Spring Feels Close

Dear Diary,

This morning it was 40 degrees, which almost felt balmy after so many cold days. When Sister Mary Claire and I walked down to the mailbox, the air didn’t bite our cheeks quite so hard, and the snow along the ditch looked softer, like it might start melting soon. Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and Mini came along with us, hopping right into the pickup as if she knew it was a church morning.

The ride to St. Mary’s felt especially nice because the sun was coming up pale and gold over the fields. Sister Mary Claire had been reading the meditation from The Circling Year earlier, so we were already thinking about it before Mass even began.

Father LeRoy spoke about it in his homily. He said the meditation showed how our Lord, during His Passion, allowed Himself to be treated so humbly and quietly, even though He is the King of Heaven. Father said Jesus did not fight back or complain when He was mocked or pushed around, but instead accepted everything out of love for us.

Father told us that sometimes we want things our way right away, or we get upset when something small goes wrong, but Jesus shows us another way. He said that when we bear little troubles patiently and offer them to God, we are walking just a tiny bit in the same path that Jesus walked during His suffering.

While Father was speaking, something happened that almost made Sister Mary Claire laugh. Mini was under the pew and had fallen asleep. All of a sudden she let out a little snore — not very loud, but just enough that Sister Mary Claire noticed. She looked down quickly, and then Father LeRoy glanced over for just a second. I tried very hard to keep a straight face, but it was difficult because Mini looked so peaceful curled up there like a little loaf of bread.

After Mass Robert brought us home. The morning sun was brighter by then, and the farm fields looked wide and quiet the way they do in early March. It really did feel like spring might be thinking about coming.

Tonight the house is warm and still. Mini is sleeping again, though this time she is not snoring quite so much.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for the warmer morning and for bringing us safely to Mass.

Help me to remember how quietly and patiently You suffered for us.
Teach me to bear little troubles with love, just as You did.
Please bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and dear little Mini.

And keep our hearts always close to You.

Love,

Kathy 

Source:  The Circling Year