St. Simeon Stylites the Younger
Today we remember a saint you’ve probably never heard of, St. Simeon, the Younger. Simeon was an interesting guy. He lived from 521 to 597 and died of natural causes, which wasn’t easy in those days.
Simeon’s father died when he was five years old. (Simeon was five, not his father). Simeon became a ward of a monk named John. To ensure that they would be left alone to pray, John built two platforms at the top of pillars. At age seven, Simeon moved onto his platform. But, the plan backfired. Word spread of the wisdom and sanctity of the two and pilgrims and would-be disciples flocked to the monastery to see them. At age 20, Simeon moved into the mountains.
Ten years went by and again, Simeon was surrounded by people wanting to be his students. This time Simeon decided he would help them and built a monastery. He included another platform on top of a pillar, and that’s where he stayed. When he was ordained, the Bishop climbed onto the platform to impose his hands. Simeon celebrated mass on his platform and the monks climbed a latter to receive communion.
Simeon spent 69 of his 76 years living off the ground.
Both readings today talk about giving. Sirach tells us to be cheerful givers. “Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.” Jesus tells the Peter in Mark’s Gospel that God will repay us 100 times over. He says that “Many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
In the responsorial Psalm, Psalm 50, the writer tells us to “offer praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
So all three readings promise that we will be rewarded according to our gifts to God. Whether our gift is to give 10% of all we make to the church, or to offer praise, of to spend most of our lives sitting on top of a pole, we will be rewarded. God can never be outdone in generosity. “For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.”
I have to mention that today would have been Ben and Florentine Jobst’s 61st wedding anniversary. You can imagine that this will be a particularly difficult day for Ben and his family. Please keep them in your prayers today.
Simeon’s father died when he was five years old. (Simeon was five, not his father). Simeon became a ward of a monk named John. To ensure that they would be left alone to pray, John built two platforms at the top of pillars. At age seven, Simeon moved onto his platform. But, the plan backfired. Word spread of the wisdom and sanctity of the two and pilgrims and would-be disciples flocked to the monastery to see them. At age 20, Simeon moved into the mountains.
Ten years went by and again, Simeon was surrounded by people wanting to be his students. This time Simeon decided he would help them and built a monastery. He included another platform on top of a pillar, and that’s where he stayed. When he was ordained, the Bishop climbed onto the platform to impose his hands. Simeon celebrated mass on his platform and the monks climbed a latter to receive communion.
Simeon spent 69 of his 76 years living off the ground.
Both readings today talk about giving. Sirach tells us to be cheerful givers. “Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.” Jesus tells the Peter in Mark’s Gospel that God will repay us 100 times over. He says that “Many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
In the responsorial Psalm, Psalm 50, the writer tells us to “offer praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
So all three readings promise that we will be rewarded according to our gifts to God. Whether our gift is to give 10% of all we make to the church, or to offer praise, of to spend most of our lives sitting on top of a pole, we will be rewarded. God can never be outdone in generosity. “For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold.”
I have to mention that today would have been Ben and Florentine Jobst’s 61st wedding anniversary. You can imagine that this will be a particularly difficult day for Ben and his family. Please keep them in your prayers today.
posted by Mike at 8:32 PM
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