Jeanette Renouf

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today we celebrate St. Scholastica, patron saint of Benedictine nuns and twin sister of Gregory of Nyssa. It is interesting that one of the lectionary readings for today is about another set of famous twins, Jacob and Esau. The reading is not about their birth where Jacob is born holding on to Esau’s heel but about where Jacob steals Esau’s blessing from their father Isaac. Jacob, with his mother’s help, disguises himself as Esau to fool his father into thinking that he is giving Esau, the eldest son, by a few minutes, his blessing. When Esau comes for the blessing and finds out what has happened, he is, of course, furious and vows revenge on his brother. The stolen blessing does Jacob little good as he has to flee to avoid the rage of Esau.

We see Gregory of Nyssa mentioned in church history a number of times but rarely, if ever, see anything about his twin sister Scholastica. The only stories of her appear in relationship to him. Yet, even with that very limited information, we are told that Scholastica is intelligent and eager to learn and discuss her knowledge with her brother. She would meet with him near his monastery at Monte Casino, in central Italy, for deep discussions. Days before her death, they have one of these meetings. Somehow knowing that this may be their last time together, she asks to extend the time of the discussion. When he declines and says he is returning to his monastery for the night, she calls down a fierce storm and he is unable to leave and they spend the night in discussion. Is this the revenge of another twin?

Both twin stories end in forgiveness and reconciliation. Today’s lesson from Paul’s letter to the Romans gives us detailed instructions on how to avoid the sin of separation and live a life of reconciliation and love. We are blessed to have the Episcopal Service Corps, Beloved in the Desert, with us here in Tucson to model this way of living in the wider community. May we also be a blessing to them as we support them in their life and work among us.

Blessings and Peace,

Jeanette Renouf

Jeanette is a board member of Beloved in the Desert and oversees their spiritual direction.

For more information about Beloved in the Desert, click here. To support this ministry financially, click this link and select “Give to Outreach: Beloved in the Desert.” In addition, Beloved in the Desert will be hosting a Zoom fundraiser on Friday, March 18 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Register and come enjoy learning a bit more about the program and what our dreams are for the future by clicking here!