Wednesday, November 6 : Saint Augustine

Christ’s sleep is the symbol of a mystery. The ship’s passengers represent souls traversing the life of this world on the wood of the cross. In addition, the ship is the symbol of the Church. Indeed, truly (…) the heart of each member of the faithful is a ship sailing across the sea: it cannot sink provided the spirit engages in good thoughts. Has someone insulted you ? It is the wind beating against you. Have you become angry ? It is the swell mounting. Does temptation arise ? It is the wind blowing. Is your soul troubled ? It is waves rising up (…) Wake up Christ and let him speak to you. “Who, then, is this that even the wind and the sea obey him ?” Who is he ? “His is the sea for he has made it”; “all things were made by him” (Ps 95[94]:5; Jn 1:3). So imitate the winds and the sea: obey your Creator. The sea shows itself to be docile to Christ’s voice and do you remain deaf ? The sea obeys, the winds drop, and do you continue to blow ? What are we trying to say by this ? Speaking, getting upset, plotting revenge: isn’t this continuing to blow and not wanting to give way before Christ’s word ? When your heart is stirred up don’t allow yourself to be swamped by the waves. If, nevertheless, the wind blows us over – for we are only human – and if it stirs up the bad feelings in our hearts, let us not despair. Let us wake up Christ so as to continue our journey on a peaceful sea.

Roman Extraordinary (Tridentine) Daily Readings – rosary,team