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 Friday, December 19th, and the Gospel reading is Luke 1, 5-25, and the scripture to reflect on is Luke 1, 15-16.
He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.
Like Mary and Joseph, John the Baptist had a special part to play in God’s plan.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born so that he could really prepare for Jesus.
God has a plan for you too, just as he did for Mary, Joseph, and John the Baptist.
God gives you the grace you need to take part in his plan.
Think of that. Today’s saint of the day is St.
Giuseppe Maria Tomasi.
He was born 1649 and died January 1st, 1713.
He’s a patron saint of liturgical studies.
Giuseppe Maria Tomasi was born in Sicily, Italy to parents who were minor nobility.
He was raised a devout Catholic, and as a child he loved the liturgy of the church.
He would even try to wear the liturgical color of the day.
He learned many languages, particularly Spanish, because he was destined for a Spanish court.
However, he felt to be called to be a priest and entered the Theoton religious community after renouncing his considerable inheritance.
Giuseppe became a scholar of languages and liturgy and published translations of ancient liturgical texts.
He did not seek attention for his work and even published some of his books under a pseudonym to avoid acclaim.
Nevertheless, universities around the world praised his books and influential people sought him out in 1721.
He was made a cardinal much to his dismay.
Despite the honor and attention, Giuseppe lived a modest holy life and people flocked to see the man.
They believed in a living saint.
When Giuseppe was alive, people who touched his clothes reported being cured. Does God answer prayer?
Yes, God answers prayer.
Is anything too hard for God?
No, nothing is too hard for God.
Does faith please God?
Yes, everyone’s faith pleases God. Giuseppe is considered a saint not only for his scholarly service to the church, but also his holiness and piety, especially his humanity and self-giving love.
The holiness of Giuseppe’s life impressed those around him and led others to Christ.
At one point, he studied with the rabbi to deepen his knowledge of Hebrew.
The rabbi was so impressed with Giuseppe’s holiness that he has to be baptized. Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Dear God, help me to listen to your words and to trust you even when it’s hard or no one else believes in you.
And help us to see the beauty of liturgy and celebrate it well.
Thank you, Giuseppe Maria Tomasi.
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 next week scattering more flowers.
See ya!