Chapter 5
Elsa was hoping that everything would go well, at the service on Saturday night. She was a bit nervous that something bad might happen. She drove to the cathedral praying the Rosary and the Prayer of St. Frances on her way to the cathedral. She had always loved that prayer and found it very appropriate for the work she was doing.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
She then recited Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
She knew she was doing the right thing. Her friends and other Jews deserved this. After all they were God's chosen people.
As she entered the basement of the cathedral, she was introduced to Rabi Feinstein by Father Grubber.
"I hope you do not mind the fact that I'll be reading from the Psalms", said Elsa.
"Not at all Baroness Schrader, I understand you want to console some of Vienna's Jews and you want to resist the Nazi's and that makes me very pleased with what you are doing", said Rabbi Feinstein.
"I'm glad to be of help", said Elsa smiling.
She then read the 23rd Psalms and other Psalms that asked the Lord for help. She felt that the Psalms were wonderful prayers in this difficult time.
After she read from the Psalms, her friends and others talked to her.
"Elsa your reading was wonderful and so comforting. I hope Isaiah is reciting those Psalms wherever he is", said Rachel.
"Oh I hope he is too! Have you heard anything from him at all?" Asked Elsa.
"No nothing, I think he may have been arrested due to his refusal to give up his political views, but I know nothing", said Rachel.
"I'm so sorry to hear that and I will continue to pray for you", said Elsa.
"Thank you so much Elsa. You have so kind and supportive. I don't know how I'll ever repay you", said Rachel.
"There is no need to. I'm only doing what is right." said Elsa.
Rachel gave Elsa a hug. She was so grateful for her friend.
"Thank you again, Baroness Schrader. I know that this was very much appreciated", said Father Grubber.
"Thanks for all you've done as well. I'll see you tomorrow at the 10:00 Mass, Father", said Elsa.
"Yes, God Bless You, Elsa", said Father Grubber.
As Elsa left, she thanked God that the evening went well.