Sunday Sweep

 
Dear Diary,

Sister Mary Claire and I went to Mass last night, so today was spent at home, and we listened to Bishop Barron’s homily on the little Swiss radio. He reminded us of Pope Benedict’s words—that the Church does three things: it worships God, it spreads His word, and it serves the poor. Then he said the Gospel about the rich man and Lazarus is meant to bother us. Are you indifferent to the sufferings of the poor? What are you doing, concretely, to help them?

Sister said gently that helping doesn’t always mean something big. Sometimes it’s just sharing what you have, or stopping to listen when someone is lonely. She said even a cup of warm soup or a kind word can be love enough to keep someone from feeling forgotten.

The rest of the day we cleaned the cave. Clifford’s heavy wooden door made all the difference—it kept the autumn breeze and leaves outside, so we could sweep and dust without everything blowing back in. Sister polished the prayer corner until the little grotto sparkled, and I tidied the shelves. Mini darted in and out with her airplane ears, carrying sticks as if they were treasures, proud to be part of the work.

Sister said even cleaning the cave can be a prayer if we do it with thankful hearts. I thought of Lazarus—how cold the ground must have been for him—and I whispered to God that if anyone ever came by our cave in need, we would welcome them in.

Evening Prayer

Dear Lord,

Keep me from being blind to others who are hurting.

Teach me to share what I have, however small,

and to love with both my hands and my heart.

Bless Clifford’s door that keeps us warm,

and bless Mini, who keeps us smiling.

Amen.

Love,

Kathy