Feast of Saint Augusta

Good morning. Have you ever stood out on a clear night and gazed at the stars? Of course you have. But have you ever done so and fully appreciated the majesty of it all, like it was the very first time? I did just that for a brief time the other night. Of course living out in the country away from all the city lights makes for a brilliant display of the heavenly bodies. Looking out into the heavens we realize how majestic God is. He is beyond our imagining. I am reminded of the words of the Psalmist, “What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?” It was spectacular! I experienced a sensation of things far beyond me, an appreciation for things I far too often take for granted. For that brief moment I felt a sense of belonging to something much bigger than myself and I had a feeling of oneness with God. I’m not certain, but this sense of belonging may be in part what Jesus is making reference to in the Gospel this morning. So often we miss out on opportunities or we take for granted the gifts God has given us in our lives. In the Gospel we read how Jesus was amongst them yet they failed in being appreciative, of being grateful. He assured them that the time would come when they would realize who He is. 

 How often we fail to realize or appreciate the gifts in our own lives. How often do we look to our spouse and experience a sense of gratefulness? We are inclined to attend to and care for those things we are grateful for. David Gibson, in an article written on marriage and gratitude, How Gratitude Strengthens a Marriage, noted how “individuals who reported feeling higher levels of gratitude had spouses who were happier with their marriage.” When was the last time we looked at our spouse and experienced an ultimate sense of being part of something greater than ourselves, like looking to the stars on a clear starry night? Our Saint whose life we celebrate today, Saint Augusta, appreciated what she had in the gift of her faith, so much so she was willing to die for it. How much do we appreciate what we have? Does your spouse know how much they are appreciated? Why not tell them today? Shoot for the stars! Make a great day! 

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and work of Saint Augusta.

>