“Feed My Lambs”

Dear Diary

This morning Robert picked Sister, Mini and me up for Holy Mass. The morning felt quiet and prayerful, like the whole day was waiting for the Gospel.

At Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel about Jesus asking Saint Peter, “Do you love me?” He asked him three times, and each time Peter told Him yes. Then Jesus said, “Feed my lambs,” and “Tend my sheep,” and “Feed my sheep.”

Father LeRoy explained it so kindly that I could almost see the morning by the sea, with Jesus standing near the fire after breakfast, looking at poor Saint Peter with such mercy. Peter had denied Him three times, and now Jesus let him say three times that he loved Him. Father LeRoy said Jesus was not trying to hurt Peter’s heart. He was healing it. Jesus was giving Peter his work back again.

Then Father LeRoy looked around the church and said, “Every one of us must answer that same question in our own way. Jesus asks, ‘Do you love Me?’ And if we say yes, He gives us someone to care for.”

I thought about that a long time.

On the way home from Mass, Robert said that feeding sheep does not always mean standing in a pasture with a bucket. Sometimes it means helping somebody’s soul not go hungry.

Sister Mary Claire said, “Kathy, lambs are the little ones, the weak ones, and the ones who need gentleness. Jesus never asks love to sit still. Love always becomes care.”

That stayed in my mind all afternoon.

After dinner, I walked in back of the house to the old garage in the grove for a little while. Robert had fixed it up for me as a quick getaway, and it is one of the dearest places on the farm now. It is not fancy, but it feels holy to me. The old wooden walls hold the warmth from the stove, and the little altar table has flowers, a crucifix, and a candle and that is exactly how I want the place to be.

Mini trotted behind me through the grove and then hopped up near the bed as soon as we got inside. I had meant to tell her to keep off, but she curled herself into a little loaf and fell asleep almost at once. She looked so peaceful that I decided she could stay. Maybe tending sheep sometimes means letting a tired little corgi sleep where she feels safe.

I knelt at the kneeler with my rosary in my hands. The stove crackled softly, and the lantern made the whole garage glow golden.

I told Jesus that I do love Him, though not as much as I ought. I told Him I wanted to say it three times like Saint Peter, because sometimes my heart needs healing too.

“Dear Jesus, You know that I love You.”

Then I said it again.

“Dear Jesus, You know that I love You.”

And then a third time, very quietly.

“Dear Jesus, You know everything. You know that I love You.”

After that, I tried to think of who His lambs might be in my own little life. Maybe Mini, who trusts me. Maybe Omelette and the hens, who need feeding and fresh straw. Maybe the people who read the Gospel sheets. Maybe someone at church who feels lonely. Maybe even Sister Mary Claire sometimes, though she seems much more like a shepherd than a lamb.

I think Jesus was telling me that if I love Him, I must be kind where He has placed me. I must feed what is hungry, comfort what is tired, and help what is little. I cannot preach like Father LeRoy, but I can love Jesus in small farm-girl ways.

When I was finished praying, I looked at Mini asleep by the bed, and the whole room felt like a little answer to the Gospel. Jesus had asked Peter to follow Him. Maybe today He asked me too, right here in the old garage, with the stove warm, the candle burning, and Mini breathing softly in her sleep.

I hope I always say yes.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,
You asked Saint Peter, “Do you love Me?”
Please ask my heart the same question every day.
Help me to love You by caring for Your little lambs,
by being gentle, faithful, and kind,
and by following You wherever You lead me.
Amen.

Love,
Kathy
Gospel Reading

Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 21:15-19

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Ready for More Rain

Dear Diary

Today is Thursday, May 21st, and this morning Robert picked us up at the mailbox as usual and right on time. Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I were all ready, and the road still looked wet from the nice rain we had. The sky was gray again, and it looked like more rain was coming before long, so Sister Mary Claire made sure we had our raincoats with us. Mine was buttoned up, and Mini had her little place ready in the truck where she could stay dry.

Robert said the rain would make the fields green in a hurry, and Sister Mary Claire smiled and said that grace can be like that too. When God sends it, quiet little places in the soul can begin growing again before we hardly notice.

On the way to St. Mary’s, we talked about today’s Gospel reading because Sister Mary Claire and I had read it ahead of time. Jesus was praying for His disciples, but not only for them. He was praying for everyone who would believe in Him later. That means He was praying for us too. I liked thinking about that as we rode along the wet country road, watching the clouds gather low over the fields.

At Mass, Father LeRoy explained the Gospel in his homily. He said Jesus was praying that all who believe in Him would be one, just as He and the Father are one. Father said that this does not mean we all have the same work to do or the same place in life. It means we are meant to belong to God together, with love and peace in our hearts.

Then Father LeRoy said something I kept thinking about. He said, “Our Lord does not forget the little ones who will come after. He sees them, He knows them, and He prays for them before they even know how much they need Him.”

That made me feel very safe. Jesus prayed for His apostles long ago, but He also prayed for little girls in Iowa, and nuns, and kind neighbors named Robert, and all the people who come to Him with faith. He even knows about our wet fields, our raincoats, our little mailbox, and our quiet ride to church.

After Mass, the air felt heavy with more rain. Robert said we might get another good shower by evening, and I hoped the fields would drink it all in. I thought about Father LeRoy’s words and how Jesus wants our hearts to grow together in His love. The rain helps the farm grow, but prayer helps the heart stay faithful.

