One shot

Readings for Friday, August 28, 2009

Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church

First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97
Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13


Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ (Matt. 25:7-12)

Ask yourself this question: How many lives do each of us get to make it to heaven?

If your answer was one, then you are absolutely correct. The fact is that we only get one shot, only one life to live (sorry for the cheesy soap opera reference). What we do with each of our lives actually matters in respect to our eternity after our life on earth. We need to make sure that no matter where we are at in life, whether it is turned towards or away from the Lord, that we spend the rest of our days living for Him. It is never to late to turn towards God, but we must make that decision today, for we do not know when our time will be over. Saint Augustine is a great example of how God's grace can help us turn away from a worldly life and turn towards God. Saint Augustine shows us that it is never too late to turn away from sin and make the most of the rest of our life.

We must always keep in mind that while our lives are a true blessing, they are not meant to be our permanent home. This life is just a temporary residence and it is our one shot, our one chance to make it in to heaven. I pray that none of us waste this precious window of opportunity.

Saint Augustine, pray for us.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are so good to us and so merciful, much more than we deserve, and we thank you with all of our hearts for your generosity. Lord, we pray for all those in need of conversion, and for all of our constant conversions. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.