“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” (St Augustine)
Reading about St Augustine is enlightening--a persevering mother prays for her son's soul and after many years of tears and prayers all barriers to sin were broken and the answer from God was a holy man. St Augustine's story is a testimony of what God can do if we channel all to Him. He is an example of what God intends for all of a fallen race.
In his autobiography, Confessions, St Augustine wrote 13 books, covering his first 35 years to his conversion to Christianity. Yes, his mother prayed, St Ambrose prayed but it was God who never gave up on a wayward son who would become a Doctor of the Church- a Doctor of Grace.
St Augustine is quite blunt and honest about his young years full of materialism, false philosophy and allowing sexual pleasures to run amok. He stated that immersion into the material world was its own punishment with confusion, disorder and grief.
St Augustine is a story of redemption: of God patiently waiting for St Augustine. God patiently waits for you and me—while we pray for one another. Call out the name of Jesus for our loved ones but for ourselves as well. (The BJ Prayer--Breathe in, hold the breath, then breathe out Jee-- and then hold, then continue breathing out Sus. Jee-Sus)
Early in his conversion process he still expressed his wavering doubts of a sinful life: “Give me chastity and confidence, but not now”.
This great genius, theologian, philosopher and prolific writer fell in love with God. May we be blessed as well.
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