Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
How is it that we walk in the way of the Lord and do not fall into the trappings of the scribe and Pharisees? How do we remain humble and grow in love with our beloved Jesus? It is by the grace of the Holy Spirit given to us by Christ and shared by the example of our brothers and sisters in Christ. St. Paul says, “We wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us.” We look to those holy men and women that God has given the Church so that we might see their example and be inspired to fall into a greater desire of God’s love. St. Augustine had turned away from the faith imparted to him by his mother, but her prayers and holy example led St. Augustine back to the faith. We take courage to know that we will persevere in our journey of faith because we are strengthened by the prayers and examples of so many who love and desire to see us enter more deeply into the love of faith. When we fall, we are further strengthened but Jesus’ words to Peter, “I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). We must turn back to the Lord who strengthens us by his Love to become the example of fidelity and conversion that will strengthen our brothers and sisters to continue their journey of faith that will lead to eternal Love.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections