Homily on the Feast of Saint Scholastica and Institution of Acolytes
February 10, 2021
We learn in reading the Dialogues of St. Gregory, that St. Benedict’s sister, Scholastica, even as she neared death, wanted only to devote her time, her attention, her very self, to God, and the things of God. For this holy woman, this woman of prayer, this woman of great strength, the Lord was the source, and the inspiration, and the goal of her life. Scholastica chose the better part, just as did Mary in today’s gospel. Scholastica’s soul was like that of which the poet wrote in our first reading this evening from the Song of Songs. For Scholastica’s soul possessed a “love as strong as death, as fierce as Sheol, a love that rivers could not sweep away. Were one to offer all his wealth in exchange for such love, that one would be roundly mocked.” Brothers Titus and Basil, as acolytes, you too have chosen the better part for, “the summit and source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. It will be your responsibility to assist priests and deacons in carrying out their ministry, and as special ministers yourselves, to offer holy communion to the faithful at the liturgy, and as well, to offer this bread of life, to those who are sick and in difficult circumstances. Pray to Saint Scholastica that you may mirror her example to live more fully by the Lord’s sacrifice, and be molded more perfectly in its likeness. Seek to understand the deep spiritual meaning of what you do, so that you may offer yourselves each new day in ways more and more acceptable to the Lord, for whom both of you have entered the monastery to love and serve. Brothers Titus and Basil recall each day the devotion of that holy woman whose feast we celebrate today. Remember, as you share the one bread with your brothers and sisters, to show a sincere love for Christ’s Mystical Body, God’s holy people, and especially for those who are weak or sick or forgotten……or despised by those distracted by the lure of the world. Pray to St. Scholastica that you may always keep foremost in your mind as did she, the Lord’s command to all those who commit themselves to His service: “Love one another as I have loved you.”