In search of a "healthy leisure"

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From the monastery to the implication in the Church

At the fall of 387, Augustine and his friends travel back home to Africa. As they prepare to board at the port of Ostia, Augustine and his mother live an extraordinary moment of mystic communion with God: "And while we were discoursing and panting after her [the Wisdom], we slightly touched on her with the whole effort of our hearts." (Confessions, IX-10). Shortly after this shared time of ecstasy, Monica falls ill and dies. 

Back in Thagaste in his family house, Augustine and his friends initiate a life of "servants of God." Everything is shared. Fast, prayers and good deeds help strengthen the community. Augustine emerges as the leader. By his words and his writings, he encourages his close circle in their common quest for God. New companions are joining the group.

In January of 391, Augustine travels to Hippo,  at three days march from Thagaste. He wants to meet one of his friends to ask him to join his monastery. Hippo is the second city of significance in Africa, an important port. Its bishop, Valerius, is becoming old. His followers, who spot and identify Augustine during a religious celebration, request that he be made priest without delay. "I was seized, made priest, and that led me ultimately to the episcopate," recalls Augustine.  He will remain in Hippo for thirty-five years.

Augustine is on probation for a time, to prepare him for his new responsibilities. Valerius allows him and his friends to settle in a house at the back of the garden, by the church. This enables them to keep on with their life of poverty and sharing. But to this healthy leisure - the otium - is added the negotium: it is the beginning of an intense pastoral activity - preaching, catechesis, visits, correspondence... Augustine will never rest again. 

To be continued...

Prayer to step back and take stock

Augustine was lucky to be able to step back and meditate on his conversion and deepen his knowledge of the Scriptures.

Lord our God, our lives are sometimes so busy that we are unable to think about you, or sometimes so empty that we don't bother listening to you anymore. Grant us to know how to take our time, how to love reading and meditating on your Word, that it may enlighten and lead our lives.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Artwork: St. Augustine in his study, by Sandro Botticelli, 15th century. 

Community prayer

Late Have I Loved You

Late have I loved you, Beauty so ancient and so new, late have I loved you! Lo, you were within, but I outside, seeking there for you, and upon the shapely things you have made I rushed headlong, I, misshapen. You were with me but I was not with you. They held me back far from you, those things which would have no being were they not in you. You called, shouted, broke through my deafness; you flared, blazed, banished my blindness; you lavished your fragrance, I took one breath, and now I yearn for you; I tasted your goodness, and I hunger and thirst; you touched my heart, and I burned for your peace.

Thank you! 41 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

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