diary
This morning, Sister Mary Claire and I rose early for Holy Mass on this first day of Lent. Before we left, we read from our meditation book, and it spoke of the reminder we receive today: Dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return. It is a solemn thought, but one that Holy Mother Church gives us as a gift, so that we might always keep our last end in mind and never be lulled into the distractions of the world.
Robert picked us up at the mailbox, and though the church is just down the road, a warm ride is always welcome. The roads were cold and crisp, the morning air full of that hush that comes before a snowfall.
Before Mass began, Mini fell into her old routine of greeting parishioners as they arrived while I handed out the Gospel reading. Her little tail-less body wiggled with delight as she welcomed each familiar face, bringing smiles to everyone who passed by. Once the pews were full and the last hymn before the readings had been sung, she settled down beside me, content.
When Father LeRoy began his homily, his words sounded just like the meditation we had read earlier—no surprise, since Father also reads the same daily meditations. It made his homily feel familiar, as though God had prepared our hearts to hear it twice. He reminded us of the grace of remembering our mortality and of making good use of this Lenten season to atone for sins and grow in holiness.
After Mass, Robert drove Mini, Sister Mary Claire, and me home in his pickup. The warmth of the ride made the journey peaceful, and I felt grateful for good friends and the quiet comforts of the morning.
As I sit now by the fire, the black cross of ashes still faintly on my forehead, I think of how swiftly time passes. Lent will come and go, and so will this season of life. But if we keep our hearts fixed on Heaven, every sacrifice, every little mortification will be worth it.
O merciful Lord, as we begin this holy season of Lent, grant me the grace to remember my last end, not with fear, but with hope. Help me to live each day as a gift from You, using this time to turn away from sin and draw ever closer to You. May my small acts of penance be pleasing in Your sight, and may they help me to love You more. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment