Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: 1 Thes 4:9-11; 98:1, 7-8, 9; Mt 25:14-30
Notes: Today another COVID funeral. Many funerals lately as the spike has arrived to the funeral homes. Given the continued increase in infections, the next 30-45 days will be intense.
The age range of deaths are much younger in this the fourth wave.
Deceased ages range from 45 – 55 in general.
A priest friend related to this COVID-19 crisis this way.
In the 1960-1970 time frame there was the epidemic of the Smoker’s Widows. He told me about the dozens upon dozens of men he buried in the age range of 45-55.
Leaving behind a smoker’s widow.
The story of the Son whom Monica prayed for: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-augustine-of-hippo
First reading
Nevertheless we urge you, brothers and sisters, to progress even more,
and to aspire to live a tranquil life,
to mind your own affairs,
and to work with your own hands,
as we instructed you.
Life does not need to be a continuous sensation of experiences and entertainment.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.
Alleluia Verse
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
Gospel Portion
As the Alleluia verse says, it is a commandment to love.
- We know we cannot force someone to love us.
- It is foolish to try to bribe someone to love you.
But we can force ourselves to love even through the conflicting emotions and evidence of their lack of reciprocity.
Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,
‘Master, … out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.
Here it is back.’
- The one talent we all receive is the capacity to love.
- We may not have special skills, great wealth or lots of extra time.
We all have the capacity to love and we are expected to do just that even if we have to force ourselves against our ambitions, fears and anxieties.
You can love by praying. Like interest in the bank place your love as prayer in the secret place of the Divine. Pray for your family, friends, acquaintances and enemies.
Pray.
Don’t lose interest.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 