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Feast of the Holy Family
12/29/2024
“I’d like to sit with the Murrays today.” Sarah said as she fastened her seatbelt.
Josh and Grace glanced at her. Staś looked in the rear-view mirror and then at Elka.
“Suit yourself.”
“Leo said they were going to breakfast after church.”
Elka sniffed peevishly. “That’s fine. You don’t have to explain yourself.”
“I don’t have to. I can just go with them after church is over.”
“That’s probably better.” Josh nodded.
Sarah caught Staś’ eyes in the rearview and glanced at Josh.
Grace shifted in her seat. “I don’t think it matters that much. Go sit with them if you want. Just be sure to pay more attention to the service than hand holding with Leo.”
“She’s an adult, Grace. She can sit wherever she wants.”
Sarah sunk into the seat and pouted.
“Are you cold, Sarah? I can turn up the heat back there.”
“I’m okay.” She glanced at Grace. ‘How can somebody so pretty have a face made out of stone?’ She looked at Josh. He seemed lost in thought.
“Do you know what today is?”
Sarah froze. Her eyes darted around the truck, but no help was forthcoming. “Sunday after Christmas? It’s not Epiphany yet. I think that’s in January.”
“Very good. You remembered.” Elka nodded. “Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Do you know who that is?”
“Baby Jesus and his parents?”
“Correct. The Blessed Virgin and Saint Joseph lived prayerful lives, raising Jesus.”
Sarah pictured Joe lying in his hospital bed with Whitney at his side. That made her smile. She wondered if Mandy and Whitney would be sitting beside Mary for breakfast. Their turns on the hot seat or maybe one this week and the other next week.
“Feast days are intended to highlight events in the Bible or the saint’s lives. In this case, it’s for the Holy Family. We can take their example to guide our lives. It’s good to have reminders in holiness.”
“Amen.” Staś said. “What are we having for breakfast?”
“There’s cereal in the cabinet and milk in the fridge.”
“Is that your final offer?”
“How about a knuckle sandwich? Would that whet your appetite?”
“Never mind, I’ll make pancakes.” He gripped the wheel tighter.
She patted his shoulder. “Go for it. I’ll go put my feet up and watch the game.”
He turned his head to glare at her. “The Blessed Virgin Mary is an inspiration to women of every age, Sarah, humble and submissive.”
‘Oh gee, here we go again.’ Sarah twiddled her thumbs as Staś and Elka sniped at each other with biblical references. She glanced at her godsiblings. They knew to tune out during these veiled theological exchanges. She pulled her phone out.
Hey
She tucked it under her crossed arms while she waited for a response.
Good morning
❣️ U
She smiled at that as she tuned out Staś and Elka’s arguing.
Going to sit with C’s
H&H = breakfast?
She watched houses go by as she waited for Leo’s reply.
😢
H&H, yes
‘Yeah, what can I do? Elka’s being weird.’
Can’t wait
Who’s in the
hot seat today?
She glanced side to side. Neither Josh nor Grace seemed to be spying.
lol, hot seat?
She smirked as she pecked away.
Your mom grilled me
a couple weeks ago
Who today?
M, W, both?
‘Uh-oh, Grace is peeking.’ She locked her phone until it vibrated.
🤭 Schadenfreude is a sin
She rolled her eyes.
C U 4 🥓🥞
💞
She stuffed her phone into her pocket as they pulled into the parking lot of St. Casimir’s.
“Did you decide where you’re sitting?” Elka asked.
“With you guys. I still have a lot to learn about all this.”
“That’s true.” She nodded. “There’s something I wanted to show you today.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“It’s something a parishioner donated to the church when I was a little girl. It’s a wood cut of the Holy Family that was carved by Mr. Wojciech’s uncle when he got back from the war.”
“St. Cas is like an art museum. Greg’s church is fairly plain, except for the stained glass windows.”
“Greg who?” Josh unbuckled his seatbelt.
