Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Intention: For parents sending children back to school this week, especially those doing it alone or on a tight budget, that they have what they need and are not made to feel judged for what they do not.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
From the Sixteenth Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
What a consolation for those who have procured the salvation of souls, to see in heaven a great number whom they have helped to obtain the advantage of enjoying so great a happiness! This will happen to those who have instructed many persons about the truths of religion, as an angel said to the prophet Daniel: Those who instruct many persons in Christian justice will shine like stars throughout all eternity.
Prayer
Eternal Father, five of them had thought ahead about the oil and five had not, and by midnight it was too late to borrow. Some things cannot be lent at the last moment. Give us the discipline to prepare what only we can prepare. Saint Augustine came to you late and you received him, so keep us from presumption and from despair alike. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.