A Morning Prayer for Today

Dear Lord,

Please stay close to us through this busy, crazy life. Be with us all day, even when it gets hard, until the sun sets and the world gets quiet again. Help us get through today’s work with love and patience. And please watch over the people who are facing such big troubles right now - like those in California with the wildfires. Protect them and give them hope. 

And when everything is done forever, let us be with You in peace.

Amen.

 
~ Love Kathy

The Prophecy of Simeon and the Church Mouse

January 13, 1956

Dear Diary,

Today was a special Monday, quiet and cold, with frost glittering on the church windows as Sister Mary Claire and I stayed behind after Holy Mass. We sat in the pew closest to the stove, where its warmth curled out like a hug. Sister said it was the perfect spot for a meditation, and I think she was right. Everything felt still and holy.

Sister explained the prophecy of Simeon to me, and I tried my best to understand. She said how Simeon held the little Baby Jesus in his arms and called Him the "Light of Nations" and the "Glory of Israel." It must have been such a joyful moment, but then he spoke about how Jesus would be "a sign to be contradicted"—how He would cause the rise and fall of many in Israel. Sister said Simeon was telling Mary and Joseph something very hard: that Jesus would be the Savior but also a stumbling block for those who would refuse Him.

Sister Mary Claire told me to imagine the love and longing of Christ's Heart, so ready to save everyone, but how some people would resist and reject Him, even though He was offering them everything. She said it’s like a gift—someone has to open it to see how wonderful it is. But not everyone wants the gift. I thought about that for a long time.

Just as I was deep in thought, Mini perked up, her little ears twitching. At first, I thought she was dreaming, but then a tiny country mouse scurried past, making a beeline for Father LeRoy's stack of firewood! Mini was so surprised that she wiggled out from under the pew. What happened next was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Mini crept up to the woodpile where the little mouse was hiding, and, with her nose almost touching his, they had a tender and curious moment together. The mouse peeked out, his little whiskers twitching, and Mini just sat there, as if they were having a silent conversation.

That little mouse got me thinking, too. Maybe it didn’t know it was in a church—a holy place. But it came to the warmth and safety anyway, just like we do when we come to Jesus. I wonder if the mouse felt the peace here. Sister smiled and said, “God cares even for the smallest of His creatures, Kathy, even for field mice.”

We sat a little longer by the stove, and I thought about Jesus being a gift, like Sister said, and about how I never want to be the kind of person who resists Him.

Dearest Jesus, thank You for today’s meditation. Please help me to always love You and never reject Your gifts, no matter how small they seem. Help me to share Your warmth with others, like the stove in the church warmed me today. And if You are watching over the little field mouse, keep him safe, too. Amen.

31251

"Jesus' Baptism: A Lesson in Love and Humility"

Dear Diary

This morning, Sister Mary Claire and I went to Mass early at St. Mary’s. We brought our meditation book with us and stayed afterward to read the reflection on the Baptism of Jesus. It said how Jesus went to the Jordan to be baptized by John, even though He didn’t have any sins. Sister Mary Claire explained on the way home that Jesus didn’t need baptism for Himself, but He did it to show us how important it is and to make the waters holy for everyone else.

She said that when Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened, and God’s voice said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” and the Holy Spirit came down like a dove. She said that when we are baptized, we become children of God too, and it’s the most amazing gift. I kept thinking about how humble Jesus was to be baptized like that, even though He didn’t need it.

When we got home, Mini was so excited to see us. Her little bottom was wagging like crazy, and she followed me around while I fed the chickens and gathered eggs. After chores, Sister Mary Claire made us a nice lunch of bread, butter, and jam with a glass of milk. It was simple, but it tasted so good.

This evening, we sat by the fire and listened to Bishop Robert Barron’s Sunday Sermon on my little Swiss radio while sipping Hot Cocoa. His homily was about the Baptism of Jesus too, and it made me feel like the whole day was wrapped around that moment at the Jordan River. I felt so grateful that God loves us enough to make us His children.

Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me so much and for making me God’s child through baptism. Please help me to stay close to You and do what is right. Help me to be humble, like You were, and to always try my best to make You happy. Amen.

With love,

Kathy

The Presentation of Jesus

January 11th, 1956

Dear Diary,

This morning, Sister Mary Clare and I bundled up early for our walk to church. The air was crisp, and the stars still sparkled faintly as we made our way down the gravel road. I carried my little prayer book close, eager to read today's meditation before Mass began. Mini trotted alongside us, her little bottom wagging happily despite the cold.

The meditation spoke about the Presentation of Jesus in the temple and how He offered Himself completely to His Father. Sister Mary Clare explained on the way home how Jesus gave Himself in perfect love and obedience, and how we should try to do the same in our little acts each day. She said, “Even if it’s hard to give up something we want, like extra time playing or a favorite treat, we can offer it to God and say, ‘I am wholly Thine.’” I thought about how I could try to do that today.

When we got home, Mini dashed inside, shaking off the cold. The house smelled warm and cozy because Sister’s Wonder Bread dough was ready to go into the pan for baking. Tonight, we’ll have fresh bread with butter and strawberry jam that we made last summer. I already pulled the wax seal off the jar, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a spoonful—it’s so sweet and delicious! I’ll write down Sister’s recipe for the bread and jam another day - maybe tomorrow.

As the day drew to a close, we sat by the fire with Mini at our feet and said our evening prayers together. I whispered in my heart, “Dear Jesus, help me to offer myself to You, just like You gave Yourself to the Father. May I live each day for You with joy and love.”

Goodnight, dear diary.
~Kathy 

Mary Brings Jesus to the Temple

January 10th, 1956


Dear Diary,

This morning, Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up and walked to Mass. It was only 19 degrees, and the frost made the gravel road sparkle. Mini trotted beside us, her little bottom wagging happily despite the chill. When we arrived, Father LeRoy had already started the Ashley stove, but it was still cold. Sister added another log while we sat down to read today's meditation.

The meditation was about the Blessed Mother bringing Baby Jesus to God in the temple after her purification. The Gospel verse said, “And after the days of her purification were accomplished, according to the law of Moses, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22-23).

Sister explained that Mary brought her most precious treasure—Baby Jesus—and offered Him back to God as an act of love and obedience. Even though Mary was the Mother of God, she humbly followed the law of Moses, showing her perfect trust in God. Sister said, "Kathy, we can learn from Mary that everything we have comes from God, and when we give it back to Him with love, He blesses us even more." She reminded me of Mary’s words, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to Thy word” (Luke 1:38).

In the afternoon, I sat at the table to finish my letter to Vreni. I told her about Mini’s little adventures this week and mentioned how cold it was this morning. I asked her if winters in Switzerland are as chilly as ours. At the end, I added a drawing of Mini sitting by the fire, hoping it will make Vreni smile.

Mini and I walked to the mailbox together to send the letter. She sat patiently as I slipped it in, looking very proud to be my helper.

Now, as the evening quiets, I’m sitting by the fire with Mini sleeping at my feet. I feel so thankful for the lessons of today and the warmth of home.

Dear Jesus, thank You for this day and for the example of Your Blessed Mother. Help me to trust You and offer my heart to You with love, just as she offered Baby Jesus to God. Please send rain to California to stop the wildfires and comfort those affected. And I entrust my personal intentions to You, knowing You care for all my worries.

Goodnight, dear Jesus.

Love,
Kathy

Transformed Hearts and Prayers for California

January 9, 1956

Dear Diary

This morning, frost clung to the windows, but by the time Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up to walk to Holy Mass, it had warmed up to 22 degrees. Mini trotted along cheerfully, her little paws crunching on the gravel road. She always seems happiest when the cold air is crisp but not biting.

