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 Monday, October 13th, and the Gospel reading is Luke 11, 29-32, and the scripture to reflect on is Luke 11, 32.
The men of Nineveh will arise and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
Have you ever read the story in the Old Testament about Jonah and the whale?
A man named Jonah was swallowed by a whale, lived in his stomach for three days and nights, and was spat out because God saved him.
However, do you know the whole story?
Do you know where Jonah was going?
Jesus uses the story of Jonah to show the people who questioned him why he was there.
Maybe you should try and find some free time today to read the story of Jonah.
Today’s Saint of the Day, Saint Hedwig of Silesia.
She was born in 1174 and died 1243.
She’s the patron saint of Poland and orphaned children.
Saint Hedwig was married at the age of 12 to a duke named Henry.
Saint Hedwig asked her husband to help her build churches, convents, hospitals, and even a house to care for lepers.
Even though Saint Hedwig had money and privilege, she was always helping others.
She prayed and fasted for others and took food to beggars and the sick.
She visited prisoners and took care of lepers.
This was very strange for a woman to do in her high status.
When her husband died, she spent the rest of her days in a convent as a nun.
She spent her wealth caring for the poor.
Today’s reading reminds us of the importance of listening to and following God’s signs and messages.
Jesus tells us that the only sign we need is the sign of Jonah.
Just as Jonah spent three days in the belly of a whale before being saved, Jesus spent three days in the tomb before rising again.
This is a sign of God’s love for us.
Saint Hedwig helps us to see how doing good for Jesus helps us keep our priorities right and good.
Hedwig never stopped finding ways big and small to serve him and to grow in her faith.
Maybe today you can take some time to find something that shows God’s truth and wisdom in your everyday life.
You’ll be amazed at what you will see.
Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to die for our sins and having him rise again.
Help me to follow your signs you give.
Thank you for being good and always loving us and help me to be good and loving to you.
Saint Hedwig, 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!