Dear Diary,
Today felt like a true Sunday—quiet, bright, and set apart. After Mass, we came home and kept the day gentle. The chores were only the necessary ones, and then Sister Mary Claire let the house settle into that peaceful Sunday stillness. Mini stayed close, following us from room to room like she always does, as if she knew it was the Lord’s Day too.
Later, we turned on the radio and listened to Bishop Robert Barron. I love how he explains things, because he makes big words feel plain and true, like you can hold them in your hand. He talked about how, on this Second Sunday of Lent, the first reading about Abraham and the Gospel story of the Transfiguration fit together like two parts of one lesson.
Bishop Barron said God made us to go out from ourselves—not to stay curled up in our own wants and worries, but to step out and see how wide and beautiful God’s world really is. He said Abraham had to leave what was familiar and safe and go where God led him, even without knowing the whole plan. And then, up on the mountain, Peter, James, and John saw Jesus shining in glory for a moment—almost like God let them peek at what is truly real and bright, so they would have courage for what was coming.
Bishop Barron explained that the more a person clutches onto their own way—wanting to stay comfortable, wanting to be in charge, wanting things to go just how they like—the smaller their heart gets. But when you let go, when you stop grabbing and hanging on to everything, you actually become more alive. He said that is part of what salvation is—Jesus saving us by pulling us out of our cramped little self and leading us into something bigger.
I thought about that for a long time. I know what it feels like when I’m holding on too tight—when I’m stubborn, or wanting my own way, or feeling sorry for myself. It makes my insides feel crowded. But when I say, “Alright, Jesus, I’ll trust You,” it feels like stepping into fresh air.
Bishop Barron even said that salvation has something to do with adventure—not adventure like running away, but adventure like following God when you don’t know the whole road yet. Like Abraham. Like the Apostles coming down the mountain after seeing Jesus shining, and still having to walk into hard days with trust.
Tonight I want to try letting go of my little “me-first” ways, even if it’s only in small things. Maybe that is how you start becoming more alive.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Help me to come out of myself and follow You with a brave heart.
When I want to cling to my own way, teach me to let go.
Let Your light shine in my life the way it shone on the mountain.
Bless Sister Mary Claire, and bless dear little Mini.
Keep us faithful through Lent and close to You always.
Amen.
Love,
Kathy