Tonight, Sister Mary Claire and I said our prayers quietly while the rain began tapping again. Mini settled herself nearby, glad to be warm and dry. I thanked Jesus for the rain, for the Gospel, for Robert’s kindness, for Father LeRoy’s homily, and for the way Our Lord prayed for us before we were even born.
Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,
thank You for praying for us
and for keeping us close to Your Heart.
Make our hearts gentle, faithful, and united in Your love.
Help us grow in grace each day,
and keep us safe beneath Your care.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

__________________________

Gospel Reading

A reading from
the holy Gospel according to John 17:20-26

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one,
as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us,
that the world may believe that you sent me.

And I have given them the glory you gave me,
so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me,
that they may be brought to perfection as one,
that the world may know that you sent me,
and that you loved them even as you loved me.

Father, they are your gift to me.
I wish that where I am they also may be with me,
that they may see my glory that you gave me,
because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Righteous Father, the world also does not know you,
but I know you, and they know that you sent me.
I made known to them your name
and I will make it known,
that the love with which you loved me
may be in them and I in them.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Kept in Thy Name

Old Morning Prayer

Dear Diary,

Today is Wednesday, and Robert picked us up as usual and right on time. Sister Mary Claire and I were ready at the mailbox, and Mini came along too, looking so pretty and pleased with herself, as if going to Holy Mass was her special duty. She settled in the pickup very nicely, and I felt glad having all of us together on the road to St. Mary’s.

At Mass, the Gospel was from Saint John, where Jesus lifted His eyes to Heaven and prayed to His Father for His disciples. Father LeRoy said this was one of the most tender parts of the Gospel, because Jesus was not only teaching us, but praying for us. He said Jesus knew His friends would have to live in a world that did not always love what was holy, and so He asked His Father to keep them safe in His name.

Father LeRoy explained that Jesus did not ask the Father to take His disciples out of the world. That part stayed with me. Father said we still have chores to do, roads to travel, people to love, and duties to finish. We are not meant to hide away from everything hard. But we are meant to belong to God while we are here.

He said when Jesus prayed, “Consecrate them in the truth,” He was asking that His disciples be made holy by God’s own truth. Father LeRoy said truth is not just a lesson in a book. Truth is what keeps the soul straight and safe. It is like a good fence around a field, or like Sister Mary Claire’s hand guiding me when I am not sure where to step.

On the way home, Robert said it was a comforting thing to think of Jesus praying for His own. Sister Mary Claire said Jesus is still praying for us, and that when we feel weak or worried, we should remember that we are kept in His Father’s name. Mini looked out the window for a while, and then rested quietly, as if she knew the ride home was peaceful.

Tonight, I am thinking about how Jesus loves us so much that He prayed for us before He suffered. He wanted us guarded from evil. He wanted us to have His joy. He wanted us to be holy and true.

I hope I can remember that tomorrow when I do my chores, speak my words, and walk around Camp Littlemore. I want to belong to Jesus, even while I am still living in this world.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, keep me in Thy holy name. Guard Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and all those I love. Help me to live in Thy truth and belong to Thee always. Amen.

Love, Kathy

________________________________________

Gospel Reading

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 17:11b-19

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying:

“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.

When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely.

I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One.

They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.

Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.

As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.

And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Jesus Prayed for Us

The Apostles Creed

Dear Diary,

This morning Robert picked us up at the mailbox as usual and right on time. Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I were all ready for the ride to St. Mary’s.

The fields looked fresh and green as we drove along the gravel road. The morning was quiet, and I kept thinking about today’s Gospel from St. John. It was the beautiful prayer of Jesus, when He raised His eyes to Heaven and spoke to His Father.

At Mass, Father LeRoy explained that this Gospel lets us listen to the prayer of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He said Jesus was close to His suffering, but He was not thinking only about Himself. He was thinking about the ones the Father had given Him. He was praying for His disciples.

Father LeRoy said, “Jesus prayed for His disciples, and He still prays for those who belong to Him.” That made me feel deeply loved, and also very safe. It is a wonderful thing to think that Jesus knows us, loves us, and prays for us.

Then Father LeRoy explained the words, “Now this is eternal life, that they should know You, the only true God, and the one whom You sent, Jesus Christ.” He said eternal life is not only something far away in Heaven. It begins in the soul when we begin to know and love God. Every prayer, every Mass, every Gospel reading, and every little act of obedience helps us know Him more.

Father LeRoy also said that Jesus glorified the Father by finishing the work He was given to do. That made me think about our own daily duties. God gives each person work to do. Some work looks important, and some work looks very small, but if it is done for God, it matters. Helping Sister Mary Claire, caring for Mini, doing my chores, listening carefully at Mass, and trying to be good are all little works I can offer to Jesus.

On the ride home, Robert said he liked the part where Jesus said, “I pray for them.” Sister Mary Claire said those words are like a warm shelter for the soul. Mini sat close, and the road home seemed peaceful.

Tonight I am glad that Jesus prayed for His disciples before He went to the Father. I am glad He does not forget us while we are still in the world. I want to belong to Him more and more, and I want to keep His word like His disciples did.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for praying for us. Help me know You better, love You more, and do the little work You give me each day. Keep Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and me close to Your Sacred Heart. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

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A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 17:1-11a

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him.

Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.

Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began.

“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word.

Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me.

I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them.

And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Faith, Family, Farm, and Courage

Kathy's Latest Prayer

 

Dear Diary,

Today felt like one of those golden days when the farm itself seems to be saying its prayers.

The sun was warm and gentle, and the light fell across the barn and fence in such a pretty way that everything looked almost like a holy picture. I wore my overalls today, and Mini let me hold her for a little while by the old farm sign while Sister took our photo. Mini looked so proud and happy, with her red and white coat shining in the light. I held her close, and it made me think how good God is to give us a home, a family, animals to love, and faith to keep us brave.

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and we went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. Mini was very good, and Sister Mary Claire smiled at me when she saw how carefully I kept her settled. The church was quiet and peaceful, and I was glad to be there.

The Gospel today was from St. John, where Jesus told His disciples that they would all be scattered and would leave Him alone. That part made my heart feel sad. I thought of Jesus being so kind to them, and still knowing they would run away when things became frightening.

Father LeRoy explained it very gently in his homily. He said the disciples thought they were very strong when they said they believed. They really did love Jesus, but they did not yet know how weak they could be when trouble came. Father said Jesus was not trying to shame them. He was telling them the truth so they would not despair later. Even when they failed, He still loved them.

Then Father LeRoy said something I liked very much. He said, “Jesus did not say, ‘You will have no trouble.’ He said, ‘In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

That made me think of our farm sign: Faith Family Farm. Faith does not mean that everything will always be easy. Family does not mean nobody ever feels afraid or tired. Farm life certainly does not mean there is no trouble, because there are storms, mud, sick animals, broken fences, and days when chores feel too big. But faith means Jesus is with us through it all. Family means we help one another keep going. And the farm teaches us courage every day, because we must rise again in the morning and do what God gives us to do.

Father LeRoy said Jesus was not alone because the Father was with Him. Then he said that when we belong to Jesus, we are never truly alone either. Even if everybody else misunderstands us, even if our courage feels small, even if our hearts tremble, God is still with us.

After Mass, I kept thinking about Mini in my arms by the sign. She trusts me so completely. She does not understand every trouble, but she knows she is loved. I think Jesus wants me to trust Him that way. I do not have to understand everything. I just have to stay close.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, when trouble comes, help me not to be afraid. Keep me close to You, close to my family, and faithful in the little duties of farm life. Thank You for Mini, for Sister Mary Claire, for Robert, for St. Mary’s, and for Father LeRoy’s good words today. Please help me remember that You have conquered the world. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

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Today's reading from the holy Gospel according to John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

With You Always

Click for The Sunday Sermon by Bishop Robert Barron

Dear Diary,

Today was a beautiful May day at Camp Littlemore. The corn is coming up green in the fields, and my new Ford tractor still feels almost too wonderful to be mine. I like sitting up high on it and seeing the bridge, the creek, the fences, and the road that leads back home.

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time. Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and I rode with him to St. Mary’s. Mini sat close and looked very pleased, as if the new Ford tractor belonged partly to her too.

At Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel about the eleven disciples going to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him, but some doubted. Father LeRoy said that part is very comforting, because Jesus still came close to them. He did not send them away because their hearts were not perfect yet.

Father said Jesus told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That means there is no place where Jesus is not King. He is King in Heaven, King on earth, King over the Church, King over our little St. Mary’s, and King even over the quiet fields of Camp Littlemore.

Then Father LeRoy explained that Jesus gave His disciples a great mission. He told them to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that He commanded. Father said the Church has been carrying that mission ever since, from country to country, church to church, family to family, and heart to heart.

But the part that stayed with me most was when Jesus said, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Father LeRoy said those words are like a lamp for every Christian soul. Jesus did not say, “I was with you.” He said, “I am with you.” He is with us when we are brave, and He is with us when we are afraid. He is with us when we understand, and He is still with us when we are a little confused, like the disciples who worshiped but still had some doubt.

I thought about that later when I drove my Ford tractor slowly across the little bridge. Mini rode in the wagon behind me with her orange squeak ball. The wagon bumped softly over the boards, and Mini sat there very grandly, like she was guarding all of Camp Littlemore.

On the back of the wagon, I imagined a brand new white tin sign that said, “With You Always.” That is the name for today, because it is what Jesus promised.

I looked back once to make sure Mini was all right, and then I thought how Jesus looks after us even better than that. He sees the whole road. He sees the bridge, the creek, the farm, the church, and every place I cannot see yet. I only have to keep going where He asks me to go, and trust that He is near.

Tonight, in the patchwork quilt tent in the bedroom, Sister Mary Claire and I said our prayers in our pajamas. The little lamp made everything soft and golden, and Mini curled close by, looking sleepy and safe. I thanked Jesus for staying with us always. I thanked Him for St. Mary’s, for Father LeRoy’s words, for Robert’s kindness, for Sister’s care, for Mini’s happy face, and for my new Ford tractor.

I want to remember that Jesus is with me always, even to the end.
Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for promising to be with us always. Stay close to me when I am brave and when I am afraid. Help me follow You, trust You, and remember that You are King of Heaven and earth. Bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, Father LeRoy, and everyone at St. Mary’s.

Amen.

