Our Saint of the Day is the patron of converts, printers, and theologians. ⛪
Dear John,
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Saint of the Day for August 28: Augustine of Hippo (November 13, 354 – August 28, 430) Saint Augustine’s Story A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41: Many people are familiar with the biographical sketch of Augustine of Hippo, sinner turned saint. But to get to really know the man is a rewarding experience. There quickly surfaces the intensity with which he lived his life, whether his path led away from or toward God. The tears of his mother, the instructions of Ambrose and, most of all, God himself speaking to him in the Scriptures, redirected Augustine’s love of life to a life of love. Having been so deeply immersed in creature-pride of life in his early days and having drunk deeply of its bitter dregs, it is not surprising that Augustine should have turned, with a holy fierceness, against the many demon-thrusts rampant in his day. His times were truly decadent: politically, socially, morally. He was both feared and loved, like the Master. The perennial criticism leveled against him: a fundamental rigorism. In his day, Augustine providentially fulfilled the office of prophet. Like Jeremiah and other greats, he was hard-pressed but could not keep quiet. “I say to myself, I will not mention him/I will speak in his name no more/But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart/imprisoned in my bones/I grow weary holding it in/I cannot endure it” (Jeremiah 20:9). Reflection Augustine is still acclaimed and condemned in our day. He is a prophet for today, trumpeting the need to scrap escapisms and stand face-to-face with personal responsibility and dignity. Saint Augustine is a Patron Saint of: Converts to Christianity
Printers
Theologians
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The Holiness of a Honeybee Jesus said that nobody can enter the kingdom of God unless they become like a little child (Mt 18:3). My daughter didn’t study theology or memorize St. Francis’ “Canticle of the Creatures.” It was the inherent value of this honeybee—its worthiness of being saved, wept over, and buried—that was innate within her. Might our children be the ones to show us the kingdom of God all around us? For what awaits is to behold the world with that childlike wonder and awe and to recognize that every atom of our universe is a miracle spoken into existence by the loving word of God. To see the kingdom of God in our midst, we need to become like children: This will mean weeping, like a child does for the honeybee; it also means pursuing the rescue of the honeybee, even as an older voice might tell us it’s too hard or impossible. May we allow our spirituality to be the hand that guides us back to these fundamental truths that we have long since forgotten—truths that were etched into our hearts as children as we innocently marveled at the glory of God around us. Perhaps then, our spirituality may manifest in our lives as action, advocacy, and care for this beautiful planet we call home. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “Loving God, Loving Creation“
by Carie Moore |
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Creating with a Purpose Reflect As creatures made in God’s image, we have the power to create. Yet the works of our hands are not always in accordance with the will of our heavenly Creator. We should take care to use our gifts in the spirit of God’s divine law of love. Pray Father of wonders, you have given us the power
to shape the world around us.
As we unlock nature’s secrets and fashion new works,
May they be for the benefit of all.
May they aid human flourishing for all,
and not merely for a privileged few.
Amen. Act Choose a field of technology that means something to you and pray for its laborers and inventors.
Today's Pause+Pray was written by Clifford Hennings, OFM. Learn more here! |
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