One day Augustine retired with his friend Alypius to a little garden of the home of one of his friends. Feeling troubled in spirit and sensing tears surging from within, moved away from Alypius, cast himself under a fig tree and began to cry bitterly for his sins.
Then, Augustine heard a child from the neighboring house repeatedly saying, "'Take up and read; take up and read.'" (Conf. 8.12.29). Augustine understood this to be a command from God, so he opened the gospels and read: "...not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provisions for the desires of the flesh." (Rm23:13) Instantly he became enlightened, peace entered his soul and all darkness and doubt vanished away. with calm countenance he told Alypius what had happened. Alypius asked to see what Augustine had read and read further, "Welcome anyone who is weak in faith". (Rm13:14) Alypius felt that these words were directed toward himself and was strengthened in his faith and resolve. Next, they told Monica what had happened. She leapt with joy and triumph and blessed God.
Jaques Maritain states: "The dominating characteristic of Augustine's genius and the true secret of his influence are to be found in his heart, a heart that penetrates the most exalted speculation of a profound mind and animates them with the most ardent feeling."
Augustine has well written:
"Thou has made us for Thyself, O Lord,
and our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee."
We Walk by Faith played by Renatus Foldenauer, CSC
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We walk by faith and not by sight; |
Contents
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