Love,

The Little Ford

Dear Diary,

Today after Mass, Robert had the nicest surprise for me.

He gave me the little Ford tractor.

He said he never, ever used it, and it just sat in the shed looking lonesome.

Then he smiled and said it might as well be my tractor, since I could use it for little jaunts around Camp Littlemore and someday down toward the cave.

Sister Mary Claire looked pleased, but careful.

Robert said he would teach me slowly, and that I must never go faster than a sensible farm girl ought to go.

That made Sister Mary Claire smile.

Father LeRoy’s homily stayed in my heart all day.

In the Gospel, Jesus said,
“Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”

Father LeRoy said that when we pray in the name of Jesus, we are not just sending wishes up into the sky.

We are going to the Father through His beloved Son.

And Jesus told the disciples something so beautiful — that the Father Himself loves them because they love Jesus and believe He came from God.

I thought about that when I looked at my little Ford.

I have not driven it over the old bridge yet.

Robert said we will practice first in the lane and near the field.

Someday, when Sister Mary Claire says it is safe, I may take it slowly toward the cave path, with Mini riding safely behind me.

I keep imagining the wooden bridge, Indian Creek sparkling below, the corn just coming up small and green, and the cave waiting quietly beyond the trees.

I think I will ask Jesus to help me be careful, grateful, and brave.

Maybe prayer is a little like learning to drive the tractor.

I must not rush.

I must listen.

I must trust the one who is teaching me.

And Jesus is the best Teacher of all, because He brings my heart straight to the Father.

Tonight the little Ford is waiting by the shed, and I am waiting too.

I feel like the corn after rain — small, green, and happy to be growing.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for this happy day and for Robert’s kindness.

Teach me to ask the Father in Your holy Name with a trusting heart.

Help me learn slowly, listen carefully, and never be careless with the gifts You give me.

Bless Sister Mary Claire, who keeps me safe.

Bless Robert, who is so good to us.

Bless Mini, who will surely think the tractor belongs partly to her too.

Stay close to me tonight, dear Jesus, and make my joy complete in You.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

The Little Corn Rows and His Promise

Dear Diary,

Today is Friday, and the little corn is popping up in the fields now. It looks like tiny green stitches sewn across the dark Iowa dirt. Some rows are still shy, but some are plain as can be, and I kept watching them from Robert’s pickup while we rode to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass.

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time. Sister Mary Claire had her prayer book with her, and Mini sat close beside me with her bright Corgi ears up, as if she were listening for church bells before we even got there. The morning smelled like spring fields, damp earth, and new growing things.

At Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel about Jesus meeting the eleven disciples on the mountain. He said something that stayed in my heart all day. He said the disciples worshiped Jesus, but some still doubted. That made me feel better somehow, because even the friends of Jesus had weak moments. Father said Jesus did not turn away from them because they were not perfect. Instead, He came closer and gave them a great mission.

Father LeRoy explained that when Jesus said, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” He was telling them that He was truly King over everything. Then He sent them out to teach all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Father said this is why the Church keeps going from year to year, country to country, and little church to little church, even all the way to our St. Mary’s in Littlemore.

But my favorite part was the very last line.

Jesus said, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Father LeRoy said those words are like a lantern that never goes out. Jesus did go up to Heaven, but He did not leave us lonely. He is with His Church. He is with us in prayer. He is with us in the Blessed Sacrament. He is with us when we are brave, and He is with us when we feel small and unsure.

On the ride home, Sister Mary Claire said the little corn rows made her think of the Gospel. The farmer plants the seed, but God gives the life. Father LeRoy plants Jesus’ words in our hearts at Mass, and then we must let them grow. Robert said the corn has to push up through the dirt before anyone can see it, and maybe faith is like that too. Sometimes it is growing quietly before we even notice.

I looked out the window at the fields and thought maybe every tiny corn blade was saying, “Jesus is with us always.”

Tonight we made our patchwork quilt prayer tent again in the bedroom. Sister Mary Claire helped tuck the quilts just right, and the lantern made everything soft and golden. I read the evening prayer from my sheet of paper, and Mini lay there with no collar, looking pleased to be included. I imagined Jesus and Mother Mary very near, not in a pretend way, but in the quiet real way that comes when a heart is praying.

It felt like our little prayer tent was a mountain, and Jesus was saying the same thing to us that He said to the disciples:

“I am with you always.”

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,
thank You for staying with us always.
Help my faith grow like the little corn in the fields.
Help me remember that You are near
when I am happy,
when I am afraid,
and even when I do not understand everything.

Dear Mother Mary,
keep me close to Jesus tonight.
Bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Father LeRoy,
and my dear Mini sleeping beside us.

Please make our little prayer tent
a quiet place where my heart remembers Heaven.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

___________

 

Gospel Reading

A reading from
the holy Gospel according to Matthew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

“I Am With You Always”

Dear Diary,

This morning Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and we went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. It was a soft May morning, and everything along the road looked fresh and green. Mini came with us and settled down quietly, as if she knew it was a very holy day.

Father LeRoy read the Gospel about Jesus meeting His disciples on the mountain after He rose from the dead. He said the disciples worshiped Him, but some still doubted. Father LeRoy told us that this should comfort us, because Jesus did not send away the weak and trembling ones. He came near to them.

