He was inquisitive, curious, daring, passionate, adventurous, bold and proud. Sometimes he was too proud for his own good! Just ask his mother! Or ask some of the poor folks who dared to get into a philosophical sparing match with him!

In God’s kingdom, it takes humility to be great; generosity to be rich; and a willingness to give God ALL of the credit to have any of your own. In time Augustine learned that God made us all for himself and that our hearts will be forever restless until they rest in him. It wasn’t an easy lesson for him to learn. It never is. Remember what Jesus said about the narrow gate: some “will not be strong enough.”

This feast day is a good time to begin thinking about the theme for our fast-approaching anniversary year: Celebrating our Past, Embracing our Present, Envisioning our Future. Our past includes a whole roster of wise, courageous and faith-filled ancestors like our patron who deserve our admiration but most of all, our imitation.

Embracing, instead of ignoring the challenges and struggles of our present time is the call for us living in this present moment. Finally, envisioning the future ~ not just dreaming about it ~ but actively pursuing a path that makes that dream a reality is our call going forward.

Entering through the narrow gate will never be popular or easy but it will always be the better choice, bring about the best results, and honor in a most worthy fashion those who came before us.