后记：英文周记『An Eventful Week』为美语世界论坛作文
This past week has been an eventful week.
Sunday, Feb 10th, was Chinese Lunar New Year, sending away the big Dragon and welcoming the little one. I spent the whole day cooking, putting together a nice dinner for our family to enjoy.
Monday morning, I woke up to a message of shocking news from my friend Qing, "Our Pope Benedict is stepping down!" When I read the announcement in the Holy Father's own words, tears rolled down my face. I was saddened by the news but I also respected his decision. Like our Lord Jesus said, not my will, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. "
Tuesday, Feb 12th, was Fat Tuesday, also called Mardi Gras. Traditionally people used up all the fat in the household and had a carnival celebration. I was still quite sad, I did not feel like having any extravagant celebration. I wrote to a very spiritual Priest I trust, and he replied, "Do not be saddened by the resignation of our Pope, God is good and He will guide us."
Wednesday, Feb 13th, was Ash Wednesday. It marked the beginning of Lenten season 2013, the forty days ( not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. I watched on EWTN (Eternal Word TV Network), our Pope Benedict's last public Mass service at St. Peter's Basilica. At times I was choked up. It was such a beautiful solemn High Mass. And I was deeply moved when the Holy Father crossed the Cardinals with ashes on their heads. The ashes came from burning last year's Palm Sunday branches, mixed with Holy Oil. It reminds us to repent. When the Mass ended, people were all tearing up. Everyone rose and applauded, our Pope smiled. He is so tender-hearted, loving and brave!
The fact that Chinese Spring Festival and Lent start almost on the same day gave people mixed feelings: to celebrate or to be serious? In fact, there are not conflicts: they are both times for renewal.
Thursday, Feb 14th, was St. Valentine's day. That morning sister Tern asked me if I was going to write something. I told her the week had been eventful and I did not know where to begin. That afternoon I drove by Sacred Heart Church. I planned to go in and pray for our Pope, as well as a long list of loved ones. I was disappointed when I saw that the door was locked. As I turned to leave, some beautiful red tulips in the front court caught my eyes. All too often, I was dashing around and not paying attention to little beauties around me. This time I stayed by the flowers and prayed the Rosary. All my worries melted away, I saw everyone I love in the Lord's Sacred heart. Over the years I have received many loving hearts, the biggest one is the Lord's Sacred Heart. It was so wonderful to pay tribute to His Heart 💗 on St. Valentine's day.
Friday I had a chance to go back to the Sacred Heart Church. Fortunately the door was open because a family was doing a wedding rehearsal. I went in briefly and prayed in front of the Pieta, a repilica of the famous one carved by the master Michelangelo, in St Peter's Basilica. When I looked at Mother Mary, I knew she would hold all of us dearly in her immaculate heart.
Today, Feb 16th, Saturday, ends the week with a light-hearted note. It is a nice warm day, my daughter had swim time trial. She swam so well and took time off on almost all of her events. Last year as a freshman in high school, she was moved up to swim in the varsity team. The coach recognized her efforts, and she received many awards. This evening my son's girlfriend came over for dinner. This is the first time that we met her, she is very sweet and we had a good time chatting. Even though I was fasting for Lent for the last couple of days, I still cooked a nice dinner tonight. I cooked a chicken artichoke casserole, garlic bread and a light salad, and the girl brought over a delicious peach cobbler made from her family recipe.
I look forward to the days to come, pray that peace and love will always surround us.
