The Memorial of St Augustine

1 Thess. 2:9-13, Mt. 23:27-32. Today's readings offer two appraisals of the value of human activity. In the first reading, Paul praises dutiful work while the Gospel condemns empty “works.” Paul exhorts the Church in Thessalonica to embrace a good and faithful life, one that is dedicated to the greater glory of God, serving Him and proclaiming His truth in everything they do, by their actions and deeds, by their words and interactions, through which they become the witnesses of their faith in God. Jesus demands such authentic life and condemns improper attitudes of the Pharisees and teachers of the law in their hypocrisy like their ancestors. They persecuted the prophets and refused to listen to the words of truth and wisdom which they brought with them.

Their ancestors of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah of old hardened their hearts and closed their minds off from the words of God. Jesus highlights our inner reality rather than our social image. What matters is how people are, within themselves and not the appearance they put up. Appearances can be deceptive. Today, we are challenged to reject the seduction of worldliness like St Augustine of Hippo whose memorial we celebrate. Augustine was not devout in his early life as we may have thought. Born to a pagan father and a Christian mother, Augustine lived a debauched and wicked lifestyle, adopting the heretical and syncretic Manichaean religion and sought all sorts of worldly pleasures until he was touched by the prayer of his mother, St Monica. Her effort eventually caused not just Augustine to turn away from his sinful life, but even managed to bring her own husband, Augustine’s father into the Christian faith prior to his death. Augustine turned towards God and became one of the original Four Doctors of the Church and a very important Church father and leader of the Christian faith

May the Lord fill us with His compassion and empower us to live faithfully in the presence of God with an authentic life of witnessing! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!