This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. (2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082824.cfm
Because of the problem of false letters circulating in Paul’s name, the apostle has to resort to personally signing his letters. Paul’s letters were dictated and written down by scribes or secretaries, which might explain some of the complex sentence structure that lectors encounter. Saint Augustine and his sermons and writings have influenced the church for over 1,500 years. As he writes, “Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” My beloved mom, Norma Torp Boyd, died on this day in 1996. It is my privilege to remember her always at the Altar of the Lord.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Saint Augustine, bishop & doctor of the church, August 28
