Augustinian Journey

Gregory D. Heidenblut, O.S.A. Director of Education and Formation for Priests Archdiocese of San Francisco Readings Is 5:1-7 Ps 80:9,12,13-14,15-16,19-20 Phil 4:6-9 Mt 21:33-43 Today in our second reading, St. Paul tells us, “Do not worry about anything” (Phil 4:6). Our initial response might be, “right” and smile. Years ago, if someone told me not to worry, it used to make me upset – how can a person be so blindly optimistic that they imagine bad things can never happen?

Joseph A. Genito, O.S.A. Saint Augustine Friary Chicago, Illinois Readings Ez 18:25-28 Ps 25:4-5,8-9,10,14. Phil 2:1-11 or Phil 2:1-5 Mt 21:28-32 There is a story told by the Cherokees about a fight that goes on inside each person, a terrible conflict between two wolves, one good and one evil. The evil one is anger, arrogance, resentment, lust, laziness, selfishness, ego and the like. The good one is joy, peace, love, hope, humility, benevolence, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

Michael F.

On the twentieth anniversary of the passing of Servant of God Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., EWTN premiered an episode of their popular series They Might Be Saints focused on Fr. Bill’s extraordinary life. The series’ host, Michael O’Neill, examines the lives of men and women of faith on the path to sainthood and the search for canonization miracles.

John F. DelloRusso, O.S.A. Church of St. Augustine Andover, Massachusetts Readings Sir 27:30–28:7 Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 Rom 14:7-9 Mt 18:21-35 On Friday, we remembered the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack on our country. Many of us still have vivid memories of that day. I was living in New York and was preparing for a staff meeting when I heard the news.

Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. Prior Provincial Province of St. Thomas of Villanova Readings Ez 33:7-9 Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 Rom 13:8-10 Mt 18:15-20 Someday, when each one of us arrives at those pearly gates, it does not seem reasonable to expect the Lord to be there asking us: How many degrees do you have? Or how many trophies did you win? Or how much money did you make? Jesus’ life and teaching more than suggest we will be asked one critical question: How did you treat one another?

Gary N. McCloskey, O.S.A. St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery Villanova, Pennsylvania Readings Jer 20:7-9 Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Rom 12:1-2 Mt 16:21-27 “I’ve been duped!” Can you hear Jeremiah, from our first reading, over there in the corner muttering “I’ve been duped,” “I’ve been duped”? One of the reasons we can’t hear him is that our first reading has put him into our imagination. The other reason is that we cannot hear him over all the yelling in our world.

James D. Paradis, O.S.A. Church of St. Augustine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Readings Is 22:19-23 Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 Rom 11:33-36 Mt 16:13-20 At a young age, I took “Peter” for my confirmation name. I really didn’t know why at the time, other than that he was a well-known saint. Now, I can see why I took it! Because like Peter, I can shoot my mouth off sometimes and get into trouble. I also tend to think that I can walk on water, but then frequently sink with weak faith.

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community. Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, You walk through our streets and squares, enter tall buildings and humble neighborhoods, and silently accompany millions who seek meaning amid noise and haste. You know, Lord, the heart of the city: its lights and shadows, its noise and loneliness.

By Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A. In his recent encyclical Pope Leo commented: “A litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move due to poverty, violence, climate change and environmental disasters.