Memorial of St. Scholastica, virgin
Today we celebrate the patron saint of Benedictine sisters, and patron saint of thunderstorms, St. Scholastica, twin sister of St. Benedict. Because of the feast, our Gospel reading is from Luke 10:38-42, the famous story of Martha and Mary welcoming Christ to their home. Mary sits listening to Jesus and has a holy conversation with him while Martha occupies her time making sure everything looks orderly.
This passage echoes a St. Scholastica story. Scholastica lived in her convent and her brother Benedict lived in his monastery. Once a year they’d get together to visit, one day a year! On one particular occasion of their meeting after a long day, Benedict thought it appropriate and orderly to head back to his monastery. Scholastica wanted him to stay longer for more holy conversation. Benedict wanted to leave! As he was getting ready to leave, Scholastica said a prayer and thunderstorms came, because she loved more. The thunderstorms were too dangerous for Benedict to travel in so he had to stay longer with his sister.
Ask yourselves, brothers and sisters, how well have I been listening to people? How much time do I put aside on listening to someone who needs someone to hear them? What are things do I say are more important and orderly to do, than spending time with a person who wants or needs someone to listen? St. Scholastica, pray for us.
Reflection by Fr. Macario Martinez, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections