When My Thoughts Found a Voice
Third Week of Lent
Dear Diary,
The ride to church this morning was quiet and quick. Robert picked us up at the mailbox, as always, and Sister Mary Claire and I climbed into the warm pickup with Mini settling right onto the floor by the heater. The cold air outside made the warmth inside feel even more comforting, and none of us had much to say. It was the kind of morning that didn’t need words.
We arrived at church early—just the way we like it. The three of us took our usual pew near the front. The church was hushed, holding onto the last bit of night. Sister opened our Lenten meditation book and turned to today’s reading: The Silence of Jesus.
She read softly so only Robert and I could hear. The passage came from the Gospel of Matthew: “And when He was accused by the chief priests and ancients, He answered nothing... and the governor wondered exceedingly.” We sat still for a while, just thinking on that. Jesus, standing before His accusers, choosing not to defend Himself—not because He had no defense, but because He was offering Himself in perfect love.
Sister whispered that His silence was stronger than any argument. Robert quietly added, “It speaks louder than words ever could.” I thought of how often I try to explain or excuse myself, even over the smallest things. But Jesus remained silent to show us the strength of surrender, the kind that saves souls.
Father LeRoy’s homily followed the same meditation. He said that Jesus’ silence was not weakness—it was mercy. He bore false accusations to make up for our faults and excuses, and He did it willingly. I felt very small in that moment—but also very loved.
Later this afternoon, Mini and I went down to the cave. It was peaceful and cool inside. I brought along my airmail stationery and wrote Vreni a letter. I told her all about this morning—how still it was in church, and how Jesus’ silence taught me more than a thousand words ever could. I told her I want to practice that kind of silence too—not just being quiet, but being still in my heart.
Evening Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for Your silent strength.
You didn’t fight back or defend Yourself—
You gave Yourself in love,
For me, for all of us.
Help me to speak less and listen more,
To stop justifying myself,
And to follow You in quiet trust.
Bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, my brown hen Omelette, and my friend Vreni,
And all who came to church today in silence and faith.
Let me rest now in the peace of Your quiet love.
Amen.
With love,
Kathy
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