Friday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time, Year II (St Augustine of Hippo).1 Cor.1:17-25; Matt.25:1-13
Growing up, the first time I heard the story of the ten bridesmaids, I was much disappointed that the five sensible ones would refuse to give some oil to the five foolish ones when it mattered. I felt they should have been more charitable with their oil. But I was later to realise that the rewards for good works are personal . Each one of us has to work out his/her salvation in fear and trembling. When it comes to the good deeds and the sacrifices that keep the lamps of our spiritual lives burning, one cannot depend on others.
Friends, be that as it may, the prayers of others can help us take our relationship with God more seriously. This played out in the life of St Augustine, whose memorial we celebrate today. Born in the year 354 at Thagaste in Africa, Augustine lived an immoral life as a younger man. But due to the incessant prayers of his mother (St Monica), Augustine was later converted and received baptism from St Ambrose, who was Bishop of Milan at the time. Augustine returned to his country as an ascetic. His election as Bishop of Hippo came as no much surprise. He taught extensively through his many writings and sermons, and was an exemplary Bishop for thirty four years. In Augustine’s life, we see the need to keep our lambs burning brightly.
Prayer
You stir us up, O Lord, and make us find joy in praising you, since you have made us for yourself; and our hearts find no rest until they rest in you. Renew our lives with the Spirit of wisdom and love which you gave so fully to St Augustine, that we may leave fleeting pleasures for your sake, Amen.
Good morning dear. God bless your weekend ahead.
About the Author
Good to be part of the resder of this message. May the Lord restore us back to himself as long as we remain in this troubled world through Christ our Lord. Amen.
St Augustine, Pray for us.
Amen