Written by Sr. Rosemary O.P.
In our gospel reading again today, we hear about a group of proud religious people, commonly known as the Pharisees, who promoted following the letter of the Old Testament Law. But we also are inspired in the first reading by the example of Paul’s message to the Thessalonians. The contrast between these two messages is stark:
- Paul’s words had passion; the Pharisees had platitudes
- Paul spoke from his open heart; the Pharisees spoke from strict traditions
- Paul spoke of the Lord; the Pharisees spoke of the Law
- Paul spoke like a loving parent; the Pharisees spoke like harsh judges
The list could go on, but the point is this: Jesus and Paul are trying to convey the right message to us, that is, that true spirituality calls for the on-going conversion of our hearts.
The Pharisees looked good on the outside, but “WOE”, says Jesus! On the inside they were full of contempt and dislike for others whom they had judged to be unworthy before the eyes of God. Jesus was calling them to conversion. In his own personal life, Paul had such a transformation of heart and his success as a disciple is without dispute.
Jesus’ “woes” are for us, and are also calling us to be transformed into true and authentic servants. If we listen carefully to Jesus’ words to us today, we won’t hear just the “woes”. We’ll also hear three “ways” of being a disciple:
- Be guided by mercy and justice in our understanding of the Law.
- Show compassion rather than burden others.
- Practice what we preach.
St. Augustine, whom we remember today, certainly is an example of someone who also had a radical conversion experience. He was a sinner turned saint. He lost his faith in his youth and led a wild life. In his early life, though he was one of the most intelligent men who ever lived, he could not see or understand Divine Truth. Through the prayers of his mother, St. Monica, whom we heard about yesterday, and the preaching of St. Ambrose, he finally became convinced that Christianity was the one true religion. He became a priest, Bishop of Hippo, founded the Augustinian Order, and has been declared one of the Doctors of the Church.
As we ask God to convert our own hearts, we can take comfort in these 2 famous quotes of St. Augustine:
“Too late have I loved you, O Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new.”, and,
“Our hearts were made for you, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”
