This morning after Holy Mass, our Reading Club met beneath the old apple tree behind St. Mary’s Church. The branches were full of green leaves, and little patches of sunshine danced across the grass. Mini came along too and settled herself near my chair, keeping watch over everyone as if she were assistant librarian for the club.
Father LeRoy opened the meeting with a smile.
“Well, Kathy,” he said, “would you read your introduction to today’s chapter for us?”
I stood up with my notes, feeling a little nervous, and read my summary of the chapter from Our Lady of Lourdes. It told about how the events at Lourdes were beginning to attract the attention of important officials far away from the grotto. Some people believed, while others doubted, but the story showed how the truth could not be ignored forever.
When I finished, Father LeRoy nodded thoughtfully.
“That was very well done,” he said. “You helped us understand the chapter clearly.”
Then we talked about it together.
Robert said he was surprised at how much effort some government officials made to explain away the happenings at Lourdes.
“It seems,” he said, “that the more they investigated, the more people became interested.”
Sister Mary Claire agreed.
“Sometimes,” she said, “when people are certain something cannot be true, they stop looking at the evidence with an open mind.”
Father LeRoy added that faith and reason should work together.
“God is not afraid of honest questions,” he said. “The Church has always encouraged careful investigation before declaring a miracle.”
I thought that was one reason the Lourdes story is so interesting. The more the authorities examined it, the more witnesses and facts seemed to appear.
Mini listened quietly through the discussion. At least I think she was listening. She looked very serious, although she may have been hoping someone would drop a snack.
After the chapter discussion, Sister Mary Claire brought out a simple little lunch. She served bowls of creamy yogurt topped with fresh blueberries. Everyone enjoyed them while we sat under the tree talking about books, faith, and the beautiful summer morning.
Before we parted, Father LeRoy stood and folded his hands.
“Kathy,” he said, “would you read our closing prayer?”
So I opened my prayer book and read slowly:
“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for this happy morning beneath the apple tree. Thank You for good books, faithful friends, and the gift of learning more about Our Lady of Lourdes. Bless Father LeRoy, Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and little Mini. Help us always love the truth, seek You with sincere hearts, and grow closer to You each day. Through the prayers of Our Blessed Mother, keep us faithful and joyful. Amen.”
Everyone answered, “Amen.”
Then we gathered our books, gave Mini a few pats, and headed home, already looking forward to our next meeting beneath the apple tree.
Love,
Kathy
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