Daily Reflections ...

As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, the gulf between those who are for him and those against him becomes more apparent. In today’s gospel, Jesus harshly addresses the scribes and Pharisees. He confronts them with their behaviours, showing how far away their actions are from the kingdom of God.  

Today is also the memorial of St Augustine, a Doctor of the Church and the Bishop of Hippo.  St Augustine’s many writings show his struggle with Christian life and his ultimate turning to God. Augustine was born in North Africa in the year 354, had a restless past and converted to Christianity at the age of 25. Augustine realised intellectually that Christianity was true and correct. However, it took many years before he lived what he believed. Augustine’s prayer in his early years was: ‘Lord, make me a good and chaste Christian – but not yet.’

The words of St Augustine and Jesus challenge us to look at our own lives and spend time in reflection, asking where I am saying ‘not yet’ to God. We are not to spend time reflecting on our own; rather, we are to reflect with God in prayer, responding to God’s invitation of love and mercy and relationship. 

Augustine’s examples to us are real. He faced struggles in life and faith; however, they can point us to the kingdom of God.

Let us pray for a relationship with God that will still our restless hearts and help us to say ‘yes’ to God in all things.

by Lisa McKerr