成人快手

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with the Revd Dr Mark Clavier.

Good morning. Today, we remember St. Scholastica, a 6th-century Italian woman of faith whose life teaches us the power of prayer, love, and reconciliation. Like her brother, St. Benedict, she devoted herself to God through a life of monastic simplicity and prayer. In one cherished story, when Benedict planned to leave their annual meeting, Scholastica prayed for a storm to delay him so they could continue their holy conversation. Her prayer was granted, a reminder of the divine power of love and persistence in seeking connection.

But, this day also recalls a darker moment in history: the St. Scholastica Day鈥檚 riot of 1355 in Oxford. A quarrel between townsfolk and scholars escalated into violence, leaving many dead. This tragic event underscores how pride and division can lead to devastating consequences. Yet, even as we acknowledge this painful history, we can turn to St. Scholastica鈥檚 example and see in her faith the transformative power of prayer.
As we reflect, we are called to confront the divisions in our own time. In a world so often fractured by misunderstanding and conflict, we can choose a different path. Scholastica鈥檚 life invites us to persist in love, to seek holy conversation, and to trust in the reconciling power of Christ.

Lord of peace, through the example of St. Scholastica, you teach us the power of prayer and love. Heal the wounds of division in our world, And grant us hearts that seek unity and peace. May we persist in love and trust in your reconciling grace. In Christ鈥檚 name, we pray. Amen.