Then Father LeRoy explained that when Jesus said, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” He was showing that He is King over everything. Then He sent His apostles to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Father LeRoy said this is how the Church keeps carrying Jesus’ truth through the whole world. The apostles were not going out by their own strength. Jesus gave them their mission, and then He gave them the sweetest promise of all: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

I liked that part best. It made my heart feel very safe. Jesus did not only say, “Go.” He also said, “I am with you.”

After Mass, Robert drove to the Breakfast Club so I could deliver the eggs. The four cousins were all very busy, and the place smelled like coffee, toast, and warm breakfast. Sister Mary Claire bought breakfast for us, which made it feel like a little treat after Church.

Caleb was cheerful even though he was hurrying about. Before we left, he gave us a pie-shaped slice of brie cheese to take home, and even gave a tiny nibble for Mini. Mini received it very politely, but her eyes said she hoped Caleb would become a cheese saint someday.

When we got home, I thought about the Gospel again while finishing chores. The apostles had a great work to do, and I only had eggs, hens, Mini, and my little duties. But maybe Jesus is with people in great missions and also in small chores. Maybe He is with me when I carry the egg basket, when I try to be good, and when I write in my diary at night.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for promising to be with us always. Please stay close to Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Caleb, Hayden, Sasha, Max, and all the people at the Breakfast Club. Help me do my little duties with love, and help me remember that You are near, even when I cannot see You.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 28:16–20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Morning Song to Mary

Dear Diary,

This morning Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and we went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. Mini came along and stayed close, quiet and happy.

Father LeRoy read how Jesus told His disciples that He still had more to teach them, but they could not bear it yet. Then Jesus promised the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, who would guide them into all truth.

Father LeRoy said Jesus never gives a soul more than it can carry. He teaches gently, little by little. The Holy Ghost does not bring a different truth from Jesus. He takes the truth Jesus already gave and helps the Church understand it more deeply. He also helps our own hearts receive it, little by little, until what seemed hard or hidden becomes clearer in God’s light.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said it is like morning light coming over the fields. The fields are already there, but the light helps us see them.

After chores, I gathered the eggs and got the best ones ready for Caleb and the Breakfast Club. Omelette had a warm brown egg in her nest, and Mini waited by my feet while I finished.

I do not understand everything yet, but I can stay close to Jesus and let the Holy Ghost teach me one little light at a time.

Evening Prayer

Dear Holy Ghost, Spirit of truth, please guide my heart gently. Teach me what Jesus wants me to know. Help me stay close to Him and not be afraid when I do not understand everything yet.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

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A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 16:12–15

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

The Spring Fields and the Holy Ghost

The Apostles Creed

 

Dear Diary,

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

The Quiet Courage of the Holy Ghost.

Dear Diary,

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s. Mini came too, and she settled under the pew with her good church manners, her warm little self resting quietly against my shoe.

The Gospel today was from Saint John, where Jesus tells His disciples that the Advocate will come. Father LeRoy explained that the Advocate is the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Truth. He said Jesus knew His friends would face hard things, so He promised they would not be left alone. The Holy Ghost would help them remember Jesus, love Him, and speak for Him when the time came.

Father LeRoy said that testifying to Jesus does not always mean standing before a crowd. Sometimes it means being faithful in ordinary places, like at home, at school, in the farmyard, or even when no one is watching. It means telling the truth, choosing what is right, and not being ashamed of Our Lord.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said the Holy Ghost gives a quiet courage to the soul. Robert said that a person can look small on the outside and still be strong inside when God is helping. I liked that very much. It made me think that maybe Jesus does not ask me to be big and grand, but only to be faithful where He has placed me.

After we got home, Mini followed me to the chicken yard, and I checked on Omelette, my brown hen. She was settled in her nest, looking very serious about her business. I gathered the eggs and thought that even small duties can be done for Jesus. Maybe that is one way a little farm girl can testify too.

Tonight the house is quiet, and I am glad Jesus told His disciples ahead of time not to fall away. It makes me feel like He tells us too, so we will remember Him when things are hard and keep our hearts close to Him.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, please send the Holy Ghost into my heart. Help me be truthful, faithful, and brave in little ways. Please bless Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Mini, and little Omelette in her nest. Keep me close to You tonight and help me remember You tomorrow. Amen.

Love,
Kathy
Gospel Reading


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A reading from
the holy Gospel according to John
15:26–16:4a

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have told you this so that you may not fall away. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

I Will Not Leave You Orphans

Dear Diary,

Today was one of the prettiest spring days we have had yet at Camp Littlemore Farm. The sky was bright blue over the fields, and now the rows of corn can finally be seen coming up out of the rich black Iowa dirt. From far away the little green rows almost looked stitched across the fields like careful lines on a quilt.

Robert picked the three of us up as usual and right on time for morning Mass at St. Mary’s. Mini came too, of course, and she sat close beside me in the truck with her little ears flapping softly in the breeze from the open window. Sister Mary Claire brought along a small basket with fresh muffins wrapped in a towel for Robert and Father LeRoy.

During his homily, Father LeRoy explained today’s Gospel reading. He said Jesus knew His disciples would someday feel frightened and lonely when they could no longer see Him walking beside them. But Jesus promised He would never truly leave them alone. Father said when Our Lord spoke about sending the Advocate, He meant the Holy Spirit, who stays close to us even when we cannot see Him.

