1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8B-10, Psalm 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A, 9B, Matthew 23:13-22

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Memorial of Saint Augustine, 

Bishop and Doctor of the Church

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.  Jn 10-27

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8B-10, 

Psalm 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A, 9B, 

Matthew 23:13-22

1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8B-10, 

Dear Love, Beloved of my soul,

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Augustine whose conversion was in large part due to his mother's tears and prayers for him. When we look at his life we see that sinners can be saved. No matter how great our sins there is always forgiveness and mercy for the repentant and contrite of heart. Once he fell in love with You Beloved, there was no turning back. He used the gifts that God endowed him with to preach and teach the Gospel that saves us all. 

St. Augustine spoke and wrote candidly about his sinful life, of the sorrow he caused his mother St. Monica. Once converted he lived an exemplary life of grace. Thank You for his witness which us hope that God is good, merciful, faithful, and kind and desires that everyone be saved. 

Psalm 149:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6A, 9B, 

Dear Love,

You delight in us because we are Yours. How much more then do You and the Church delight in those who are faithful, who walk in Truth. We thank You for all Your Saints whose marvelous witness gives us poor, weak creatures hope.

St. Augustine, like the prodigal son, found forgiveness and mercy despite his gravely sinful past and so can we. To those who return to You with a repentant and contrite heart You will forgive and bless. You used a former sinner powerfully as a witness to the Truth grant O Lord that in my own little way I too shed the light of the Gospel wherever I may be.

Matthew 23:13-22

Dear Love, beloved bridegroom of my soul,

If there is one thing that You abhor it is a hypocrite. We may succeed in deceiving people by our outward show of piety and by making known publicly our acts of charity in order to receive praise and honor from those who see us but we can never deceive You.  You see our hearts, You know our motives, You despise and condemn those who blow their own trumpet. You tell us bluntly that there is no room in God's Kingdom for such as these.

Grant O Lord, that my witness to You may be free from all that would bring shame, disgrace, or dishonor  instead of glory and praise to You.