TODAYS REFLECTION, MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY FRI MAY 27

TODAYS REFLECTION, MEMORIAL OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY  FRI MAY 27 ( 1Pt 4:7-13, Mk 11:11-26 )

#FAITHFULNESSANDFORGIVENESNOURISHESOURPRAYERS#

Friends, through the story about the fig tree today, Jesus teaches us about faithfulness, love and forgiveness. Jesus says that he chose us from the world and appointed us to go and bear fruit that will last for all eternity (Jn 15:16). He also teaches us against the faithlessness of those who rejected his message. For faith to be fruitful and productive, it must be nourished with the word of God (2 Tim 3:16; Col 3:16) and be rooted in love (Gal 5:6).

Jesus did not see any fruitful, good works happening in the temple area, because the money changers took advantage of the poor and forced them to pay many times more than was right, in essence, He “sweeps” through the temple cleaning up all the ungodly behaviour and tells us that his house, the temple, is to be a house of prayer for all people.

Further Jesus highlights one of the greatest obstacles to a healthy prayer life as lack of forgiveness. When we come to Christ, in prayer, we need to first cleanse our hearts if we are to hear Him speak. Jesus wants us to forgive others as the Father forgives us and to love one another. The apostle Peter urges us to let our love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins (1Pt 4:9). St. Augustine, whose feast day we celebrate today says “Since love grows within us, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.”

Beloved, reflect, today upon whether you want to grow in prayer. If you do, then start by cleansing your heart of all sin. Confession is the best way to do this. May Help us to forgive others just as He has been merciful towards us and has forgiven us. May St Augustine pray for us. Have a blessed weekend and Be blessed.