MEMORIAL ST AUGUSTINE, FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, AUGUST 28, 2026

MASS READINGS:

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.”

REFLECTION

stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

The lives of St Monica and St Augustine offer us a beautiful way to understand what it means to keep our lamps burning while we wait for God to act.

The Holy Catholic Church honors St Augustine with three titles: Doctor of Grace, Doctor of Love and Doctor of Doctors. Yet there was a time when his mother, St Monica, prayed for his conversion. She saw him wander away from the Catholic faith and pursue a life very different from the one she desired for him. She could not force him to be holy, righteous or a believer. Her tears became prayers, her impatience brought perseverance and harsh words became an offering of supplication.

St Augustine's conversion did not happen according to Monica's timetable. In fact her oil of prayer, love, waiting, hope and faithfulness kept her lamp burning while she waited for God to act. Never gave up!!

God pursues each and everyone of us. He pursued St Augustine during his turbulent and carefree years. On one hand St Monica might have prayed, "Lord, how much longer?" and St Augustine might have prayed, "Lord, change me but not yet." (paraphrase St Augustine's response of not quite ready to give up sin.).

God works even when we don't see. Eventually St Augustine received the grace for which his mother prayed for and she was present when he was baptized. He became Bishop of Hippo, theologian, Doctor of the Church and one of the most influential saints.

We do not know when grace will enter another person's heart. St Monica could not give St Augustine her faith, but, she could encourage, sacrifice, intercede but eventually it was St Augustine who responded to God's grace.

So mothers, fathers, husbands and wives--persevere in praying for your family, children and spouse. Do not grow weary nor disillusioned.

Keep praying!!

Keep your lamps burning!!

God Bless You