Feast of St. Augustine
Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8b-10
Matthew 23:13-22
Reflection:
What does a true disciple of Jesus Christ look like? Could they be like Saint Augustine whose feast we celebrate today, a man called by God to teach and preach the Word of God to those unchurched in North Africa, who became a Bishop and well known Doctor of the Church? Augustine came to be baptized after many years of running away from God’s persistent call to faith and conversion, not to mention the perseverance and prayer of his mother, Saint Monica, whose feast we celebrated yesterday! Could they be someone like our own Holy Father, Pope Francis, who daily models the life and love of Jesus Christ? He challenges us, cajoles us and affirms us, to be that light in the darkness, to answer the call to bring mercy, peace and justice to our suffering brothers and sisters.
What does a true disciple of Jesus Christ look like? To find that answer, we must all look in the mirror! In looking at ourselves in that mirror, we see who we really are, that person created in the image and love of our God! We are not called to be the community of Thessalonica, or Monica, Augustine or Pope Francis! We are called to emulate our ancestors in faith and present day prophets as we focus on works of faith, labors of love and the enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ!
True discipleship is shown in the Bishop who calls all of his priests to speak out on the sins of racism, prejudice. True discipleship is the neophyte who accepts the call to serve his parish as a member of the Pastoral Council. A True disciple is the parent who brings their family to the soup kitchen to help provide a meal for the hungry. True disciples are those who continue to speak out against those who focus on bigotry, bullying and discrimination. True discipleship calls us to march against the events in Charlottesville and Boston and other places where violence reigns supreme!
The psalmist reminds us that ‘The Lord takes delight in his people.” As true disciples of Jesus Christ let us share that delight with all we meet and in turn help to make our Church and our World a better place for all. Have a delightful day!
Theresa Secord is a Pastoral Associate at St. Agnes Parish, Louisville, Kentucky.
