Today’s 8:15 AM Mass is a Memorial Mass for Bill Dillon. After all his years of service to St. Augustine, may he rest in peace.
The Parochial Council is in the process of reorganization. We are looking for new members. The Council usually meets the second Sunday of the month at 12:15 PM in the foyer to discuss the happenings in the parish and to suggest new ideas. The Council advises me in all matters dealing with the parish. If you are interested in participating in the Council or have questions about it, please see me or one of the Council members, who are listed on the front of this Bulletin.
In our first reading today, Amos warns the complacent wealthy folk that their love of the “good life” has blinded them to what is going on around them. Things in reality were falling apart and they were about to be sent off into exile.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us the parable of the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus. Lazarus spent his life begging at the rich man’s door, but the rich man doesn’t help him at all. Note that Jesus names Lazarus but the rich man has no name. When death finally comes to both, Lazarus is welcomed into the bosom of Abraham and the rich man goes to a place of torment and begs Abraham for a drop of water. He even asks him to send Lazarus to his father’s house to warn the rest of his family of their impending doom. Abraham tells him that Moses and the prophets have already shown them the true way to live, but they refuse to listen.
The second reading from St. Paul to Timothy tells us how to live. “But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.”
The Church celebrates two very popular saints this week. On Tuesday we celebrate St. Therese of the Child Jesus, better know as the Little Flower. Then on Friday the church celebrates St. Francis of Assisi. We also celebrate the Holy Guardian Angels on Wednesday.
Let us continue to pray for peace in the world. Let us also pray for vocations to the church. Let us pray for the sick of the parish. Let us pray that all will come to respect life. Let us pray for one another and for the canonization of Father Tolton. Let us also pray for those who are victims of sexual abuse and mass shootings.
A Venerable Father Tolton Prayer: Father in Heaven, the Venerable Father Tolton’s suffering service sheds light upon our sorrows; we see them through the prism of your Son’s passion and death. If it be your Will, O God, glorify your servant Father Tolton, by granting the favor I now request through his intercession (mention your request) so that all may know the goodness of this priest whose memory looms large in the Church he loved. Complete what you have begun in us that we might work for the fulfillment of your kingdom. Not to us the glory, but glory to you O God, through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are our God, living and reigning forever and ever. Amen.