Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

August 28, 2026

Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

The parable of the ten virgins invites us to reflect on how we use the time God has given us. God transcends time, so time itself is a special gift created for us. The way we use that gift reveals much about our character and our priorities before God. Too often, we postpone opportunities to be helpful and kind, to seek justice, and to care for the people around us and in our neighborhoods. We may tell ourselves, “I do not have time right now to volunteer or help,” or “I am starting something new.” Yet it is worth asking what we are truly pursuing. Are we seeking the Kingdom of God, or are we seeking our own comfort, pleasure, or security?

St. Paul gives us an example of this kind of discernment. In his letter to the Corinthians, he says that Christ did not send him primarily to baptize, but to preach the Gospel. Baptizing and evangelizing were both good and holy works, but Paul understood the particular mission God had entrusted to him. God knows the gifts and talents He has given each of us, and He calls us to use them in the way that best serves His Kingdom. This does not mean every new pursuit is wrong. An idea, project, or opportunity may be exactly what God desires for us. The Holy Spirit may be prompting it. But we should bring these choices to prayer and ask honestly: Who does this serve? Is this where God is calling me? Am I using my time wisely? When we pray this way, we become more ready for the Lord’s coming and more faithful in the work He has placed before us.

Let Us Pray:

Saint Monica, I ask for your intercession: inspire me to conform my will to the will of God. You patiently guided your husband and your son toward conversion, and through your prayers, Saint Augustine became a great witness to Christ and helped strengthen the foundations of the Church. His spiritual legacy inspired the Augustinian Order, from which our current Pope, Leo XIV, has come. May all my dreams and aspirations be purified and conformed to the City of God that your son so faithfully proclaimed.
Amen. (Prayer to Saint Monica)