Hello everyone! Heyo! Welcome back to Scattering Flowers with Elise and Miles, a podcast where we read the daily gospels and the saint of the day.
Let’s get started! Today is Monday, February 23rd, and the gospel reading is Matthew 25, 35-40, and the scripture to reflect on is Matthew 25, 35. For I was hungry, and you gave me food.
I was thirsty, and you gave me drink.
I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. In today’s gospel, Jesus invites us to recognize him in the people around us who need help.
We can reach out to others as Christians and do what God asks of us.
We might not be the right age to visit someone who is sick or in prison, but there are people who should be ready to help right at school.
Some classmates may feel sad and need cheering up.
Others may have a hard time fitting in and feel left out.
Some others might need extra help with the subject you are good at.
We can watch out for someone who might need our help.
We can be kind and attend to that person. Today’s saint of the day, St.
Polycarp.
He was born 69 B.C.
and died 155.
He is the patron saint of earaches. A gentle old man full of faith and favor, Polycarp had been the bishop of Cymeria for almost 50 years.
He was so beloved to even the police sent to arrest him were reluctant to do so.
When they came knocking on his door, he greeted them, gave them something to eat, and asked them that they may allow him some time in prayer.
The account tells us that he prayed for two hours, having made mention of all at the time in contact with him, both small and great illustrations and obscure, as well as the whole Catholic Church throughout the world. He was then brought to a Roman arena.
St.
Polycarp looked around at the bloodthirsty crowd and with a sweep in his hand, indicating them all, all said, down with the non-believers.
The official had urged him to renounce Christ, but Polycarp replied, 86 years I have served him, and he never did me any injury.
How then can I blaspheme my king and my savior?
With such a spirit, Polycarp’s heroic martyrism greatly inspired the Church of Cymeria and the surrounding area.
His life and courageous faith continue to inspire today. Jesus constantly gives us the opportunity to meet him through helping others.
This is a sort of almsgiving.
When we think Jesus is far away, helping others can help us feel closer to him.
St.
Polycarp met death with serenity and grace.
He did not cower in fear before his executioners, but trusted completely that God would help him bear the trial.
When difficulties and trials come into my life, we too can trust God. Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Dear God, when I see someone in need, help me to remember you and help them.
And help me to know how to speak the truth.
St.
Polycarp, 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!