Toward Baptism
Put on Christ...
Now, Augustine is a faithful follower of Christ. He separates from his current lover and pretends to be suffering from chest pain to resign from his official position as a rhetorician. He renounces human ambitions. The "gossip fair" doesn't interest him anymore. Along with his mother and his friends, they decide to retire for a while. The academic year is over; they have plenty of time for "healthy leisure." They renew the ancient tradition of quest for wisdom in common. To do so, a rich friend opens to them his villa in the countryside, in Cassiciacum, south of Lake Como. There, they discuss philosophy, engage in meditation and prayer. Together, they read the Scriptures and get ready to receive the sacrament of baptism.
In March of 387, Augustine and his friends are back in Milan. They officially register as candidates for baptism and undergo catechesis with Ambrose, which strengthens their faith. He teaches them the Apostles' Creed, which they learn and memorize. Finally, the awaited day arrives. During the Easter Vigil, on the night between April 24 and 25, 387, Augustine, his son Adeodatus and his friend Alypius slowly advance in the cathedral, after fast and prayer. They are immersed in the baptismal pool to be cleansed of their sins. The bishop washes their feet. Strengthened by the chrism anointing, clothed with their white tunics, they can share the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. Augustine summarizes simply: "And we were baptized, and anxiety for our past life vanished from us." (Confessions, IX-6)
To be continued...
Prayer for the catechumens and the newly baptized
As it was the case during Augustine's time, men and women of all age discover Christ and ask for baptism.
Lord our God, we give you thanks for these conversions which remind us that your Spirit is always at work. Grant them to encounter joyous and welcoming Christians who will help them to know you better.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Artwork: mural art by Benozzo Gozzoli, 15th century. St. Augustine Chapel, San Gimigniano, Tuscany.
Thank you! 45 people prayed
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6