Dear Diary,
It was 2 degrees above zero this morning, the kind of cold that makes the air feel like it has little sharp edges. Robert picked us up, and Mini sat so proper beside me, but I could tell she wanted to tuck her nose down and disappear into my coat.
When we got to St. Mary’s, it was colder than usual inside—because Father LeRoy had overslept. Robert didn’t even make a fuss. He just went right to the stove like he belonged there and started the fire up. Sister Mary Claire hurried over to the rectory to wake Father, and no one looked shocked at all. It’s almost like everyone already knows: Father is a good man, and once in a while he just sleeps too hard.
By the time Father came in, his cheeks were red—partly from the cold and partly from being embarrassed. But he had his homily notes all ready, and the church was already starting to warm. Nobody said one cross word. I think it’s because Father is the kind of priest that makes you feel safe, like he’s truly trying his best for Jesus and for us.
Father talked about Mary and Joseph finding Jesus in the Temple after searching for three days. He said if we want to find Jesus, we shouldn’t go hunting through noisy, mixed-up places first. We should go where He loves to be found: in God’s house, and especially near the Blessed Sacrament, where He waits so quietly. Father also said there is another “temple” we forget about—our own heart—and Jesus wants to dwell there too, if we keep it peaceful and let Him speak inside.
Mini was very still during the homily (as still as a corgi can be), only giving one little sigh that sounded like she agreed with everything. When we got home, the cold followed us right in the door, but it felt warmer in my mind, like I had found something important and didn’t want to lose it again.
Evening Prayer:
O Jesus, help me to find You quickly when I feel far away. Help me to look for You in Your church, close to the tabernacle, and also in the quiet temple of my own heart. Make me humble and ready to listen. Keep Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, and Mini safe through this bitter cold night. Amen.
Love, Kathy
When we got to St. Mary’s, it was colder than usual inside—because Father LeRoy had overslept. Robert didn’t even make a fuss. He just went right to the stove like he belonged there and started the fire up. Sister Mary Claire hurried over to the rectory to wake Father, and no one looked shocked at all. It’s almost like everyone already knows: Father is a good man, and once in a while he just sleeps too hard.
By the time Father came in, his cheeks were red—partly from the cold and partly from being embarrassed. But he had his homily notes all ready, and the church was already starting to warm. Nobody said one cross word. I think it’s because Father is the kind of priest that makes you feel safe, like he’s truly trying his best for Jesus and for us.
Father talked about Mary and Joseph finding Jesus in the Temple after searching for three days. He said if we want to find Jesus, we shouldn’t go hunting through noisy, mixed-up places first. We should go where He loves to be found: in God’s house, and especially near the Blessed Sacrament, where He waits so quietly. Father also said there is another “temple” we forget about—our own heart—and Jesus wants to dwell there too, if we keep it peaceful and let Him speak inside.
Mini was very still during the homily (as still as a corgi can be), only giving one little sigh that sounded like she agreed with everything. When we got home, the cold followed us right in the door, but it felt warmer in my mind, like I had found something important and didn’t want to lose it again.
Evening Prayer:
O Jesus, help me to find You quickly when I feel far away. Help me to look for You in Your church, close to the tabernacle, and also in the quiet temple of my own heart. Make me humble and ready to listen. Keep Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, and Mini safe through this bitter cold night. Amen.
Love, Kathy
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