Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

In the first reading, Paul reveals his heart. We recognize a shepherd’s love who shows attentive care for his converts and constant prayer for them. He urged them to be vigilant in expectation of the Parousia and to strive for holiness. In today’s reading, the gospel informs us likewise that Jesus’ coming will be unexpected, sudden. Life is full of natural catastrophes, reminding us of the need for watchfulness, not fear-filled vigilance, however. No, Jesus invites us to a vigilance that is full of joy, faith, striving for holiness, and attentive listening for the footsteps of the Beloved, a joy that uplifts us and fills us with hope.

The Gospels present numerous parables and images about waiting. We don’t like to wait. In practice, we are seldom patient. It happens that we tap our fingers and twiddle our thumbs while waiting. Sometimes we yawn or let our minds wander while others are speaking, and not to mention what happens when we are caught in heavy traffic. The main characters in today’s readings were not watchful nor patient: the owner of the house fell prey to the thief, and the servant neglected his duties. These stories remind us of the importance of patience and vigilance in our faith journey.

Messages of faith can help us develop a deeper understanding of patience. We celebrate the feast of Saint Augustine today and remember that his conversion is the fruit of patient, persevering prayer. This is a testament to the importance of patience in our spiritual growth, encouraging us to persevere in our faith journey and motivating us to do so.

Do we know how to wait for God’s coming into our lives? Do we recognize it in so many forms: illness, disaster, death? It is our faith that guides us in recognizing God’s presence in these forms, reassuring and comforting us in our waiting.

Let Us Pray:

Lord, to be “awake” in your sense is to be in expectation, to have our hearts poised for your coming, to be attentive to the new and the “not yet”. You are indeed present now in each detail of my life, the kingdom is already in our midst, you said, but our hearts wait for the “not yet” of fullest union you have promised.