Homily: Feast of St. Augustine

Feast of St. Augustine (Mt. 27-32) “God is Calling”

Many people have resisted a Christian vocation. Perhaps St. Augustine battled following Jesus as much as anyone who ever lived. He was the son of a couple named Patricus and Monica and lived in fifth century Rome. Monica was a devote Christian. Patricus did not accept baptism until he was on his death bed.

Augustine studied in many different philosophical schools. He lived his early life in Hippo in North Africa. He then went to Rome and Milan. There were times in his life where he felt like morality (especially sexual morality) did not matter. He lived with concubines and had a son.

At other times Augustine was very ascetical. He would fast. He would abstain from sex. He felt like the bodily cravings should be managed.

His mother constantly prayed for him and encouraged him to be baptized as a Christian. He did not do this until the end of Monica’s life.

He eventually returned to Hippo where he established a semi monastic community on his family’s estate. He was influenced more and more by Christian preachers. He began to write extensively about scripture and Christian doctrine.

When the seat of Hippo became vacant the people gathered to select a new bishop. In the early days of the church this was often done by acclamation of the members of the church. The people knew of Augustine’s deep love of philosophy and spirituality, so they came to him and asked him to be their bishop. He finally found his true vocation and he remained Bishop of Hippo the rest of his life. He finally felt at peace because he thought he was cooperating with the plan of God.

Reflection Questions:

1.    Have I ever run from God? When? How?

2.   Does God pursue us? How do I know this?

 Dear Parishioners,

         Remember the changes in the Mass schedule at the end of this week. Thursday we will have Mass at the regular times of 6:30 and 8 a.m. On Friday the Mass times will be at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. The 8:30 a.m. Mass will be the opening school Mass.

         Please pray for our school students as they contend with the heat this week.

            May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

            Fr. Mark