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 Wednesday, December 31st, and the Gospel reading is John 1, 1-18, and the scripture to reflect on is John 1, 1.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
On the seventh day of Christmas, it’s seven swans a-swimming.
The seven swans represent the seven sacraments of the Church, baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, reconciliation, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick.
Sometimes it’s hard not to think that God is really far away from us and hard to get to, but the sacraments show us that Jesus sticks close to us.
Today’s Saint of the Day is Saint Sylvester I.
He was born 285 and died 335.
He is the patron saint of new beginnings.
Powerful leaders have given answers to this question.
Who is Jesus?
Some claim that Jesus wasn’t God’s son.
Others said Jesus was a criminal who never rose again after his death.
But some have called Jesus the mighty God and Prince of Peace.
Their leaders say that Jesus, the Son of God, has everlasting authority over the whole universe.
Sylvester was one of these leaders.
During Sylvester’s time as Pope, Emperor Constantine became a Christian.
This was important because Roman Empires has been killing Christians for a long time.
Christians have persevered in their faith, believing in Jesus even though it was dangerous.
Sylvester knew the truth and proclaimed it to the world.
Jesus is God.
He is more powerful than any ruler on earth.
Why did he give the sacraments to us?
To give us grace.
He gives us unconditional love and grace to get through the tough things in life.
Jesus loves us so much, he wants to give us living signs to become close to him.
With this feast day on the last day of the calendar, Saint Sylvester can help us make the transition from the year to year in the holy way.
He reminds us of the value of time on earth is the most important grace of all.
Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Dear God, thank you for the sacraments.
And thank you for this year of love.
And help me to use my time wisely to live in a holy way.
Saint Sylvester, 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!