This morning the grass behind St. Mary’s was wet and shining after more than an inch of rain fell in the night. But the sky was clearing, the air was cool, and everything smelled fresh and clean.
After Mass, we met under the apple tree for Reading Club. Since the ground was too wet, Robert helped Father LeRoy set up the little table for lunch. Father had brought egg salad sandwiches and cold milk, and Sister Mary Claire arranged everything neatly while Mini watched.
Then Father asked me to read my chapter summary.
“Today’s chapter tells how Baron Massy still refused to believe the events at Lourdes could be supernatural. Since the police and magistrates could not prove Bernadette was lying, he began to think of using the law about insanity against her.
The chapter explains how dangerous such a law could be. A person might be taken away and shut up if one or two doctors declared him insane, without a public hearing, without defense, and without appeal. The author says doctors are usually honorable, but even learned men can be mistaken when they have already decided that heavenly things are impossible.
This made me sad, because Bernadette was only a simple, truthful girl. She had harmed no one, yet powerful people were looking for ways to silence her.”
When I finished, Father LeRoy said that the world often fears holiness because holiness cannot be controlled. Sister Mary Claire said Bernadette’s strength was her simple truth. Robert said it was strange that grown men were so afraid of one little girl.
Then we gathered around the little table for Father’s sandwiches and cold milk. The lunch tasted extra good in the cool air, with raindrops still falling from the apple leaves.
Before we left, Father asked me to read the club prayer:
“Dear Jesus, help us love the truth, even when it is difficult. Help us be gentle and brave like Bernadette, and keep our hearts close to Our Lady. Amen.”
Then Father LeRoy made the Sign of the Cross over us and gave his blessing.
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
As the clouds moved away, I thought of Bernadette standing quietly before people who wanted to frighten her. I hope I can always tell the truth as simply as she did.
Love,
Kathy
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