Faith, Family, Farm, and Courage

Kathy's Latest Prayer

 

Dear Diary,

Today felt like one of those golden days when the farm itself seems to be saying its prayers.

The sun was warm and gentle, and the light fell across the barn and fence in such a pretty way that everything looked almost like a holy picture. I wore my overalls today, and Mini let me hold her for a little while by the old farm sign while Sister took our photo. Mini looked so proud and happy, with her red and white coat shining in the light. I held her close, and it made me think how good God is to give us a home, a family, animals to love, and faith to keep us brave.

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and we went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. Mini was very good, and Sister Mary Claire smiled at me when she saw how carefully I kept her settled. The church was quiet and peaceful, and I was glad to be there.

The Gospel today was from St. John, where Jesus told His disciples that they would all be scattered and would leave Him alone. That part made my heart feel sad. I thought of Jesus being so kind to them, and still knowing they would run away when things became frightening.

Father LeRoy explained it very gently in his homily. He said the disciples thought they were very strong when they said they believed. They really did love Jesus, but they did not yet know how weak they could be when trouble came. Father said Jesus was not trying to shame them. He was telling them the truth so they would not despair later. Even when they failed, He still loved them.

Then Father LeRoy said something I liked very much. He said, “Jesus did not say, ‘You will have no trouble.’ He said, ‘In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

That made me think of our farm sign: Faith Family Farm. Faith does not mean that everything will always be easy. Family does not mean nobody ever feels afraid or tired. Farm life certainly does not mean there is no trouble, because there are storms, mud, sick animals, broken fences, and days when chores feel too big. But faith means Jesus is with us through it all. Family means we help one another keep going. And the farm teaches us courage every day, because we must rise again in the morning and do what God gives us to do.

Father LeRoy said Jesus was not alone because the Father was with Him. Then he said that when we belong to Jesus, we are never truly alone either. Even if everybody else misunderstands us, even if our courage feels small, even if our hearts tremble, God is still with us.

After Mass, I kept thinking about Mini in my arms by the sign. She trusts me so completely. She does not understand every trouble, but she knows she is loved. I think Jesus wants me to trust Him that way. I do not have to understand everything. I just have to stay close.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, when trouble comes, help me not to be afraid. Keep me close to You, close to my family, and faithful in the little duties of farm life. Thank You for Mini, for Sister Mary Claire, for Robert, for St. Mary’s, and for Father LeRoy’s good words today. Please help me remember that You have conquered the world. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

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Today's reading from the holy Gospel according to John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

The Gospel of the Lord.