St. Augustine Catholic Church     314-385-1934

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding…

Pastor’s Pen
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
July 17, 2022
St. Augustine Catholic Church

 

Martha and Mary – FINDING TIME FOR JESUS

Dear Church Family,

I feel awkward preaching to our church family about issues that I personally believe are already part of your daily life, but from time to time,  we all need reminders. Life intervenes, and like Martha in our Gospel, we are pulled into doing things that separate us from God. First of all, we must begin our day with prayer, such as, The Morning Offering. The simplest version is

“O Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you the works, joys,

and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of thy Sacred Heart”.

So, even if life interrupts, you have already consecrated all your actions to God. What many of us do not understand is that when we give our actions to God, we are turning our day into a day of grace making. Work and play become prayer. Our hearts become filled with God’s love. The work does not necessarily become easier but by reminding ourselves of having committed our day to God, His joy fills us. When His joy fills us, we automatically share it with others. When we see Father Bob here assisting those in need, we never see him angry or upset or even frustrated. He does it with joy. So, too, may we.

On Wednesday, I counseled a woman who needed funeral assistance. Her story was overwhelming. She had three young children with her. They were all her grandchildren. Both of her sons had died. One of the mothers of these children had died and the other mother did not want the baby. So now this 40-year-old woman with a good job, had to care for three young children. My point is this — her demeanor was calm and accepting. She was a prayerful woman who had given all this to God. Her name was Erica and I ask our congregation to keep her in your daily prayers. I have recently encountered at least four occasions where a loved one has lost a spouse or sibling due to suicide. When one commits suicide, they are despondent and have lost all hope. Jesus is the source of all hope. We must turn to Him, morning, noon and night. He will carry all of our heavy loads. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Peace and love,

Deacon Ed

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