Hello everyone! Heyo! Welcome back to Scattering Flowers with Elise and Miles, a podcast where you read the daily Gospels and the saint of the day.
Let’s get started! Today is Tuesday, May 20th, and the Gospel reading is John 14, 27 through 31, and the scripture to reflect on is John 14, 27.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
When I was in my RCIA, my teachers went over each part of the Mass.
One part that I remember really well is learning about why we do the sign of peace.
Our teacher told us the sign of peace is not just a social greeting, hi, hello, have peace in your life, but a sign of peace is a way of asking forgiveness.
Sometimes it’s a good way to make sure you’re not at odds or holding a grudge against someone.
You take the time to seek unity with others at Mass before you take Jesus' precious body.
Today’s saint of the day is Saint Bernadine of Siena.
He was born September 8th, 1380 and died May 20th, 1444.
His feast day is May 20th and is the patron saint of public speaking, advertising, and respiratory problems.
Have you ever seen IHS on Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Well, that is because of Saint Bernadine of Siena.
He was known for his devotion to the holy name of Jesus, so Saint Bernadine devised a symbol IHS, the first three letters of the name of Jesus, and Greek in Gothic letters on a blazing sun.
The devotion spread and the symbol began to appear in churches, homes, and public buildings.
He was the greatest preacher of his time and often compared with Saint Paul.
Saint Bernadine had lots of energy and joy.
He had a very weak and hoarse voice that by a miracle improved later because of his devotion to Mary.
During the sign of peace at our church, we greet one another as Jesus greeted his friends.
We shake hands with the people around us or give a fun wave or peace sign and say, peace be with you, to share God’s love and to bring God’s love and peace to all you meet.
Make sure you take time to find forgiveness in your heart for those you’ve wronged so you can receive Jesus with a clean heart.
Saint Bernadine helped people in towns and cities that were frightened by encouraging them to forgive each other and make peace.
Saint Bernadine’s story teaches how important having faith, love, and forgiveness is.
Next time you see sacred art with the IHS symbol, remember Saint Bernadine of Siena who made this as a special sign that reminds us of the love of Jesus.
Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Dear God, help us to live in peace with everyone and when we don’t, to remember to ask for forgiveness and live in Jesus' love.
Jesus, thank you for your love that fills our hearts and helps us to love others.
Saint Bernadine, pray for us.
Amen.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Thank you so much for listening.
We’ll be back tomorrow scattering more flowers.
See ya!