“He’s a pastor over in Laurel Ridge. His wife, Meghan, is a friend of mine.”
“She’s the one who found you?” Elka asked, as she unbuckled.
“Yeah.” She shot a look at Grace. ‘Told you she’d never forgive me.’
They settled into their usual pew, and Elka pointed to the aisle. Sarah followed her to a nearby pillar. There was an inlay embedded in the stone of the pillar.
“Mr. Wojciech’s uncle gifted this to the church in celebration of getting home safely from Vietnam and reuniting with his wife and son.”
“It’s beautiful, Elka. Look at all the detail. Was he a sculptor?”
“Not professionally.” She admired the piece. “Grocery store manager. He worked with wood in his spare time. He said he prayed over it every step of the way, letting the Holy Spirit inspire him.”
“Seems like it worked.”
“Yes, Sarah. Prayer works.” She sniffled and dabbed a tear. “I’m trying, honey. I want to be a good example for you. I think OCIA is going to help us both.”
Sarah hugged her and turned back to the wood relief of the Holy Family. “They look so peaceful.”
“Ha, that’s them. Real kids aren’t that calm unless they’re tired, but Mary. I know that face. When you stop to think that these little miracles came to you from God and you just wonder at it. That is the face of a mother who understands how wonderful it is. You’ll make that face some day.”
“This isn’t the way to H&H.” Sarah looked at the passing businesses.
“We’re going to stop in at St. Hedwig’s first. Mom made sure the hospital chaplain would stop in to bring him the Eucharist.” Leo turned the corner. “How are you doing?”
“Elka showed me the plaque that Mr. Wojciech made of the Holy Family.”
“Really? I always thought they had a professional artist make that.”
“No, he carved it for the church when he got back from Vietnam. Father Tom told me the parish had a lot of skilled craftsmen when we first met. I keep seeing new details every time I go to Mass.”
“That’s funny.”
“What?”
“I keep seeing new freckles every time I look at you.”
“You’re ridiculous.” She grinned. “So, I guess it’s Mandy this week?”
“On the hot seat?” He chuckled. “You’re pretty excited to see somebody else get grilled like a weenie. I’m telling you, schadenfreude is a sin.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing I’ll get absolution again next Sunday.”
“Now, now, this isn’t a Mafia thing.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She looked at him, wide-eyed.
“It’s always been a thing where the Mafia guys go around doing all their crimes and murder while their moms and wives sit in church all the time, trying to keep them out of you know where.”
“Okay, so what does that have to do with me?”
“If you’re taking the attitude that you can just keep committing the same sins because you’re going to receive absolution at church the next week, it’s no better than the Mafia situation. The point of repentance is that you try not to make the same mistakes.”
“Well, you’re a bundle of fun this morning.” She brought her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around them.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to sit like that with a dress on.”
She looked down and glared at him. “Nothing’s showing. Keep your eyes on the road. You know what? Stop at my place and I’ll change.”
“But you look nice in that dress.”
“Thanks. Never mind, then. How is Joe doing?”
“He seems to be responding well to the treatment. The good news is that a whole team of guys got hired to clean up the site.”
Sarah’s jaw dropped.
“What? I can’t see the silver lining? Yes, Joe got incredibly sick, and we almost lost him. I’m still having a hard time processing that, actually. But, like I told you, God can take yuck and turn it to good.”
She huffed and rested her chin on her knees again.
“How to say a lot without saying anything. Is it something you can share?”
Her brows furrowed. “I, uh…” She bit her lip and looked out the window. “I need some time with your mom.”
“Trying to make me jealous? I know she loves spending time with you.”
“Obviously, I want to spend time with you.” She took a deep breath. “The rest of my life, actually.”
“Somber and sweet all at the same time. Are you okay?”
“Girl stuff.”
“I hope she can help you with it, then.” He pulled into the hospital parking lot. “My belly’s grumbling already. I might have to steal Joe’s Jello.”
