Dear Diary,
The temperature has moderated, and it was 27 degrees this morning. After the bitter cold, it almost felt gentle. The air still had a sharp edge, but the sky was pale blue and hopeful.
I read today’s meditation from (Click on The Circling Year) before we left. It was about Our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking His friends to watch and pray — and finding them asleep. That line always makes my heart feel tender: “Could you not watch one hour with Me?” Not angry. Not harsh. Just sorrowful and loving. The meditation said how willing our spirit can be, yet how weak our flesh is. I understand that. I truly want to be faithful, but sometimes I drift or grow comfortable.
Robert picked us up in his pickup as usual and right on time. The engine sounded strong in the cold morning. Mini hopped right in like she belonged to the whole parish. She sat between us, ears perked and eyes bright, watching the fields slide by. The gravel road was firm with frost, and the tires made that steady humming sound I always like.
Father LeRoy met us at Church. During Mass he brought the meditation right into his homily. He said that Jesus did not scold His disciples as a schoolmaster might, but invited them again into prayer. He explained that watching with Christ does not always mean grand sacrifices — sometimes it means staying faithful in small duties, staying awake in spirit, choosing love when we are tired.
He said something that struck me deeply: that Gethsemane comes to each of us in quiet ways — in temptations to give up, to complain, to turn away from prayer. And that even if we fail for a moment, Jesus still turns toward us with mercy.
I looked at the crucifix while he spoke and felt both small and safe at the same time.
Mini behaved beautifully. She curled under the pew and only lifted her head once when someone coughed behind us. I think she was keeping watch in her own little way.
This evening the sky is soft and gray, and the fields are still. Twenty-seven degrees feels almost warm now. I do not want to fall asleep in my soul. I want to stay near Him.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Help me to watch with You.
When I grow tired or distracted, gently wake my heart.
Let my small acts of love be my hour with You.
Bless Robert, Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, and dear little Mini.
Keep us faithful and close to Your Sacred Heart tonight.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy
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