Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Oh, St. Augustine! Look upon us with compassion, as once Jesus did when he saw the great crowds as though sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). We confess that we have strayed from the straight and narrow path which Christ cut out for us by his heavy cross and holy feet. Intercede for us, O Doctor of Grace.
Your Excellency, dear Bishop of Hippo! Grant some share of your spirit and wisdom to our shepherd servants here on earth, mere men who have been entrusted with the care of souls. We pray for them, our deacons, pastors, and bishops, who strive to live and to preach the Gospel, day in and day out. We pray that they may draw ever closer to the heart of that Good Shepherd of souls.
You wrestled with immorality and licentiousness but overcame it, by the grace of God. Our merciful Lord provided you a way out, saying tolle lege, take up and read. It was His word through Paul to the Romans (13:13-14) that brought about your change of heart. And with your mother’s prayerful tears, you were brought to life in Christ through the waters of baptism.
Grant us your blessing, O holy man of God! Be with us today. Teach us to take up and read the word of God. Help us, through your word, to take in God’s word, so that it may become our word—a word by which we may live, the word of Christ in whom is life eternal. Amen.
For Today:
I encourage you to read just the first page of St. Augustine’s Confessions. Even if you have read it, look it up today in honor of this great father of the church. It is a heartfelt prayer to God and contains that famous line, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections