Confessions

Converts to Christianity might especially enjoy reading St. Augustine's Confessions. Oh, how he speaks to my heart.

“Too late have I loved you, O Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new! Too late I loved you! And behold, you were within, and I abroad, and there I searched for you; I was deformed, plunging amid those fair forms, which you had made. You were with me, but I was not with you. Things held me far from you—things which, if they were not in you, were not at all. You called, and shouted, and burst my deafness. You flashed and shone, and scattered my blindness. You breathed odors and I drew in breath—and I pant for you. I tasted, and I hunger and thirst. You touched me, and I burned for your peace” (St. Augustine, Confessions).

Today is his memorial day, and yesterday was his devout mother's (St. Monica). Sometimes they feel inseparable to me, and biologically speaking, they were one flesh for nine months, just as Jesus was inseparably one Flesh with His mother. St. Augustine reminds me what a great role mothers have in bringing their children to Christ. St. Monica prayed unceasingly, pleaded, and even nagged Augustine to lead a life of holiness. God answered her prayers. He is one of the greatest fathers of the church.

Pray for us, St. Monica, that we may bring our children to Christ.
Pray for us, St. Augustine, that we may bring all those whose lives we touch to Christ.

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