Memorial of Saint
Scholastica, virgin
(I Kings 8:1-7.9-13; Mark 6:53-56)
Today the Church remembers St. Scholastica. She was the sister of the great St. Benedict, credited with founding western monasticism. Scholastica herself founded a community of
women dedicated to prayer. Evidently
little more is known about her except for a humorous story told by pope St. Gregory
the Great. During a fraternal visit when
Benedict wanted to leave his sister, heavy rains delayed his departure. Scholastica attributed the inclemency to the
Lord’s wish that he visit with her longer.
Perhaps something could be said here about nuns. Many confuse nuns with religious
sisters. Nuns are the feminine
counterparts of monks. They dedicate
their lives to prayer where religious sisters are known for their apostolic activity. Residences of nuns are usually called
monasteries although smaller communities may be said to live in convents. Some male religious orders have an auxiliary
arm of nuns praying for their apostolic activities. Franciscan, Dominican, and, especially,
Carmelite nuns have been formed according to the rule of the founder(s) of
their male associates.
Today’s first reading treats the celebration that accompanied
the dedication of Solomon’s temple. Israel
is exuberant over the establishment of a fitting place to worship God. The Lord will abide in its confines to assist
the people who come to pray there. Nuns
and monks give perpetual witness to these activities that all Christian should perform. We all need to adore the Lord and seek His
help.
