On Monday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of the prophet Jerimiah (19: 1-5, 10—20:6) entitled  “A symbolic action: the broken flask”. Our treasure, which follows, is from the Imitation of Christ.

The Imitation of Christ, a deeply spiritual book by Thomas à Kempis which speaks often of humility, suffering for Christ, prayer, purity, simplicity, wisdom, patience, meekness and other such virtues. Throughout the book, readers find themselves experiencing the peace and wisdom that have comforted believers from all corners of the world. This consoling guide show readers how better to live the life of a Christian by closely following Christ's example. The Imitation of Christ enables those seeking guidance in the midst of today's challenges to find encouragement to imitate Christ in many of life's situations.

The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah. Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, fell in 612 B.C., preparing the way for the new colossus, Babylon, which was soon to put an end to the independence of Judah.

On the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and  reflect on a passage from the book of the prophet Jerimiah (11: 18-20; 12: 1-13) entitled  “A prophet speaks from the heart”. Our treasure, which follows, is from a sermon by Saint Augustine, bishop.

Saint Augustine was born at Tagaste in Africa in 354. He was unsettled and restlessly searched for the truth until he was converted to the faith at Milan and baptized by Ambrose. Returning to his homeland, he embraced an ascetic life and subsequently was elected bishop of Hippo. For thirty-four years he guided his flock, instructing it with sermons and many writings. He fought bravely against the errors of his time and explained the Faith carefully and cogently through his writings. He died in 430.

He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of western philosophy and western Christianity, and he is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period.

The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah. Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, fell in 612 B.C., preparing the way for the new colossus, Babylon, which was soon to put an end to the independence of Judah.

On Saturday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of the prophet Jerimiah (7: 1-20) entitled  “A prophecy about the empty trust that is placed in the temple”. Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily on Matthew by Saint John Chrysostom, bishop.

Saint John Chrysostom was an important, fourth century, Early Church Father who served as Archbishop of Constantinople. He is known for his preaching and public speaking, and for his denunciation of abuse of authority of both ecclesiastical and political leaders. He was among the most prolific authors in the early Christian church. The word ’Chrysostom’ means ‘golden-mounted’. This name was given to him after he died because all his sermons were eloquent and lovely to hear.

 St. John took a literal interpretation of Scripture and much of his work focused on practical aspects of Christianity, particularly what is now called social justice. He advocated for the poor, and challenged abuses of authority. St. John Chrysostom's homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, widely regarded as an eloquent speaker, are a wonder to behold. These spiritually enlightening texts have aided Christians for over a thousand years, and remain instructive and fruitful even today!

 The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah. Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, fell in 612 B.C., preparing the way for the new colossus, Babylon, which was soon to put an end to the independence of Judah.

Today, August 29, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of the Beheading of John the Baptist, Martyr, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the second letter of the apostle Paul to the Corinthians (4: 7---5:8), entitled “The power of Christ is made manifest in our sufferings”. Our treasure, which follows, is from a homily by Saint Bede the Venerable, priest.

Herod imprisoned John because he had condemned Herod for committing adultery by living with his brother's wife, Herodias. At the celebration for Herod on his birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for him, and Herod was so impressed that he said he would offer her anything she liked. She consulted with Herodias who told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Herod did not want to kill John for fear or what his followers might do, but because of his promise to the girl he could not refuse, and so John was beheaded.

Saint Bede was an early eighth century English monk and an author and scholar. Saint Bede, trained by Saint Benedict, is one of the few saints honored as such during his lifetime. His writings were filled with such faith and learning that, even while he was still alive, a church Council ordered them to be read publicly in the churches. He is best known for his work, the “Ecclesial History of the English People”, a source vital to the history of the conversion to Christianity of the Anglo-Saxon tribes.

The Second Letter to the Corinthians is the most personal of all of Paul’s extant writings, and it reveals much about his character. In it he deals with one or more crises that have arisen in the Corinthian church. The confrontation with these problems caused him to reflect deeply on his relationship with the community and to speak about it frankly. One moment he is venting his feelings of frustration and uncertainty, the next he is pouring out his relief and affection. The importance of the issues at stake between them calls forth from him an enormous effort of personal persuasion, as well as doctrinal considerations that are of great value for us. 

Today, August 28, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Augustine, Bishop and Doctor, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Sirach (39: 4-10), entitled “The wisdom of a man who is learned in the Scriptures”. Our treasure, which follows, is from the Confessions of Saint Augustine, Bishop.

A Bishop in Hippo (near modern-day Annaba, Algeria), Augustine was an influential leader in the African Church. As Christians were growing in their knowledge of God and Christ, Augustine helped to shape Christian theological teachings, particularly those about the role of Divine Grace and the nature of the Holy Trinity. In the process, he combatted many theological errors.

The son of Monica, a holy Christian, and Patricius, a pagan, Augustine was born in 354 in Tagaste (now known as Souk Ahras, Algeria). He was educated in the best secular schools of his day. As a young man, he led a distinctly non-Christian and immoral life. He lived with a young woman without the benefit of marriage. Together they had a son, Adeodatus.

