Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Augustine, B.D., (28th August, 2021) on the Gospel and the
Memorial
1Thess 4:9-11;
Ps 97:1.7-9. (R. v.9);
Matt 25:14-30.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (13th November 354 – 28th August 430)[1] was son of Saint Monica. Although he was brought up a Christian and also one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, he spent many years in wicked living and in false beliefs (Manichaeism and neo-Platonism). Through the prayers of his mother and the preaching of Saint Ambrose, he became convinced that Christianity was the one true religion. But he was not converted immediately because he thought he could never live a pure life. On hearing that two men were converted after reading the life of Saint Anthony, he was filled with bitter sorrow and cried to God, “How long more, O Lord? Why does not this hour put an end to my sins?” He was baptized in 386, became a priest, a bishop, a famous Catholic writer, Founder of religious priests. Augustine is recognized as a saint in the Catholic Church, the Eastern Christian Church, and the Anglican Communion and as a preeminent Doctor of the Church. He overcame strong heresies, was very devout, practiced great poverty, and was also charitable. Augustine preached very often and prayed with great fervour right up until his death. He is the patron of the Augustinians, brewers, printers, theologians, the alleviation of sore eyes, and a number of cities and dioceses. Among his most important works are The City of God and Confessions. [2]
Topic: Put your talents into use.
Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven in today’s gospel to a
man who before going on a journey entrusted his property to his slaves. He gave
five talents to one, to another two, and to another one; to each according to
his ability. The one who received five and the other who received two traded
with theirs immediately and doubled them. On the contrary, the slave who
received one talent dug a hole and hid it. On the master’s return, the slave
who received five talents and the one who received two received the same
verdict, “Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a
few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your
master.” However, when the one who received one talent came forward, he
reported,
Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.
The one talent was taken away and given to the one with ten.
And the slave was thrown into the outer darkness, a place of weeping and
gnashing of teeth.
Their master expected each to yield fruits according to the
talents given, cf. Lk 12:48. Hence
the one who doubled five talents and the other who doubled two received the
same reward. In the same vein, each of us is required to produce fruits according
to the number of talents received.
Bible Reading: Lk 12:41-48.
Thought for today: Use your talents.
Let us pray: Lord, give us the grace to make the
best use of all the talents you have given us – Amen.
Saint Augustine – Pray for us.
For more homilies (reflections):
Visit our website: www.thepulpitonline.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepulpitonline
Join our WhatsApp Group via: +234 810
298 6313
Send us Email:
thepulpitonline@gmail.com
To Contact
and/or to support this ministry:
Tel: +234 813 305 0302
Email: thepulpitonline@gmail.com
Post a Comment
Post a Comment