It was 62 degrees this morning when Sister Mary Claire and I sat out on the big rock near the mailbox, waiting for Robert. The sun had already warmed the gravel, and Mini was sniffing around like it was her job to inspect every single rock and weed. Across the road, a farmer was already out with his shiny new two-row planter, making the straightest rows you ever saw. The smell of the turned-up dirt reminded me that planting season is really here.
When Robert arrived, Mini trotted right over and stood patiently until he opened the pickup door—she knows she’s not allowed to jump in until she’s invited. I scooted in first, then Sister climbed in beside me, and Mini curled up at our feet, still and happy.
Once we were off down the road, Sister pulled out her little brown meditation book. “I didn’t get a chance to read it yet,” she said, “so let’s do it now.” Robert smiled and said, “Go ahead, Sister. I always like hearing them.”
Today’s reading was about the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus had been walking with them the whole time, but they didn’t know it was Him. When they got close to town, He acted like He was going to walk on farther—but really, He just wanted to be asked to stay. The book said the disciples constrained Him, like they really insisted. Sister explained that sometimes Jesus seems far away just to give us a chance to call out to Him with our whole heart: Stay with us, Lord!
Robert nodded and said, “I like that part. That kind of holy stubbornness, right? Like, don’t just give up when you don’t feel Him close.” Sister laughed softly and said, “Exactly, Robert. The Lord wants to be invited to stay, not just noticed.”
She went on reading the part where the disciples finally sat down at the table, and Jesus broke the bread—and in that moment, they recognized Him. It wasn’t while walking, but once they welcomed Him into their home and sat with Him. I liked how the meditation said their hearts burned with love. That line always stays with me.
On the way home after Mass, I kept thinking about how many times I’ve probably been like those disciples—not noticing Jesus right there beside me until something gentle and quiet makes me look again. Sister said that every time we receive Holy Communion, Jesus is with us just as truly, and we should prepare our hearts like a little home for Him—full of faith, love, and welcome.
When we pulled back into the driveway, Mini hopped out with a stretch and headed straight for her favorite shady spot by the coop. The farmer across the road was still planting, still steady, still focused—kind of like how I want to be with Jesus.
Dear Jesus, I don’t want to let You walk on by. If You ever seem far, help me remember that You’re near, waiting to be asked. Come into my heart like You did with the disciples, and let my heart burn with love when You break the bread. I want to know You more and more each day. Stay with me, Lord. Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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