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, December 1st, and the Gospel reading is Matthew 8, 5-11, and the scripture to reflect on is Matthew 8, 10. When Jesus heard him, he marveled and said to those who followed him, Truly I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such faith. In today’s reading, the centurion amazed Jesus with his direct request and his respect. Jesus said to his followers, I assure you, never have I found such faith in Israel. This man did not doubt that Jesus was able to heal his beloved servant. When you pray to Jesus, do you ask him to help you?
And when you do, do you trust and believe that Jesus will help you? Today’s saint of the day is St.
Simon of Cyrene.
He was born in the first century and his death is unknown.
He was a patron saint of Cyrene and Jerusalem. Simon traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with his sons.
Simon wanted to honor God with his family, but he had no idea that he would meet God in person. On his way to Jerusalem, Simon saw Jesus, but Jesus wasn’t preaching to crowds or healing anyone.
Jesus was carrying his cross up a long road to be crucified. Most of his followers had abandoned him.
He was battered, bruised, and exhausted and looking nothing like a king. The soldiers with Jesus forced Simon to help him carry the cross.
Simon saw Jesus when he was suffering and in pain, and Simon helped him. Like the first candle of Advent we saw at Mass this week is hope.
We can learn to hope like the centurion did. Keep your heart and mind open.
Jesus is with you and he is working in your life.
Trust him.
He does not disappoint. St.
Simon of Cyrene helped Jesus when he was suffering.
Simon saw Jesus when he was suffering in pain and Simon helped him. Simon is mentioned in the Gospels of Saints Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which strongly suggests that Simon became a Christian soon after he helped Jesus carry the cross. Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Dear God, help me to remember that during this Advent season to always look for hope, just like the centurion. And help me to find ways to help and serve you to help those who are suffering.
St.
Simon of Cyrene, 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!