Saturday Evening
Dear Diary,
Tonight we went to evening Mass, and it turned out to be one of those nights I know I’ll remember. Robert came to pick us up just before six, and I noticed right away he had on his best tie—the dark blue one he saves for special occasions, which always means it’s Saturday evening and we’re headed to vigil Mass. Mini gave a little bark when she saw him and tried to hop into the front seat before me! Sister had to remind her she’s just a passenger like the rest of us.
Tonight we went to evening Mass, and it turned out to be one of those nights I know I’ll remember. Robert came to pick us up just before six, and I noticed right away he had on his best tie—the dark blue one he saves for special occasions, which always means it’s Saturday evening and we’re headed to vigil Mass. Mini gave a little bark when she saw him and tried to hop into the front seat before me! Sister had to remind her she’s just a passenger like the rest of us.
As we rattled along the gravel road toward church, Sister Mary Claire opened her little prayer book and began to read aloud the meditation she’d bookmarked earlier. It was all about Our Blessed Mother—how she prepared her soul so perfectly for Jesus. Sister said Mary’s silence, her humility, and her obedience made her the perfect model for anyone getting ready to receive Our Lord in Holy Communion.
Robert nodded thoughtfully and said, “You know, I never thought about how Mary received Jesus into her own body before there was even an altar.” Then Sister said something beautiful, like she always does—“That’s what makes her our first monstrance.” I didn’t say anything, but I quietly reached over and held Mini’s little paw and looked out the window, thinking about that.
At Mass, Father LeRoy’s homily picked up right where Sister left off. He spoke softly and with such reverence about Our Lady. He reminded us that we can ask her to lend us her own heart so we can receive Jesus worthily. I closed my eyes for a moment before Communion and whispered that very prayer in my mind: “Mary, lend me your heart.”
Afterwards, when we were all buckled back into the pickup and Mini had curled into a ball on my lap, Robert turned and asked, “Well, girls, how about a little dinner?” And wouldn’t you know it—he drove us straight to the Dairy Queen! I got a hamburger and a cherry Dilly Bar. Sister had a chicken basket, and Robert got his usual—grilled cheese with a side of fries. Mini even got a little nibble of everything.
It was just the right way to end a Saturday night. Mass, Communion, a meditation that softened my heart, and ice cream with the people I love.
O Mary, help me always to make my heart quiet like yours, and ready to receive Jesus with joy and tenderness.
Love,
Kathy
Love,
Kathy
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