Continue in the Word, Church Fathers: Day 365

Continue in the Word

It’s not enough just to listen to what Christ teaches us, says St. Augustine: we have to continue in the word—to keep living it all the time. Even if that’s hard work, think what a great reward we’re working for: to know the truth!

You certainly know, dear friends, that we all have one Master, and we are fellow disciples under him. I’m not your master, just because I speak to you from this elevated place. He who dwells in us all is the Master of all.

“If you continue in my word,” he says, “you are truly my disciples.”

It’s not enough just to come to be a disciple: you have to continue. He doesn’t say, “If you hear my word,” or, “If you come to my word,” or, “If you praise my word.” Pay attention to what he says: “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).

What shall we say, brethren? Is it hard work to continue in the word of God, or is it not? If it’s hard work, look how great the reward is. If it’s not, then you get the reward for nothing!

So let’s continue in him who continues in us. If we do not continue in him, we fall; but if he does not continue in us, he hasn’t lost a home because of that. He knows how to continue in himself, since he never leaves himself. But as for us, God forbid that we should continue in ourselves when we have lost ourselves. So we continue in him because we’re in utter need; he continues in us because he has mercy.

–St. Augustine, Sermon 84, 1

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

Do I really make an effort to live God’s word all the time?

What habits would I have to change in order to be constantly living in God’s word?

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, constantly lead me into the light of truth, so that I may send up praise of thanks­giving to you, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Remember to subscribe to my feed at the top of the page so you will not miss a day! This recurring feature at The Catholic Blogger is possible through the cooperation of author Mike Aquilina and publisher Saint Benedict Press. To get your own copy of this book, click below.