Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Scholastica (480-c.543)

Saint Scholastica shared a love of God and a vocation to religious life with her twin brother, Saint Benedict. The twins established religious communities within five miles of each other. Scholastica and Benedict met once a year in a neighboring farmhouse to talk and pray together, because Scholastica was not allowed within the confines of the monastery. When Scholastica knew that her life was drawing to a close, she asked her brother to stay with her longer during their last meeting. Benedict declined, since spending the night outside of the monastery went against his own rule, so Scholastica prayed to God to let her brother stay with her longer. Suddenly, a strong thunderstorm began, and Benedict could not leave. Benedict exclaimed, "God forgive you, Sister. What have you done?" Scholastica responded, "I asked a favor of you and you refused. I asked it of God and he granted it." Three days later, Benedict saw the soul of his sister soaring to heaven in the form of a white dove. He then buried her in the tomb that he had built for himself. Saint Scholastica is the patron saint against rain, against storms, of convulsive children, and of nuns.

Reflection

Saint Scholastica shared a love of God and a vocation to religious life with her twin, Saint Benedict, whom she loved very much. The two would take time to meet once a year to visit and pray together, since they were both busy with their religious communities. Do you make time to spend with your siblings and family members, even though you may lead busy lives? Do you care for them spiritually as well as physically? Ask the Lord to help you care for the needs of your family members as he cares for your needs.

Prayer

God, help me to provide for my family as you have provided for me. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)

Meditations

Meditation for Gospel

Luke's message is contained in the person of Simon Peter, who is called to listen and then respond to Jesus's request to row out to deeper water and throw the nets in. Simon Peter's response is based on faith and on his previous experience of Jesus' healing his mother-in-law. His response surely is not based on his knowledge as a skilled fisherman that the worst time to fish is exactly the time Jesus asks him to cast the nets. The result is a marvelous catch of fish. Must Christians be willing to listen to Jesus in their lives and be open to a life of deeper relationships with others and with God, when it seems that everything is dried up? When Jesus is present, surprises happen at the most unexpected moments and when we least expect them. That which is barren suddenly overflows with life, so much so that we have to call others to join in our abundance. (Taken from "Youth Engaging Scripture: Diving into the Sunday Gospel")