The month of August, generally devoted to holidays, is the ideal time to nourish our spirit with ever-greater intensity. It is a time when we must focus on what is essential, a time to devote to God. Indeed, it is no coincidence that the Church dedicates this month to God the Father. Let us not be distracted by what is fleeting, but let us aim for what truly matters in life; let us ask ourselves seriously: “Where am I on my journey? Am I at a standstill? Am I going the wrong way?” Pope Francis reminds us that “going outside ourselves is not enough; we must know where to go. For many destinations are illusory: they promise refreshment and only distract us for a little while, they promise peace and provide amusement, then leaving us in the same loneliness as before; they are ‘fireworks’. For this reason, Jesus shows us where to go: ‘Come to me’. And many times, when faced with a burden in life or a painful situation, we try to talk about it with someone who will listen to us, with a friend, with an expert… It is very good to do this, but let us not forget Jesus! Let us not forget to open ourselves to Him and tell Him about our lives, entrusting people and situations to Him. […] Let us learn to go to Jesus and, while during the summer months we seek some rest from what tires the body, let us not forget to find true refreshment in the Lord.”
Let us learn from the example of the saints we remember this month, giants of holiness: Saint John Mary Vianney (the Holy Curé of Ars), Saint Clare, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Augustine, and Saint Monica.
Furthermore, from noon on August 1 to midnight on August 2 (or, with the consent of the Ordinary, on the preceding or following Sunday - from noon on Saturday until midnight on Sunday), one may obtain the indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi. “My brothers, I want to send you all to Paradise!” said Saint Francis when he proclaimed the Great Pardon. Let us take advantage of these moments of grace, a manifestation of God’s infinite mercy.
On the 15th, we will celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: let us prepare ourselves and live this solemnity intensely. May the Virgin’s maternal protection guide our steps.
