Running Through the Rain

 
Dear Diary

This morning Robert pulled up to our mailbox in his old pickup to take Sister, Mini, and me to Holy Mass. It was pitch black outside, and the rain was coming down steady, drumming on the truck roof as we rattled down the gravel road. Mini sat between us, warm and content, while the windshield wipers slapped back and forth against the storm.

As we neared the church, the water tower loomed above, shrouded in darkness. Yet its white letters could still be seen through the rain: All for Jesus. Sister whispered that it felt like a lighthouse guiding us safely on our way.

When Robert stopped in the churchyard, the lamps cast small, dim circles of light, but all else was wrapped in night. We jumped down from the pickup, pulled our shawls tight, and ran quickly up the steps, splashing through puddles and hurrying into the church out of the rain. Inside, the scent of wet coats and wood smoke greeted us, and I was glad to kneel in the stillness.

At Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel about the death of St. John the Baptist. My heart grew heavy hearing how Herod imprisoned him for speaking the truth, and how Herodias’ anger brought about his beheading. Father told us John is an example of true courage, standing for what is right no matter the cost. He said the world does not always welcome truth, but we must still cling to it—just as John did, and just as Jesus did when He gave His life for us.

When Mass ended, Robert drove us back to the mailbox. The rain still fell hard, so Sister and I walked quickly, with Mini bounding happily at our heels, splashing water every which way. Her cheer made us laugh, even after such a solemn Gospel.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for the brave witness of St. John the Baptist. Help me to be strong in truth and faithful to You always. Wash my heart clean like the rain, and keep Sister, Robert, Mini, and me safe and close to You.

Amen.




Love,

Kathy