Our Reading Club met today in the old garage that Robert fixed up for me as a quiet little prayer room. It used to be plain and dusty, but now it has a warm stove, a lantern on the table, a curtain by the bed, and the sign over everything that says All for Jesus.
Sister Mary Claire brought cookies and a jar of Golden Rule Milk for our lunch. Robert said cookies and milk are about the best reading food there is. Father LeRoy smiled and said he could not find fault with that.
When it was my turn, I stood near the stove and read my chapter summary.
I said that today’s chapter was about the chief government officer beginning to see that arresting Bernadette would not be easy. He did not seem very afraid of God’s signs, but he was troubled by the courage of Father Peyramale, the parish priest, who was ready to protect Bernadette.
The mayor did not want to help with such a harsh thing, and even offered to resign. The people were upset because the holy things had been taken away from the Grotto. Even the police and soldiers respected Bernadette, so the chief government officer could not be sure they would obey orders against her.
He had hoped the doctors would say Bernadette was crazy or confused, but they could not honestly say that. Everyone could see that she was sensible, truthful, and acting in good faith. So he had to stop his plan to have her locked away.
But he did not really give up. He only changed his plan. He still wanted to stop people from believing in the Apparition and from praying at Lourdes. Since he could not prove Bernadette was not right in her mind, he would look for another way to fight against what God was doing.
When I finished, Robert said, “So he lost that battle, but he still would not surrender.”
Father LeRoy said, “That is pride. It may change roads, but it does not easily change direction.”
Sister Mary Claire said the part that touched her most was how Bernadette remained free, probably saying her morning and evening prayers, without even knowing how much danger had passed over her head. Sister said, “God sometimes protects His little ones so quietly that they do not even know the whole battle.”
I liked that very much.
Then Father asked us what protected Bernadette in this chapter. I said, “The truth.” Robert said, “The priest.” Sister said, “God’s care.” Father smiled and said all three answers belonged together.
Before everyone left, we knelt in the little garage room and said a prayer together.
Dear Jesus, please protect the innocent and give courage to those who defend the truth. Keep me from being proud when I am wrong. Help me to follow You simply and faithfully, like Bernadette. Please bless our Reading Club, the little prayer room, and everyone who comes here. Let it all be for You. Amen.
Now the cookies are gone, the milk jar is empty, and the garage is quiet again.
But it does not feel empty.
It feels prayed in.
All for Jesus.
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