Biographical Information about St. Augustine[1]
Readings for the Memorial of St. Augustine[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 1 Thes 2:1-8
In speaking of his previous stay with the Thessalonians, St. Paul emphasizes both the content of the Gospel message and the need to present it gently. He concludes this selection reminding them of the deep affection with which he holds them.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1-3, 4-6
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Psalm 139 is a hymn of meditation upon God’s presence in our lives. The selection carries the awe that one so great could love one so insignificant.
Gospel Mt 23:23-262
This reading from Matthew continues the dialogue of the “Seven Woes”. In this selection we hear how the Pharisees have extended the law of tithing down to the smallest of crops, herbs. The implication is they are lost in the minutia of the Law and have forgotten lager faith issues. The same reference is made when he says “Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!”
The final part of this section is concerned with “a metaphor illustrating a concern for appearances while inner purity is ignored” (NAB Footnote). There is a strong reference here to the lack of self-control shown by these leaders.
Reflection:
"The love of worldly possessions is a sort of bird line, which entangles the soul, and prevents it flying to God." -Saint Augustine
This short analogy by the great saint whose memorial we celebrate today summarizes a major theme of St. Matthew’s Gospel. It is one of the hardest tenets of the faith and I’ll illustrate that with a short story on myself.
Last Sunday I was in the sacristy with the celebrant vesting before Mass. One of the ushers came in and asked father “I will be attending an anniversary celebration for a Sister who has been in vows for 60 years. What would be an appropriate gift?” Father responded, “She has taken a vow of poverty so I would just get her a nice card.”
Knowing the usher well, I interjected in jest “How about a long term certificate of deposit? I’m sure the order would appreciate that.” We all laughed but in thinking about it later, it had some deeper implications. There is a tendency in all of us to place too much importance on material things and forget that it is our spiritual selves we should be more concerned about.
Today our prayer should be that our hearts and minds should remain firmly focused on our Lord. We ask that all we do and accomplish, though his grace, should be for the greater glory of God who made all things possible. We conclude remembering the psalm for today:
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know the whole of it.
Behind me and before, you hem me in
and rest your hand upon me.
Pax
[1] The picture for today is St. Augustine in Prayer by Sandro Botticelli, 1480
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
Readings for the Memorial of St. Augustine[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 1 Thes 2:1-8
In speaking of his previous stay with the Thessalonians, St. Paul emphasizes both the content of the Gospel message and the need to present it gently. He concludes this selection reminding them of the deep affection with which he holds them.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1-3, 4-6
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Psalm 139 is a hymn of meditation upon God’s presence in our lives. The selection carries the awe that one so great could love one so insignificant.
Gospel Mt 23:23-262
This reading from Matthew continues the dialogue of the “Seven Woes”. In this selection we hear how the Pharisees have extended the law of tithing down to the smallest of crops, herbs. The implication is they are lost in the minutia of the Law and have forgotten lager faith issues. The same reference is made when he says “Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!”
The final part of this section is concerned with “a metaphor illustrating a concern for appearances while inner purity is ignored” (NAB Footnote). There is a strong reference here to the lack of self-control shown by these leaders.
Reflection:
"The love of worldly possessions is a sort of bird line, which entangles the soul, and prevents it flying to God." -Saint Augustine
This short analogy by the great saint whose memorial we celebrate today summarizes a major theme of St. Matthew’s Gospel. It is one of the hardest tenets of the faith and I’ll illustrate that with a short story on myself.
Last Sunday I was in the sacristy with the celebrant vesting before Mass. One of the ushers came in and asked father “I will be attending an anniversary celebration for a Sister who has been in vows for 60 years. What would be an appropriate gift?” Father responded, “She has taken a vow of poverty so I would just get her a nice card.”
Knowing the usher well, I interjected in jest “How about a long term certificate of deposit? I’m sure the order would appreciate that.” We all laughed but in thinking about it later, it had some deeper implications. There is a tendency in all of us to place too much importance on material things and forget that it is our spiritual selves we should be more concerned about.
Today our prayer should be that our hearts and minds should remain firmly focused on our Lord. We ask that all we do and accomplish, though his grace, should be for the greater glory of God who made all things possible. We conclude remembering the psalm for today:
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know the whole of it.
Behind me and before, you hem me in
and rest your hand upon me.
Pax
[1] The picture for today is St. Augustine in Prayer by Sandro Botticelli, 1480
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
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