Fear Not

 

 

Friday, May 2, 1956

Dear Diary,

Robert picked us up early this morning. The weather was mild—no scarves needed—and Mini waited patiently at the truck until Robert opened the door. She jumped in like she knew exactly where we were headed.

Mass was peaceful. Mini curled up under our pew and rested her head on my foot, which made kneeling a bit tricky. I tried not to move her, so I knelt sort of sideways and did my best to pray properly.

Afterward, we stayed in the pew to read Today’s Meditation. It followed right along with Father’s homily since he uses the same book. The part that stayed with me was when Jesus met the women after the Resurrection and said, “All Hail.”They held onto His feet and adored Him, and He told them, “Fear not.” The meditation said He gives grace that fits our weakness. I like that. It makes me feel like He knows just how to help me, even when I feel small.

Father invited us to the rectory afterward—completely last minute. He scurried around the kitchen fixing oatmeal, while we helped set the table. He even poured some into a little dish for Mini, who ate it faster than anyone.

Evening Prayer:

Jesus, thank You for knowing my heart and telling me not to be afraid. Let me always stay close to You. Amen.


Love,

Kathy

Jesus Reveals Himself to Mary Magdalen

 

May 1st, 1956

Dear Diary,

The first day of May felt like the world had been gently washed and hung out in the sun. The breeze smelled like lilacs, and everything seemed to be blooming all at once. Sister Mary Claire reminded me that May is the Month of Mary, the Blessed Mother, and I promised to do something kind each day in her honor—even if it’s just a little thing, like saying an extra Hail Mary or being extra gentle with Mini.

Robert pulled up this morning right on time. His pickup was clean and shiny from last night’s rain, and Mini was already waiting at the end of the lane with her ears perked and her tail wiggling like mad. We climbed in, and Sister had her Meditation Book open on her lap. She told me we’d read it together later since there wasn’t time before Mass.

After we got back from church and took care of the chicken chores—feeding, watering, and gathering eggs—we sat on the bench near the coop and finished today’s meditation about Mary Magdalen. The hens were scratching around in the dirt, and the wind felt soft on my face.

The part that stayed with me the most said, “O my Jesus, speak to my heart, as Thou didst speak to Magdalen: say but one word to me and a light shall flood my soul.” I thought about how she stayed by the empty tomb when everyone else had left. She didn’t understand what had happened, but she stayed. And because she stayed, Jesus came.

I imagined what it would feel like to hear Him say my name. Just one word—and I would know it was Him, and everything inside me would feel full of light and love and peace. I want to be that kind of person. The kind who waits and listens and doesn’t give up.

Sister says Mary Magdalen’s love for Jesus was so big that even sadness couldn’t make her walk away. I asked Jesus to help me love Him like that—more than anything else, even if it’s hard.

Evening Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Please speak to my heart like You did to Mary Magdalen. Even just one word from You would be enough to fill me with peace. I want to stay close to You always. And dear Mother Mary, this month is yours—help me live it well.
Amen.

Love,
Kathy