Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Today’s Gospel recalls Jesus’ miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. This also provides a prophetic vision of the Last Supper – Jesus broke the seven loaves before multiplying them, just as he did when he broke the bread before he gave the apostles the Eucharist.
We witness the compassion of Jesus as he recognized the people’s hunger and his concern that they would become sick on their journey home.
The Gospel acclamation reminds us that the Word of God also feeds us. What great gifts of nourishment the Word of God and the Eucharist empower us to be the heart, love, and hands of Jesus reaching out to others!
Hunger is a paramount issue for many throughout the world today. We witness children and adults who suffer in many ways from the devastating and painful effects of starvation. Not only is starvation present in the form of food, but it is also often the deprivation of hope and love through God’s Word. Let us ask today: how can we become today’s apostles providing nourishment in our communities?
Today commemorates Saint Scholastica, patron of the Benedictine nuns, education, and convulsive children, and she is invoked against storms and rains. She was the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia, founder of the Benedictine Order. The siblings would meet between their abbeys at a farmhouse to talk and pray together to discern their paths.
Saint Peter Julian Eymard devoted himself to nourishing the poor in France. How can we have the strength to do as he did? In his letter to Mrs. Josephine Girard, he wrote, “In the morning, feed your soul with our Lord for the day.” Let’s remember to begin our day as empty vessels and pray that our Lord feeds our minds, hearts, and souls.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I surrender all my thoughts, desires, and feelings so I may be completely open to your will for me. My greatest desire is that you fill my heart with your perfect love so that I may be open to fulfilling your vision and mission. Strengthen me, O God, that I may shower your love on others and help me see your eyes in theirs and bring your message to a world in need of you. Amen.
