Today after Holy Mass, our Reading Club met again under the apple tree behind St. Mary’s Church.
It was such a pretty place to gather. The leaves made a green roof over our heads, and the little apples were beginning to show among the blossoms. Mini settled herself in the grass beside me, looking very serious, as if she planned to listen to every word.
Sister Mary Claire brought a special treat today. She had baked an apple pie and brought heavy cream to spoon over the top. There was just enough for a thin slice for everyone, but that made it feel even more special. Robert said a small slice of Sister’s apple pie was better than a big slice of almost anything else.
After everyone had found a place to sit, Father LeRoy asked me to introduce Part 9 of Our Lady of Lourdes. I felt a little shy, but I stood up with my paper and read the little essay I had written.
“Today we learned that more and more people were being healed at Lourdes. There were so many cures that the author could not tell about every one of them. He said he only wanted to write about the ones that had been carefully checked.
“These healings were not secret stories. They happened to real people from Lourdes. Their neighbors knew them, and anyone who wanted to ask questions could do so. A man’s lump on his wrist disappeared. A woman who had been deaf for many years could hear again. A man who had been lame was able to walk properly.
“To me, this chapter says that truth does not need to hide. If something is really from God, it can stand in the light.”
When I finished, the apple tree was quiet except for the breeze moving through the leaves.
Robert said, “That is what makes it so strong. The people could be questioned. Their neighbors could say whether it was true.”
Sister Mary Claire nodded and said, “Faith is not afraid of honest questions. But sometimes people are afraid of the answers.”
Father LeRoy looked at us kindly.
“That is a very important lesson,” he said. “God gives light, but He does not force anyone to open their eyes. We must ask for humble hearts, so that when truth is placed before us, we will receive it.”
Mini gave one little bark just then, and everyone laughed.
Robert said, “I think Mini has voted.”
Then Sister served the apple pie with a spoonful of heavy cream on each slice. My piece was thin, but it tasted wonderful. We ate slowly, and I think everyone was trying to make it last.
Before everyone headed home for lunch, Father LeRoy folded his hands and prayed.
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of truth and for every sign of Your love. Help us not to be afraid of the light You send. Give us humble hearts, honest minds, and faith that listens. Bless our Reading Club, our parish, and all who are learning about Our Lady of Lourdes. May Mary lead us always closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
We all answered, “Amen.”
Then we gathered our books and papers. Mini trotted ahead as if she knew the way home better than anyone.
Love,
Kathy
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