Augustine became a teacher. He first taught Grammar in Tagaste. He then taught Rhetoric in Carthage, and later in Rome and Milan. The young Augustine was continually searching with a restless heart for meaning in life. Each time that he would be attracted to a particular philosophy or group, he would become disillusioned the more familiar he became with its thought.

Finally, he found Jesus Christ, and at last was satisfied. Shortly after his baptism as a Christian in 387, Augustine returned to Tagaste. There he gathered several of his friends together to share a common life of mutual support on their spiritual journey.

At the insistence of the Christians of Hippo, Augustine was ordained a Priest in 391, and Bishop of Hippo in 395. Unwilling to give up his community life, he called the clergy of Hippo to form a community with him.

As Bishop, Augustine ministered to the spiritual and material needs of his people. He wrote extensively. We have today a vast collection of his writing--113 books, 207 letters and more than 500 sermons. His most famous works are The Confessions, City of God and The Trinity. He contributed magnificently to the development of sound theology and was influential in combatting theological errors.

Although he is rightly famous for his roles in settling the theological controversies of his time, Augustine’s priorities were the pastoral care of the people of his Church and spiritual growth. He developed a deep spirituality in which love is central. He was particularly concerned with the needs of the poor, and saw to it that the Church welcomed and helped them.

He fought bravely against the errors of his time and explained the Faith carefully and cogently through his writings. He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of western philosophy and western Christianity, and he is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period. He died in 430

The Confessions of Saint Augustine is a spiritual classic and one of the most read books by a saint.  In the Confessions, Saint Augustine not only shares his deep insights into the faith of the Church, he also does so in a very personal way.  His masterpiece has also proven to become a foundation for many teachings of the Catholic Church.

The Wisdom of Ben Sira derives its title from the author, “Yeshua [Jesus], son of Eleazar, son of Sira” (50:27). This seems to be the earliest title of the book. The designation “Liber Ecclesiasticus,” meaning “Church Book”, is perhaps due to the extensive use the church made of this book in presenting moral teaching to catechumens and to the faithful. The title “Sirach” comes from the Greek form of the author’s name.

The author, a sage who lived in Jerusalem, was thoroughly imbued with love for the wisdom tradition, and also for the law, priesthood, Temple, and divine worship. As a wise and experienced observer of life he addressed himself to his contemporaries with the motive of helping them to maintain religious faith and integrity through study of the books sacred to the Jewish tradition.

The book contains numerous well-crafted maxims, grouped by affinity, and dealing with a variety of subjects such as the individual, the family, and the community in their relations with one another and with God. It treats of friendship, education, poverty and wealth, laws, religious worship, and many other matters that reflect the religious and social customs of the time.

Today, August 27, as our Church celebrates the Memorial of Monica, we are invited to first read and reflect on a passage from the first letter of the apostle Peter (3: 1-6, 8-17), entitled “Praise Christ in your hearts”. Our treasure, which follows, is from the Confessions of Saint Augustine, Bishop.

Saint Augustine was a late fourth century, theologian and philosopher, and Bishop of Hippo, Roman North Africa. He is also a preeminent Catholic Doctor of the Church. His writings influenced the development of western philosophy and western Christianity, and he is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Latin Church in the Patristic Period.

The Confessions of Saint Augustine is a spiritual classic and one of the most read books by a saint.  In the Confessions, Saint Augustine not only shares his deep insights into the faith of the Church, he also does so in a very personal way.  His masterpiece has also proven to become a foundation for many teachings of the Catholic Church.

The First Letter of Peter, addressed to persecuted Christians living in five regions of Asia Minor, exhorts the readers to emulate the suffering Christ in their distress, remembering that after his Passion and death Jesus rose from the dead and is now in glory.

On Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to first read and  reflect on a passage from the beginning of the book of the prophet Jeremiah (1:) entitled “The call of the prophet Jeremiah”. Our treasure, -which follows, is from a homily by Saint John Chrysostom.

Saint John Chrysostom was an important, fourth century, Early Church Father who served as Archbishop of Constantinople. He is known for his preaching and public speaking, and for his denunciation of abuse of authority of both ecclesiastical and political leaders. He was among the most prolific authors in the early Christian church. The word ’Chrysostom’ means ‘golden-mouth’. This name was given to him after he died because all his sermons were eloquent and lovely to hear.

The Book of Jeremiah combines history, biography, and prophecy. It portrays a nation in crisis and introduces the reader to an extraordinary person whom the Lord called to prophesy under the trying circumstances of the final days of the kingdom of Judah. Jeremiah was born, perhaps about 650 B.C., of a priestly family from the village of Anathoth, two and a half miles northeast of Jerusalem. He was called to his task in the thirteenth year of King Josiah. Josiah’s reform, begun with enthusiasm and hope, ended with his death on the battlefield of Megiddo (609 B.C.) as he attempted to stop the northward march of the Egyptian Pharaoh Neco, who was going to provide assistance to the Assyrians who were in retreat before the Babylonians. Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, fell in 612 B.C., preparing the way for the new colossus, Babylon, which was soon to put an end to the independence of Judah.