Father LeRoy said the world often wants proof it can touch and hold, but God quietly works inside the soul instead. He told us that whenever we choose kindness, obey God, pray honestly, or turn away from sin, the Holy Spirit is already helping us. “You are never abandoned by God,” he said softly from the pulpit. “Not even for one moment.”

On the drive home, the discussion continued while Robert drove slowly past the bright green fields. Sister Mary Claire said she liked the part where Jesus said, “I will not leave you orphans.” She said those words should make every lonely person feel comforted. Robert nodded and said there are times in life when people feel forgotten, but God never truly leaves His children behind.

Mini rested her chin on my arm almost the whole way home while the warm spring air drifted through the open cab window.

This afternoon I walked out near the fields awhile and listened to the meadowlarks singing from the fence posts. The corn rows looked stronger already in the sunshine. It felt peaceful standing there in Mary’s beautiful month of May with the breeze moving through the grass.

Tonight the farmhouse is quiet except for the frogs down near the Creek and the ticking kitchen clock.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for promising never to leave us alone. Please send Your Holy Spirit to guide our hearts and help us stay close to You. Bless Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and little Mini tonight. And thank You for the green fields, the spring sunshine, and our dear Blessed Mother during this lovely month of May. Amen.

_____________

Today’s Gospel

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples:
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,
because it neither sees nor knows him.
But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
In a little while the world will no longer see me,
but you will see me, because I live and you will live.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father
and you are in me and I in you.
Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Caleb’s Homemade Goodness at the Breakfast Club - May 9

Dear Diary,

Today Robert gave all three of us a ride to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass — Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. Mini sat very neatly and quiet, as if she knew we were going to see Our Lord.

Father LeRoy read the Holy Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus tells His disciples that the world may hate them because it hated Him first. That sounded sad at first, and a little frightening too. But Father LeRoy explained that Jesus was not trying to scare His friends. He was telling them the truth ahead of time, so their hearts would not be surprised or broken when following Him became hard.

Father said that belonging to Jesus means we cannot belong to the world in the same way. We may still live in the world, do our chores, eat our breakfast, laugh with our friends, and walk down the same roads, but our hearts must belong to Our Lord first. Father said the world does not always understand a soul that wants to love Jesus, pray, forgive, be pure, and choose Heaven over praise.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said that Jesus chose His friends “out of the world,” not because He wanted them lonely, but because He wanted them close to Himself. Robert said a person can take courage from that. If Jesus was misunderstood, then a Christian should not be too surprised when he is misunderstood too.

After Mass, we stopped at the Breakfast Club in Littlemore, and I had a waffle. It was warm and golden, with butter melting into the little squares. Mini watched it very carefully, though she behaved like a lady. Then Caleb came out with a cheese plate for us, on the house. He has been making cheese, and the Breakfast Club even installed a cooler where they are selling his cheese, butter, and gourmet cookies. Sister Mary Claire said it was a fine thing when honest work becomes a blessing to other people.

I thought about how even a happy thing like a waffle and a little plate of cheese tastes better when the heart is peaceful with Jesus. The world may not always understand a soul that belongs to Him, but Jesus understands, and that is enough.

Tonight I am thinking that I do not want to be afraid of belonging to Our Lord. I want to be chosen by Him, even if it means I must be different from the world. If Jesus walks first, then I can walk after Him.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for choosing me out of the world and keeping me close to Your Heart. Please help me not to be afraid when it is hard to follow You. Make me brave, kind, and faithful, and let my heart belong to You more than to anything else. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

 

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Today’s Holy Gospel

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

The Friend Who Chose Us

 

Dear Diary,

Today is Friday, May 8, and Robert picked the three of us up as usual and right on time for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s—Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. The morning was quiet, and I kept thinking how May is Mary’s month, and how she always leads us closer to Jesus.

Father LeRoy read the holy Gospel where Jesus says, “Love one another as I love you.” Father said this is not a small kind of love, but the love of Our Lord Himself. Jesus loved us so much that He laid down His life for us, and then He still stayed with us in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting in the tabernacle like the dearest Friend a soul could ever have.

Father said it is a wonderful thing that Jesus calls us His friends. He is the King of Heaven, and still He bends down to poor little souls and says, “You are my friends.” That made my heart feel very large and very happy, as if Jesus had made more room inside it for love.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire explained that friendship with Jesus means we try to love the way He loves. We do not get to keep our hearts closed up tight and only love when it is easy. Jesus chose us first, and He wants us to bear fruit that will last. Sister said every patient word, every kind deed, and every little sacrifice made for love of Jesus can become fruit for Heaven.

Robert said the tabernacle lamp at St. Mary’s is like a quiet reminder that Jesus never stops loving first. Even when the church is empty and no one is kneeling there, He is still present and waiting. I thought that was beautiful, because real friendship does not run away when things are quiet or lonely.

Later today I thought about Mini too, because she is such a faithful little friend. She does not understand the Gospel, but she understands staying close. I want to stay close to Jesus like that, especially when He is waiting in the tabernacle.

Tonight I am asking Jesus to help me love better—not only in big brave ways, but in little farm-girl ways too.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, my dearest Friend,
thank You for choosing me before I ever chose You.
Help me love others as You love me.
Teach me to be kind, patient, and faithful,
and let my little sacrifices bear fruit for Heaven.
Please bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Father LeRoy, and Mini,
and keep us close to Your Sacred Heart.

