I was in New Haven, Connecticut for days learning the concepts and the strategy on how to implement the “Evangelization and Faith Formation Program” conducted by the Team from the Headquarters of the Knights of Columbus. All representatives from different States, including Canada, the Dominican Republic, and the Philippines gathered to experience the “Cor Brotherhood” centered on Christ. The mission of Cor is to refocus and strengthen the faith and virtue of Catholic men through the three key elements: Prayer, Formation, and Fraternity. I believe that this is going back to the basic early Christians’ experience of living out the gospel and “sharing everything they had.” (Acts 4:32)
As I was heading back to Reno, Nevada by plane my flight was delayed due to inclement weather for one and a half hours. Since I have a connecting flight to Chicago., it would be such difficult situation for me. The attendant rebooked my flight from Chicago to Reno, I was anticipating an overnight at the airport. I will be celebrating the feast of St. Augustine at the airport. I prayed then, but to my surprise, the in-flight attendant announced that Reno passengers needed to deplane upon arrival in Chicago. While waiting for some instructions at the pre-departure area, amid the crowded and busy Chicago O’Hare airport, I quietly sat down to take pleasure in reflecting and writing this “Dictate of the Heart.” However, it paid off being patient. I heard an announcement that passengers bound for Reno must follow the boarding procedure on the same plane which will take us to our final destination. For me, it was a miracle interceded by my two favorite saints.
Today, I celebrate my feast day. It is a big day like my birthday celebrating the feast of our Holy Father St. Augustine, Bishop and a Doctor of the Catholic Church. We are grateful to God for having a man worthy to be emulated. We have learned lofty wisdom and inspiring teaching from this great and righteous man after his conversion to Catholicism. He said “Unlearned people are taking Heaven by force, while we, with all our knowledge, are so cowardly that we keep rolling around in the mud of our sins!” This is a thought-provoking word. We heed the call of St. Augustine and every saint that our main concern is to be firm in faith and the practice of virtue to achieve our path to conversion and salvation.
St. Augustine is relevant in this modern time to guide our path to God. There is no way we can search and find God if our relationship with Him is lukewarm and detached from Him. To stay connected and to know Him better, we must be able to say who He is and what He is doing in our lives through intimacy with Him.
This is the case of St. Monica mother of St. Augustine whose feast we also celebrate today. St. Monica said to her son, Augustine, “Nothing is far from God.” She made us realize that connecting to God wherever we are, even death won’t disconnect us from experiencing and encountering God. St. Monica played a great influence in the life of St. Augustine, who requested from her son, her one wish and desire to know God and to be remembered at the Altar. This intimacy between the mother and the son is indeed a manifestation of her profound relationship with God. I have a deep impression of this encounter which is only possible through persistent prayer. The powerful intercession of Saints Augustine and Monica are present amongst us today to bless us with the rich treasure of God’s presence.
Who is our true Teacher and Master? It is the Lord, Jesus Christ who has an eternal word and divine truth. It is the one who has encountered us and shown mercy upon us.
Brothers and sisters, we can remember and retrospect but we must forge ahead with God, with total surrender to him, with humility, with courage, faith, trust, and love.
Remember that Saints Monica and Augustine are always praying and asking God’s blessings upon you because we too are His beloved children. This, Jesus spoke to his disciples and us today: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Saints, Monica and Augustine, pray for us!
Fr. Arlon, osa
