THE FEAST OF ST AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.
FEAST OF ST AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO.
"Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth.
"Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’
"Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; now fill up what your ancestors measured out!” (Matthew 23: 27 - 32).
Wednesday 28th August 2024 in the 21st Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.(354 - 430). African. Bishop, Doctor of the Church.
St Augustine was the son of St Monica and Patricius.
Augustine was a prodigal in his youth. He kept a mistress for many years. He belonged to the heretical sect, the Manichaens for years. Monica shed bitter tears for his conversion and waited on God for many years before it happened.
St Augustine was baptized by St Ambrose of Milan, the great Bishop and Doctor of the Church.
St Augustine is a prolific writer and without doubt one of the greatest doctors of the Church. His greatest works are: THE CONFESSIONS and THE CITY OF GOD.
His influence on Church doctrine has not diminished with time. He is vastly quoted in the Documents of Second Vatican Council.
Our key Scripture for today deals with hypocrisy.
Jesus accused the Scribes and the Pharisees of being hypocrites. They were like actors in a theater clamoring for the cheers and approval of the public.
Does the Church have a problem of hypocrisy today?
The World has a huge problem with truth. One may even say with the Truth, who is a person. This had been recognized decades ago by modern prophets like Pope Benedict XVI and many sociologists.
Hypocrisy is fundamentally a masking of truth. What are some of its characteristics today?
No shame in telling lies.
No shame or apology in lying or being caught lying.
No hesitation in lying before children.
Sins of lies, perjury, defamation are minimized and may no longer be adequately covered in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
The Church is the seed of the kingdom of God in the world. Alas, the the Church is no longer immune from the sin of hypocrisy, lies, falsehood, perjury and defamation.
Pope Francis had to cry out publicly against attacks on him by some Catholic media based on falsehood. We never think we shall see such fulfillment of biblical prophecies in our days.
"For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4: 3 - 5).
We live in a time that seems to be marred by open rebellion against truth.
How can you "be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry."
St Philip Neri teaches that frequent Confession will lead us to truth and humility.
The Church teaches that frequent Holy Communion will transform us into the image of the Person we receive in the Eucharist. Jesus Christ is the Truth, the Way and the Life.
August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
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