First Sunday of Advent

DEAR DIARY,

This morning Robert picked us up for Church, and it was only 14 degrees. The pickup was already warm inside, and Robert greeted us in his cheerful way. Mini sat between Sister Mary Claire and me, happy for the warmth and the ride.

When we reached St. Mary’s, the church felt nearly as cold as outside. Before Mass began, Father LeRoy stepped to the stove and put in a large piece of wood, giving it a firm push so it would catch quickly. Soon the warmth drifted through the pews, and Mini settled at my feet, content as could be.

Father’s homily matched so closely with what Sister Mary Claire showed me from her meditation book for religious sisters. Both talked about rising from sleep—not just getting out of bed, but waking up our hearts so we don’t miss Jesus coming to us during Advent. Father said grace can work like springtime even in winter, stirring new life if we let it. I liked thinking about something quietly growing in my soul while everything outside is frozen.

After Mass, we found out something special—a press photographer from Sioux City had come to write a little article about Advent Sunday in a small Iowa parish. Sister said it isn’t often anyone from a city paper drives this far just for our church. Father LeRoy let the photographer take his picture near the pulpit. It wasn’t really in Father’s nature to pose, but he gave a kind smile anyway. I think he did it because he wanted people to know how important Advent is, even in the smallest places.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said she hoped our hearts would stay like little lamps for Jesus—steady, warm, and ready.

My Resolution:

During this holy Advent, I want to practice the little sacrifices that make my heart softer and more ready for Jesus. I want to stay awake inside and not grow lazy in my prayers, so His grace can grow in me like a tiny springtime.

Love,

Kathy

Jesus, the Model of Religious was written by a Religious of the Congregation of St. Charles Borromeo and translated from the German by a Sister of Notre Dame. It was published in 1925 by Frederick Pustet Co., Inc., in New York and Cincinnati.