Today’s reflection highlights quotes from St. Augustine of Hippo, also known as Saint Augustine. St. Augustine was a theologian, philosopher, and the bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia, Roman North Africa. His writings have greatly influenced the development of Western philosophy and Western Christianity. Many words of St. Augustine can encourage us during this difficult time of the pandemic too. If you haven’t already, find a quiet spot to read his words and to pray with us.
“And men go abroad to admire the heights of mountains, the mighty waves of the sea, the broad tides of rivers, the compass of the ocean, and the circuits of the stars, yet pass over the mystery of themselves without a thought.”
“Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.”
“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
“Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.”
“Watch, O Lord,
with those who wake,
or watch or weep tonight,
and give your angels charge
over those who sleep.
Tend your sick ones,
O Lord Jesus Christ;
rest your weary ones;
bless your dying ones;
soothe your suffering ones;
pity your afflicted ones;
shield your joyous ones;
and all for your love’s sake.”
Amen.
—St. Augustine of Hippo
2 replies on “Words of Encouragement from St. Augustine”
Thank you so much for reminding me of the ‘positive’ side of St. Augustine. I went to small Catholic elementary school, high school, college, and grad school (the last 3 were all girl/all women). We had to read all of St. Augustine’s writings – and the more ‘sterner’ and more ‘stoic’ side of St. Augustine seemed to be the focus. I had forgotten how beautiful his prayers were! And these prayers especially – during this time of pandemic!
Thank you, again!
Thanks for all of your comments, Judith. We’re happy to know that they are speaking to you.