August is that transition month from summer into fall, that feels like summer in the beginning but in its’ second half starts to give us glimpses and hints of what’s to come. The days shorten ever so slightly, the sunshine reflects a little more golden off the water, and sunsets are richer with hues of burnt umber and rose and golden brown. August always seems to start out in deep summer heat and end with cool evenings, signaling early signs of transition, change, relief, of renewal.

In the adoration chapel I can escape the summer heat, and stop by for some cool refreshing conversation with God about whatever hot issues or concerns I have, and leave after my time there feeling a bit less overheated, a bit cooler and refreshed. For me, an hour in the chapel with Christ in His Eucharistic presence is always an (Au’-gust) time. A time of transition, of slow change from the heat of life to the soothing coolness of God’s love. As I begin my time in His presence I am still full of the concerns, worries and the challenges of life. But over the period of that hour as I hand over to God my hot days of anxieties, stresses, concerns, worries, requests and dreams; I begin to experience in return, a time of transition, a time of change, a cool night of relief.

August is also a different word, if pronounced differently (Au-gust’: def: inspiring awe, imposing and significant, dignified and majestic, as from a very high position) with the emphasis on the second syllable. Sometimes at Mass and in front of the Eucharist in exposition I think about how incredible it is. As I quote from an instructor of mine "the most important miracle to ever happen in the history of mankind since creation itself"…every time God Himself becomes wholly present to us in the consecrated bread and wine as Eucharist. Incredible, inconceivable, but real nonetheless; to be in the

(Au-gust’) presence of the Creator, and in prayer to speak and listen directly to Him. Talk about a humbling experience and an unbelievable opportunity! It’s the most perfect gift ever given!

So this year, in the 8^th month…Au’-gust, make an effort to transition your life from the heat of life’s pressures through the soothing and refreshing coolness of God’s grace, by spending time in prayerful adoration of God Himself in His Au-gust’ presence as the Eucharist.

Andy Cirmo 072604