St Augustine, Father of Western Christianity – Aug 28 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Aug 28, 2023, the life of St. Augustine, who was born in 354 in Pegas, Algeria, and journeyed from Manichaeism to embrace Catholicism under St. Ambrose's guidance, defended the Church against heresies, and left a lasting legacy with works like "The City of God" before passing away in 430.

Today, we remember St. Augustine, born in 354 in Pegas, now Algeria. His father, Petritius, was a pagan, while his mother, St. Monica, was a devout Christian. Augustine's early life was marked by a search for wisdom, leading him to the Manichaeans. However, their teachings left him unsatisfied.

In Rome, Augustine sought truth but was disillusioned with Manichaeism. He pondered the possibility of never finding the truth. His journey took him to Milan, where he encountered St. Ambrose. Augustine was initially drawn to Ambrose's eloquence, but soon, the truth of the Catholic faith began to resonate with him. The bishop often quoted from Scripture, emphasizing the spiritual interpretation: "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/3?6.

One transformative day, Augustine heard a voice urging him to read the Scriptures. He opened a scroll to Romans 13:13-14 - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/13?13 - "Not in reveling and drunkenness, Not in debauchery and licentiousness, Not in quarreling and jealousy, But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, And make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires." This moment of grace led him to baptism by St. Ambrose.

Augustine's later years were dedicated to defending the Church against various challenges, including the Donatists and Pelagians. He emphasized the necessity of internal grace, stating that without it, one cannot overcome sin. This belief was rooted in his personal experience and the teachings of St. Paul - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/5?20.

As barbarians threatened the empire, Augustine responded to pagan criticisms with his work, "The City of God." In his final days, during the Vandal siege of Hippo, Augustine sought solace in the penitential psalms. He passed away in 430, leaving a legacy that shaped Western Christianity for centuries.

00:00 - Introduction
00:11 - Early Life and Education
01:39 - Became a Manichaean
02:58 - Moved to Rome, Then Milan
05:54 - Converted by St. Ambrose
08:15 - Baptized at Age 32
09:01 - Became Bishop of Hippo
10:07 - Battled Heresies
12:05 - Wrote City of God
12:49 - Died During Siege in 430
13:01 - Most Influential Western Father

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Augustine of Hippo - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=418
Readings: Monday 21st Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/082823.cfm
1st: 1th 1:2-5, 8-10
Resp: psa 149:1-6, 9
Gsp: mat 23:13-22

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1146&r=1481

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