CELEBRATING ST AUGUSTINE

CELEBRATING ST AUGUSTINE: 2 Thes. 2:1-3.14-17, Mt. 23:23-26. The second letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians was written to explain the misinterpretation of his first letter. This second letter was also written to settle the chaos and anxiety created in the community by the prophecies on the imminent coming of the Lord. Hence, Paul cautioned Christians to keep the tradition they handed over to them and be faithful to the Lord always. In the same way, Jesus challenges us to be real and avoid hypocrisy.

Thus, in today's Gospel, He condemns the hypocrisy in the traditions of the Scribes and Pharisees who focused more on physical piety than real inner conversion. St Augustine whose memorial we celebrate today met God when he was in search of absolute truth. Though dead to grace for many years, he was brought back by the prayers of his mother, Monica. When he found God he said: "Late have I loved you, O beauty so ancient and so new, late have I loved you! Lo, you were within, but I outside, seeking there for you...You were with me, but I was not with you...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 find rest in you."May the Lord sanctify us and make us what we receive in the Eucharist! Amen!! Good morning and have a pleasant day!!