Today, August 25, as our local Church celebrates the Solemnity of Louis, the patron saint of our Archdiocese, we are invited to read and reflect on a passage from the letter of the apostle Paul, to the Colossians (3:1–17), entitled “Your life is hidden with Christ in God”. Our treasure, which follows, is from a spiritual testament to his son by St. Louis.

St. Louis got its name from Pierre Laclède, who, along with Auguste Chouteau, founded the settlement in 1764. The name honors King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis, the only French monarch to be canonized as a saint. Laclède chose this name for the trading post in the French Illinois Country to show respect for the French king.

The Diocese of St. Louis was established on July 18, 1826. The original Diocese of St. Louis was established on July 1826 by Pope Leo XII. The diocese was a massive territory that included the entire Missouri area as well as vast portions of the American Midwest and Great Plains. It was often referred to as the "Rome of the West" because of its immense size. This new diocese was headed by Bishop Joseph Rosati, who became the first bishop of St. Louis. The diocese was later elevated to an archdiocese in 1847. 

St. Louis was born in 1214 and became king of France when he was only twenty-two years old. He married and became the father of eleven children who received from him careful instructions for a Christian life. He excelled in penance and prayer and his love for the poor. While ruling his kingdom he had regard not only for peace among peoples and for the temporal good of his subjects, but also for their spiritual welfare. He undertook the Crusades to recover the tomb of Christ and died near Carthage in 1270.

Saint Paul’s letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae in the Lycus Valley in Asia Minor, east of Ephesus. At the time of writing, Paul had not visited there, the letter says. The community had apparently been established by Epaphras of Colossae. Problems, however, had arisen, brought on by teachers who emphasized Christ’s relation to the universe (cosmos). Their teachings stressed angels; “principalities and powers”, which were connected with astral powers and cultic practices and rules about food and drink and ascetical disciplines. These teachings, Paul insists, detract from the person and work of Christ for salvation as set forth magnificently in a hymnic passage and reiterated throughout the letter. Such teachings are but “shadows”; Christ is “reality”.

On the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the beginning of the book of the prophet Zephaniah (1:1-7, 14---2:3) entitled  “The judgement of the Lord”. Our treasure, which follows, is from the pastoral constitution on the Church in the modern world of the Second Vatican Council.

Gaudium et spes ("Joys and Hopes"), the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, is one of the four constitutions resulting from the Second Vatican Council in 1965. It was the last and longest published document from the council and is the first constitution published by a Catholic ecumenical council to address the entire world. Gaudium et spes clarified and reoriented the role of the church's mission to people outside of the Catholic faith. It was the first time that the church took explicit responsibility for its role in the larger world. The constitution's creation was necessitated by fear of the irrelevance in the modern era due to its ignorance on problems that plague the modern world. The document represents an inner examination of the church by the council and features a response to problems affecting the modern world.

Within Gaudium et spes are the themes of gift of self and the promotion of peace. While initial reception of the document was focused on the shift in theological considerations, reception of Gaudium et spes today marks the document as a turning point in the Church's focus on the world.

The Book of Zephaniah is the ninth of the Twelve Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. The central theme of the book of Zephaniah is “the Day of the Lord”. Zephaniah elucidates two major aspects of this central theme, judgment and restoration, and in both of these aspects Zephaniah evinces many parallels to the books of the eighth-century prophets. In the “Day of the Lord” a remnant will be saved (the “humble and lowly”) through purification by judgment..

On Saturday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time our Church invites us to read and reflect on a passage from the book of the prophet Isaiah (37:21-35) entitled  “Isaiah prophesies about the Assyrian king”. Our treasure, which follows, is from the Explanations of the Psalms by Saint Ambrose, bishop.

Saint Ambrose was born of a Roman family at Trier about the year 340. He studied at Rome and served in the imperial government at Sirmium. In 374, while, living in Milan, he was elected bishop of the city by popular acclaim and ordained on December 7. He devotedly carried out his duties and especially distinguished himself by his service to the poor, and as an effective pastor and teacher of the faithful. He strenuously guarded the laws of the church and defended orthodox teaching by writings and actions against the Arians. He died on Holy Saturday, April 4, 397. Saint Ambrose is a Doctor of the Church.

Saint Ambrose explained the Psalms as a source of spiritual exercise, a celebration of faith, and a way to heal the human soul. He believed that the Psalms were a divine gift that could help people develop virtues, learn about God, and find peace. For Ambrose a psalm is a blessing for the people... our universal tongue; the voice of the Church, a sweet outpouring of faith; a devotion divinely ordained; the cry of heart's delight; a leaping and jumping for joy...it soothes the angry spirit, banishes care, lessens sorrow. It guards us by night, guides us by day.

The book of Isaiah is filled with sobering accounts of Israel's sin and rebellion and warnings of their coming judgement. But along with warnings, Isaiah also offers a message of hope—a suffering servant, a coming Messiah, who would come to establish God's Kingdom on Earth and create a new Jerusalem.