The Stranger Who Was Jesus

Read Today's Meditation from Sister's Book Here.

Dear Diary,

This morning the wind was blowing just enough to make my braid tips dance while I waited by the mailbox. Mini trotted around sniffing things, and Sister Mary Claire stood close by with her Meditation Book wrapped in a bread bag, just in case of rain. Soon Robert pulled up in his pickup, and we climbed in.

As we bumped along the gravel road, Robert looked over and asked Sister Mary Claire if she’d read today’s meditation aloud. She opened the little book and began. It was about the two disciples who were walking with Jesus after He rose from the dead—but they didn’t know it was Him. They even called Him a stranger. That made me stop and think. Maybe I’ve done that too—missed Him when He was right beside me. Sister said our hearts have to be ready to really see Him.

Father LeRoy’s homily was about the same thing. He said Jesus sometimes waits to show Himself until we’re ready, and that if we really want to love Him more, we’ve got to try to know Him more. He shared something St. Augustine once said: “Grant me to know Thee, that I may love Thee.” I wrote it on the edge of my bulletin and underlined it twice.

I want to know Jesus better so I don’t miss Him when He’s near. Even during chores or when I’m playing with Mini, I want to keep my heart open so He won’t ever feel like a stranger to me.

Dear Jesus,

Before I close my eyes tonight, I just want to whisper thank You for walking with me today, even if I didn’t always notice. Help me sleep with a heart that’s open to You, and wake up ready to love You more. Keep Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and everyone I love safe through the night. And please—don’t ever let me forget that You are near.

Amen.

Love,
 
Kathy