Good night, dear Jesus.
Stay with us in love.

Love,
Kathy

 

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Today’s Holy Gospel

A reading from
the holy Gospel according to John 15:12-17

Jesus said to his disciples: “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Remaining in His Love

 

Dear Diary,

Today is Thursday, May 7.

Robert picked the three of us up as usual and right on time, and we went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass. Mini came too and sat so quietly, with her bright eyes watching everything, as if she knew Our Lord had something sweet to tell us today.

Father LeRoy read the holy Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says, “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love.” Father said that Jesus was not speaking in a faraway way, but like someone opening His Sacred Heart and asking us to stay there. He said that to remain in Jesus’ love means not running off after our own will, but keeping His commandments because we love Him.

Father LeRoy explained that the commandments of Jesus are not cold rules. They are given by love, to keep us near the One who loves us most. Sister Mary Claire said later that maybe every soul needs a little fence around its heart—not a hard, cold fence, but a loving one. The commandments of Jesus help guard His love in us, just as the little fence around the old Council Oak guards something precious and remembered.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said that Jesus’ joy is complete because He is always in the Father’s love. She said Our Lord wants us to share in that same love, like children brought right into the warmth of a happy home. Robert said it made him think of how a fire stays bright if the wood remains close together, but dies down when a stick rolls away by itself.

After chores, I went to look at my little oak tree again. I can hardly believe it sprouted from an acorn I picked up last fall near the Council Oak monument in Sioux City. Sister Mary Claire and I have named it Sioux City Sue, which makes me smile every time I say it. It is still so small and tender that we both think a little chicken wire fence around it would suit it well, almost like a tiny country version of the fence around the great old Council Oak.

Mini sniffed around Sioux City Sue very carefully, and I told her she must not step on it, because maybe someday it will be a strong oak with birds in it. It made me think of the Gospel. A little tree must remain in good soil and be guarded while it grows, and I must remain in Jesus’ love and let Him guard my heart. If I stay close to Him, maybe something small in me can grow strong too.

Tonight I feel thankful for Our Lord’s words. He does not only command us. He loves us first, and then teaches us how to remain with Him.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, please help me remain in Your love.
Put a little fence of grace around my heart,
so I may keep out the things that hurt Your love in me.
Help me obey You with joy.
Bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Father LeRoy, and dear Mini.
And please bless little Sioux City Sue,
that she may grow strong,
just as I hope my soul will grow strong in You.

Amen.

 

_____________

Today’s Holy Gospel Reading

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:9-11

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Remaining on the Vine

 

Dear Diary,

Today is Wednesday, May 6, and Robert picked the three of us up as usual and right on time for Holy Mass at St. Mary’s — Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. This is the sixth day of Mary’s beautiful month of May, and I kept thinking how every spring flower seems to be trying to say a little Hail Mary.

Father LeRoy read the holy Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.” In his homily, Father explained that a branch cannot stay alive by itself. It must remain joined to the vine, or it will dry up and bear no fruit. He said our souls are like that too. We must stay close to Jesus through prayer, Holy Mass, Confession, Holy Communion, and by keeping His words in our hearts.

Father LeRoy also said that when Our Lord “prunes” a soul, it does not mean He is being unkind. It means He is cutting away what keeps us from loving Him better. Sometimes a sacrifice, a disappointment, or a little correction can feel hard, but Jesus uses it to make our souls stronger and more fruitful.

On the way home, Robert and Sister Mary Claire explained it further. Robert said even on a farm, every living thing needs to be connected to its source of life. Sister said that Jesus is not only near us like a kind friend walking beside us. He wants us to remain in Him, like a branch joined to the vine. That made me think how close He wants to be to every soul.

Later in the morning, I followed Indian Creek downstream toward the cave. Mini came along happily, sniffing the damp grass and stopping now and then as if she had very important work to do. When we reached Our Lady’s Grotto, everything was quiet except the creek and the birds. Shaggycoat was there too, near the water, looking very wise and busy like beavers do.

I sat near the grotto with Mini close beside me and thought about the Gospel again. The vines and branches made more sense there, where everything growing seemed to belong to something bigger — roots, water, sunlight, and God’s care. I asked Our Lady to help me stay close to Jesus and not wander away like a little branch trying to live by itself.

Tonight I feel very thankful for St. Mary’s, for Father LeRoy’s homily, for Sister Mary Claire and Robert helping me understand, and for the quiet of Indian Creek. I want my soul to bear fruit for Jesus, even if it is only little fruit, like patience, kindness, obedience, and love.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Please keep me close to You, like a little branch on the vine. I do not want to try to be good all by myself, because Father LeRoy said that without You we can do nothing.

Please cut away anything in me that is selfish or cross or lazy, even if it is hard for me at first. Help me bear good fruit for You tomorrow — maybe by being patient, kind, obedient, and loving.

Bless Sister Mary Claire, Robert, Father LeRoy, and Mini. Bless Our Lady’s Grotto by Indian Creek, and help me remember to stay close to You always.

Amen.

Love,
Kathy

_____________

Today’s Holy Gospel Reading

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 15:1-8

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you.

Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.

Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned.

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.

