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
________________
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.
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