Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial of Saint Augustine,
B.D., (28th August, 2018) on the Gospel and the Memorial
2Thess 2:1-3.14-17;
Ps 95:10-13. (R. v.13);
Matt 23:23-26.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (13th November 354 – 28th August
430)[1]
was son of Saint Monica. Although he was brought up a Christian
and also one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, he spent many years in
wicked living and in false beliefs (Manichaeism and neo-Platonism). Through the
prayers
of his mother and the preaching of Saint Ambrose, he became convinced that Christianity was the one true religion. But he was not
converted immediately because he thought he could never live a pure life. On
hearing that two men were converted after reading the life
of Saint Anthony, he was filled with bitter sorrow
and cried to God, “How long more, O Lord? Why does not this hour put an
end to my sins?” He was baptized in 386, became a priest, a bishop, a famous Catholic writer, Founder of religious priests. Augustine is
recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Christian Church, and
the Anglican Communion and as a preeminent Doctor of the Church. He overcame
strong heresies, was very devout, practiced great poverty, and was also charitable. Augustine preached
very often and prayed with great fervour right
up until his death. He is the patron of
the Augustinians, brewers, printers, theologians, the alleviation of
sore eyes, and a number of cities and dioceses. Among his most important works
are The City of
God and Confessions. [2]
Topic: Nothing is hidden from God.
Jesus further denounced the scribes and the Pharisees,
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe
mint, dill, and cumin, and neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice
and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting
the others. You blind leaders! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!
This corroborates with the words of Prophet Micah in chapter 6
verse 8, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord
require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with
your God?” Many erroneously think like the scribes and the Pharisees that by
doing tithing and other offerings they hide their atrocities from God.
Activities in churches today also downplay these weightier
matters of the law. Almost every bit of energy is geared towards offerings.
There are several strategies for achieving this and new ones are coming up
daily. Yet little or no effort is channelled towards conversion.
Unfortunately, no one can hide his/her sins from God, cf. Ps 69:5. 139:15; Heb 4:13. He will
bring everything to light, cf. 1Cor 4:5.
Hence Jesus tells us, “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or
hidden that will not be known” including our sins (Lk 12:2).
There is need for total transformation, cf. Rom 12:2. We ought to avoid “eye-service,
as men-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the
heart” (Eph 6:6). Let no one be
deceived; everyone will reap what he/she sows, cf. Gal 6:7.
Finally, Saint Augustine we celebrate today was brought back
to the true faith through the prayers of his mother and the preaching of Saint
Ambrose. The story would have been different if these did not perform their
roles well. Augustine attested to this in these words, “If I am your child, it
is because you gave me such a mother.”
Bible Reading: Rom 12:9-21.
Thought for today: Do not please humans.
Let us pray: May God help us serve Him with our
whole being – Amen.
Saint Augustine – Pray for us.
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