A Reflection on a Sermon on Pastors by Saint Augustine, Bishop: "Prepare Our Soul for Temptation"

How often have we been told, "If you live a holy life in Christ, all good things will be yours in abundance" (Sermo 46,10-11: CCL 41, 536-538) 

This sermon addresses correcting Church leaders and guiding the laity.

Back to the reflection.

Upon reading this section of the sermon, I was left dumbfounded. We often forget that the Christian life is not one of pleasure. On the contrary, we are promised to be persecuted and face trials. Today, being a Christian can seem relatively easy because practicing the faith is safe in most places. There are still many places today where Christians are persecuted, and that is to be acknowledged. So what about our daily lives? What are a few struggles accepted for the love of God?

I often ask God to remove the trouble altogether fairly quickly. Sometimes it makes it remain even longer. Does that mean God wants me to suffer? Not necessarily. St. Augustine reminds pastors that they are to encourage the laity to persevere through hardships, trusting that God will deliver them in due time, lest they abandon Him.

The life of a Christian is not an easy path. It requires daily sacrifice, but through that sacrifice, we are freed to love Him more fully. When we love him and embrace his yoke, it becomes easier. This life will have trials, and it will be like that until we reach him. Do not think life will be sweet just by believing. St. Augustine reminds us that precisely because you are Christian, you are destined to suffer more.

This feels like such a contradiction! Is there something sweeter that goes unnoticed? The suffering does not last forever. There is a true joy and bliss that comes after the storm. The spiritual joys one encounters in prayer and fully trusting God’s will are quite beautiful. 

I think about the early Christian martyrs. What if you told them, “God has a beautiful plan for you,” as they are facing off with lions? Yet

God’s beautiful plan is beyond our comprehension. It is not in this life that we will fully understand God’s will, but in the next. 

Whatever the case, do not promise yourself security in this life. All in all, trust in God with all your heart to give you the grace to persevere through all the trials. Love God’s will and desire to follow him. 

Do not be discouraged by trials, but expect temptations to come and entrust yourself entirely to divine providence.

May Our Lady be with you always!