Homily: Feast of St. Scholastica
Feast of St. Scholastica (Mk. 7:24-30) “Persistent Women”
I have spent a lot of time around Benedictines. I went to St. Meinrad Seminary and lived by the monastery for 6 years. That is where I was first introduced to the spirituality of St. Benedict. St. Benedict lived in the 5th century in Italy. He wrote the Benedictine rule that is the guidebook for monasteries throughout the world. It is amazing that the Benedictine Order has been around for 1500 years. That would make it one of the longest lasting organizations in the world and the first religious order.
Benedict lived in what would be called the dark ages. It was a time when governments had fallen apart and there was chaos everywhere in Europe. People longed for safety and stability in their life. Benedictine monasteries offered that. Men would live in community. They would have food, clothing, shelter and order in their lives. There was a clear organizational structure with an Abbot who was the authority figure. Monasteries were places where people felt save and where they felt like they were valued.
If men had the desire for safety and tranquility, we might imagine how women felt at this time. Women were considered property. They had little control over their lives. If they married well, they might have an easy life. Most lived as peasants and bore children and took care of their homes.
St. Scholastica asked her brother Benedict to guide her as she started Monasteries that women could join. Legend has it that Benedict and Scholastica would meet one day a year to talk about spirituality. That must have been quite a conversation.
One night as they were having this yearly conversation Scholastica asked Benedict if she could have more time. He wanted to return to the monastery, so she prayed asking God to intervene. A rainstorm came up that was so strong Benedict had to stay. We might think of the Gospel we read at Mass today about the Syrophoenician woman who comes to Jesus asking for healing for her daughter. She persists until Jesus responds positively to her request. The story of Scholastica and the Gospel story remind us that women should have access to the spiritual resources of the church. Ultimately, they will not be denied.
Reflection Questions:
- Is there a need for stability in people’s lives today? How can the church provide it?
- Have I ever needed more from the church? What is it that I want?
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Dear Parishioners,
Part of Benedictine Spirituality revolves around living a balanced life. The schedule of a monk’s day revolves around work and prayer, but there is also time built into the day for personal meditation and recreation. The monk is not a workaholic, nor do they keep their head in the clouds all the time. The monk is expected to contribute to the support of the community through their labors.
All of this can be a model for parish life. We live in a community together. We need time to do the practical things and we need time to pray together. We also benefit from the leisure time we can share. Let’s pray that we will be free to spend more time together in the days to come. It has been difficult lately to share our common life. St. Benedict teaches through his rule that this is an important part of being a disciple of Jesus.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark