(d.514) Born on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Symmachus was elected the 51st pope on the same day that the antipope, Laurentius, was elected by Byzantine sympathisers. The Gothic King Theodoric ruled that Symmachus was the legitimately elected pope, but Symmachus fought the schism throughout his papacy. While all of this drama took place in Rome, Symmachus still provided money and clothes to persecuted bishops in northern Africa and ransomed prisoners in northern Italy. He also instituted the singing of the “Gloria” for every Sunday Mass (at least with a bishop).

Saint Symmachus did not let political drama curtail his love of neighbor. Whatever is right or wrong in one particular meeting or fellowship will not stop us from bringing the message of recovery to the still-suffering. This process works through selflessness overcoming our selfishness. Where have you seen this principle at work in your own recovery?

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father” (Gloria in excelsis Deo).

Reflection by Brad Farmer