“Hmm, isn’t that one of the big ten, Don Leonardo?”
“Wow, she’s ruthless.” Leo laughed. “Here, I’ll drop you off near the door and go find a parking spot.”
“Yeah.” She nodded. “I’d put up a token protest, but it’s too cold to even pretend.”
“I appreciate the sentiment. Here we go. See you in a minute.”
She jumped out and strode to the hospital door. That’s the fastest she could go in heels. A determined stride made her look like a runway model, but it also meant she was out in the cold longer than a sneaker-wearing sprint would have carried her.
Mary was waiting in the lobby with Joan and the kids. “Sarah, darling, don’t you look splendid this morning?”
“Hi, Mary. Hey, Joan.” She knelt down to greet the children. “Give Aunt Sarah a big hug, you monkeys.” They dashed into her arms. “All ready to see Uncle Joe?”
Jenn kissed her on the cheek, and Jim pulled on her arm. “We’re running the train today. Are you coming over?”
“Sure am. Did you get new train stuff from Santa?”
Jenn wrapped her arms around Sarah’s neck and talked into her ear at full volume. “Jim got little people.”
“Play people?”
Jim pulled Jenn off of Sarah’s neck. “Don’t hurt her. It’s train people. We can put them around Trainland.”
“That will be fun. Maybe Aunt Mandy can come see.”
Jenn’s mouth dropped open, and she looked up at her mom. “Who’s Aunt Mandy?”
“She’s Uncle Chris’ friend.” Joan smiled.
Jim put his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, we got a new aunt for Christmas.”
“Santa brought this one.” Jenn pointed at Sarah.
Jim laughed. “She’s an elf.” His smile vanished. “Do you have to go back to the North Pole now?”
“No, sweetie. Santa lets me live here so I can get to Maslov’s easier.”
“Thank you, God.”
“Oh, Uncle Chris got a angel.” Jenn pointed.
Chris and Mandy entered the lobby, and the kids dashed over to greet her. “Aunt Mandy!”
She gave Chris a goggle-eyed stare before stooping to pick up Jenn. Chris laughed as he picked Jim up.
“What is your name, honey?”
“I’m Jenn.” She hugged Mandy and planted a juicy kiss on her cheek.
“I’m Jim.” He waved from his uncle’s arms.
“I’m Mandy. You guys are so cute.”
“Aunt Mandy! Are you going to come help us put train people?”
She blushed and put Jenn down. “Sure, if that’s okay with everybody.” Jenn took her hand and walked her over to the others.
“Of course, dear. You’re welcome anytime.” Mary smiled. She noticed Sarah. “Excuse us a moment, please.” She stepped away with her. “Is everything okay?”
“I need some time with you later.”
“Good, I have something that I’ve needed to say to you as well.”
‘Well, doesn’t that just figure?’ Sarah noticed Leo and Murray dashing into the hospital. “Here they are.”
Mary cast a curious glance at Sarah before turning to greet her husband. “Did you see where John parked, dear?”
Murray shook free of his overcoat. “He’s just behind us. Did you confer with Father Szulc?”
“He’ll meet us up in Joseph’s room shortly. Are we all gathered now?”
Joan pointed at the large window. “Here comes John. I think we can go up now.”
They milled over to the bank of elevators and John caught up. He took Jim from Chris.
“Aunt Mandy is coming to put out train people.”
“Aunt Mandy?” He smiled. “I hope you like train sets. Jim got a lot of people from Santa to add to the display.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Did I hear correctly that you absolutely destroyed my little brother at bowling?”
She blushed and tried to suppress a grin. “I wouldn’t say ‘destroyed’.”
“No.” Leo said. “Probably closer to annihilated.” Sarah nodded.
“He started off strong. Got a strike in the first frame.” Mandy pinched Chris’ cheek.
“That was pretty much it for the rest of the game.” Chris shrugged. “You don’t have to win to have fun.”
“No, but it sure helps.” She giggled.