Father LeRoy continued his homily on the Christmas season, reminding us that it officially lasts until Sunday. He explained that next Monday, Ordinary Time will begin. His words about the Magi touched my heart. He described how they left Bethlehem completely transformed, their hearts overflowing with grace and their lives forever changed by their encounter with the Divine Child. I wonder if I would have recognized the light of Christ as they did. Father said something I’ll keep pondering: “Do we not come in contact with the same God Who transformed the Magi, and yet fail to be changed because we lack preparation or fervor?” It made me want to approach Holy Communion with more thought and reverence.

For lunch, Sister Mary Claire made the most delicious pea soup. It was creamy and warm, with just the right touch of thyme. We enjoyed it with slices of her homemade Wonder Bread, fresh and soft. Mini sat by my feet, looking hopeful for crumbs, but Sister said no bread crumbs for Mini—only her dog biscuits!

Later, I heard some sad news on the little Swiss radio Sister gave me. There’s a wildfire burning in California. It breaks my heart to think of all the families, animals, and land affected. I can’t imagine the fear and loss they must be feeling.

As the day wound down, I wrote a short letter to Vreni and then snuggled up under my quilt with Mini beside me. Before bed, Sister Mary Claire and I said our evening prayer together:

“Dear Lord, thank You for the blessings of this day—the warmth of 22 degrees, the words of Father LeRoy that inspire us, and the nourishing food You provide. We lift up in prayer all those affected by the wildfire in California. Please protect the people, the animals, and the land. Guide the firefighters and bring peace and strength to everyone involved. Help us to end this week with grateful hearts and prepare for the week ahead. Amen.”

Simple Pea Soup Recipe

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cups green split peas, rinsed

• 6 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

• Black pepper to taste

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened.

2. Add the rinsed peas, water or broth, salt, and thyme. Stir well.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the soup is thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Season with black pepper to taste. Serve warm with fresh bread or crackers.

Goodnight, Diary.

Love, Kathy

The Gifts of The Magi

January 8, 1956


Dear Diary,

This morning was bitterly cold—zero degrees! Mini decided she would rather stay under the bed than venture out into the icy air. I can't blame her; I half wanted to do the same! But Sister Mary Claire and I bundled up tightly and made our way to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. My cheeks were red from the wind, and I could see my breath in little clouds as we walked.

Father LeRoy gave a beautiful homily about the three wise men and the gifts they brought to Baby Jesus: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Sister Mary Claire explained them to me in more detail on our frosty walk home, her words warm and thoughtful despite the cold.

The gold, she said, was a gift for a king, symbolizing Christ’s royalty. Frankincense, burned as a sweet-smelling offering to God, represented His divinity. And myrrh, used for anointing the dead, foreshadowed His suffering and death. Each gift was deeply meaningful and full of love for Jesus.

Sister Mary Claire also told me how these gifts symbolize the vows that some people make to God. Gold stands for poverty, because by giving up earthly riches, we treasure what truly matters. Frankincense reminds us of obedience, as the smoke rises to heaven like our prayers and service to God. Myrrh represents chastity and sacrifice, showing our willingness to follow Christ even when it’s hard.

She said that we can offer our own “gifts” to Jesus, just like the Magi. Every time we are kind, make a sacrifice, or say a prayer, we are giving Him something precious. I told her I would try to think of a special gift I could give to Jesus today.

By the time we reached home, our fingers and toes were frozen, but our hearts were warm. I found Mini fast asleep, her little paws twitching as if she were dreaming of running through a sunny field. She didn’t even come out for her squeaky ball until much later.

Tonight, as I sit by the fire with Sister Mary Claire and Mini, I am thinking about the Magi kneeling before the Baby Jesus with their gifts. I hope my small offerings can please Him, too.

“O Mary of Grace and Mother of God, may I tread in the paths that the righteous have trod!”

Love,
Kathy