The Apostles Creed
Today Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and Mini came with us to St. Mary’s. She settled in nicely for the ride, while Sister Mary Claire and I looked out at the fields.
The countryside had that busy spring feeling, because the farmers are planting soybeans. Some had tractors moving slowly over the dark earth, making straight rows across the fields. But my favorite sight was our Amish neighbor, who still does everything the old way. We saw him out in his field with his two horses, Bess and Barney, planting beans just as steady and quiet as could be. Bess and Barney leaned into their work, and the planter followed behind, putting the seed down into the ground where nobody could see it yet.
Sister Mary Claire said there is something very prayerful about planting. A farmer places the seed in the earth and then must trust God for the rain, the warmth, and the hidden growing.
At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel from Saint John. Jesus told His disciples that He was going to the One who sent Him. Their hearts were filled with grief because they could not bear the thought of Him leaving. But Jesus said something wonderful and hard to understand at first. He said it was better for them that He go, because then He would send the Advocate, the Holy Ghost.
Father LeRoy explained that Jesus was not leaving His friends in a lonely way. He was going to the Father, and from there He would send the Holy Ghost to live and work in their souls. Father said the disciples could see Jesus with their eyes before, but after the Holy Ghost came, Jesus would be near them in a deeper way.
He said the Holy Ghost is like the hidden life in the seed. The farmer cannot see the soybean sprouting the moment it is planted, but something begins in secret. Grace can be like that too. The Holy Ghost works quietly in the heart, showing us what is wrong, helping us love what is right, and giving us courage to belong to Jesus.
On the ride home, Robert said our Amish neighbor and his horses made the Gospel seem plainer somehow. He said Bess and Barney were working slowly, but surely, and their master trusted the old way and trusted God too. Sister Mary Claire said the Apostles had to learn that kind of trust. They had to trust Jesus even when they could no longer see Him walking beside them.
I thought about that for a long time. Sometimes I think I would like to see Jesus with my own eyes, the way the Apostles did. But Sister said the Holy Ghost helps us know Jesus in our souls, and that is very near indeed.
Mini leaned against me on the ride home, peaceful as could be. I looked out at the soybean fields and thought about the seed under the soil. I wondered what the Holy Ghost wants to plant in my heart today. Maybe more faith. Maybe less fear. Maybe a better love for Jesus when I do not understand everything.
Tonight the fields are dark and quiet, but under the soil something may already be beginning. I hope my soul can be like that too.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
thank You for sending the Holy Ghost.
Please do not let my heart be full of fear
when I cannot see what You are doing.
Make my soul soft and ready,
like the spring fields.
Plant faith, hope, and love in me,
and help them grow quietly for You.
Bless Father LeRoy, Robert, Sister Mary Claire, Mini,
our Amish neighbor,
his good horses Bess and Barney,
and all the farmers planting their soybeans.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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