By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

The Peace Jesus Gives

 

Dear Diary,

Today is Tuesday, May 5th, and the fifth day of Mary’s beautiful month of May.

At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy read the holy Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” Mini sat quietly beside us, and I thought she looked very peaceful too, with her little body settled close as if she knew she was in God’s house.

Father LeRoy explained that Jesus was speaking to His disciples before He suffered, and He did not promise them the kind of peace the world gives. The world’s peace can disappear when trouble comes, but Jesus gives a peace that can stay deep inside the soul, even when things are hard.

Father said that when Jesus told His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled or afraid, He was teaching them to trust Him. Jesus was going to the Father, and even though the disciples did not understand it yet, He wanted them to believe when the time came.

After Mass, Sister Mary Claire said that Our Lord’s peace is not loud or showy. It is quiet, like a little lamp burning in a room at night. Robert said that kind of peace must come from knowing Jesus has power over everything, even when the world seems frightening. Mini leaned against my shoe while they talked, and I felt that even a little dog can make the world seem less scary when she stays close.

Tonight, I am thinking about how Jesus loved the Father so much that He obeyed Him perfectly. Father LeRoy said that is where true peace begins — loving God and doing what He asks. I want that peace in my heart too, not just when the day is easy, but when I am worried or afraid.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, please give me Your peace tonight. Do not let my heart be troubled or afraid. Help me love the Father as You love Him, and help me do what He asks with a willing heart. Blessed Mother Mary, keep me close to your Son during this beautiful month of May. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

Today’s Holy Gospel Reading
John 14:27-31a

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe. I will no longer speak much with you, for the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and that I do just as the Father has commanded me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

A Dwelling Place for Jesus

Dear Diary,

Today is Monday, May 4, the fourth day of Mary’s beautiful Month of May. 

Robert picked us up as usual and right on time, and the four of us went to St. Mary’s for Holy Mass—Robert, Sister Mary Claire, Mini, and me. Mini stayed close beside us and seemed to know it was a holy morning.

Father LeRoy read the Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus says, “Whoever loves me will keep my word.” Father explained that loving Jesus is not only saying we love Him, but listening to Him and obeying Him. Father said that when a soul keeps Jesus’ word, God comes to dwell there, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost help make that little heart a home for Heaven.

On the way home, Sister Mary Claire said that love and obedience belong together. She said Our Lady shows us this better than anyone, because her whole life was one quiet yes to God. Robert said it was a good thing to remember, especially during Mary’s Month of May.

Tonight I am thinking about how Mary always kept God’s word in her heart. She did not make a show of her love. She gave God her quiet yes, again and again. I hope I can learn from her and make my own little heart more ready for Jesus.

Evening Prayer: Dear Jesus, please make my heart Your dwelling place. Holy Ghost, help me remember Your words. Dear Blessed Mother, in this Month of May, teach me to love your Son with a faithful heart. Amen.

Love,
Kathy

______________________

Today’s Holy Gospel Reading

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 14:21-26

Jesus said to his disciples: “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Judas, not the Iscariot, said to him, “Master, then what happened that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

In My Father’s House

Dear Diary, 

Today is Sunday, and it is the third day of Mary’s month of May. I like thinking of that when I wake up, because May feels like a whole month of flowers placed before Our Blessed Mother.

At Holy Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel from Saint John, where Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” Father explained that Our Lord was comforting His apostles because He loved them and knew they would be afraid. Jesus did not tell them that the road would always be easy, but He told them something better. He said He was going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house.

Father LeRoy said Heaven is not strange to those who love Jesus. It is home. And Jesus does not only point to the way, like a sign on the road. He says, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Father said that means if we stay close to Jesus, we are already on the right road, even when we do not understand everything.

After Mass, Sister Mary Claire talked about it some more. She said Thomas asked how they could know the way, and that was a very human question. Sometimes I feel that way too. But Jesus answered so plainly that even I can understand it. We do not have to make up our own way to Heaven. We follow Him.

In the afternoon, Mini and I walk down to Indian Creek with carrots from the root cellar for Shaggycoat. Those Iowa carrots must taste extra good after being tucked away all winter, because Shaggycoat loves them so much. He comes out near the water and holds one in his paws, chewing away as if it is the finest feast in Plymouth County.

Mini watches him very carefully, but she is polite and does not bother him. The creek is quiet, and the little water sounds make me think again of Jesus saying there are many dwelling places in His Father’s house. I think maybe He knows every safe place, from Heaven itself down to a beaver’s creek bank, and every little soul that wants to get home.

Tonight I am glad Jesus tells us not to be troubled. I am glad Our Blessed Mother walks with us in May, and every day, helping us keep close to Him. If Jesus is the Way, and Mary takes our hand, then I think even a little farm girl can make it home.

Evening Prayer

Dear Jesus, please quiet my heart tonight.
Help me not to be troubled or afraid.
Keep me close to You, for You are the Way,
the Truth, and the Life.


Dear Blessed Mother Mary,
on this third day of your month of May,
take my hand and lead me to your Son.
Bless Sister Mary Claire, Father LeRoy, Robert, Mini, and Shaggycoat by Indian Creek.
Amen.


Love,
Kathy

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A reading from the holy Gospel according to John 14:1-12

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.”

Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?”

Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also knoFather. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing hisyou, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”
works.

“Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else,w my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to
The Gospel of the Lord.