Memorial of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
(I Corinthians 1:17-25; Matthew 25:1-13)
Today’s reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians illustrates one of St. Augustine’s most salient teachings. Paul tells the Corinthians that they have not been brought to Christ by either eloquence or wisdom. Rather it is through the cross of Christ that they are being saved. His sacrifice is more than an act of heroism; it is a humbling of self to nothing before God's will so that others may receive something of eternal efficacy.
St. Augustine knew from experience that being praised by other humans only makes one’s inevitable fall more calamitous. He advised that if you want to rise you must first descend. Humility, he taught, is the first, second, and third principle of faith. Augustine achieved success as a lawyer and teacher. However, earthly glory did not bring him fulfilment. Only when he surrendered himself to the Lord's will was he able to rest secure.
So, are we to stop trying to succeed? Are we to give up our work live on prayers and alms? No, that would be wasting our talents and ignoring the Lord’s call to make the world better. However, we are to give up our illusion that the world’s salvation rests on our efforts alone and to ask God daily that His kingdom come.
