Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and Theologian

This month sees the celebration of the life of St. Augustine of Hippo and his mother Monica who was the great inspiration for her son to become first a Christian and then Bishop and Theologian, and whose influence on the development of European thought cannot be overestimated. A huge body of his sermons and writings has been preserved, through all of which runs the theme of the sovereignty of the grace of God. His output was prolific and he is considered to be one of the most influential theologians in Church history.

Both Monica and Augustine led interesting lives, firstly in Hippo in North Africa and then Milan in Italy. She was born the daughter of Christian parents in 332 and was married to a pagan named Patricius whom she converted to Christianity. They had three children of whom the most famous was her eldest child, the future Augustine. Indeed Augustine ascribed his conversion to the example and devotion of his mother. “She never let me out of her prayers that you, O God, might say to the widow’s son, ‘Young man, I say to you rise’.”

Monica’s husband died when she was forty. Her desire had been to be buried alongside him, but that was not to be. She died in Italy at Ostia in 387 on her way home to North Africa with her two sons.

Augustine was born in North Africa in 354. His career was highly influenced by his mother and he became well known as an orator and rhetorician. This reputation led him from Carthage to Rome and from there to Milan. By temperament he was passionate and sensual but as a young man he rejected Christianity. Gradually, however, under the influence first of Monica and then of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, he began to look afresh at the Scriptures. He
was baptized by Ambrose at the Easter Vigil in 387. Not long after returning to North Africa he was ordained priest and then became Bishop of Hippo. He died in the year 430.

Prayer
Merciful Lord, who turned Augustine from his sins to be a faithful bishop and teacher, grant that we may follow him in penitence and discipline till our restless hearts find their way to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive and and reigns with you. Amen.

From September 1^st to October 4^th every year, Christians around the world are invited to give particular attention to praying and caring for God’s creation as part of the global Season of Creation.  This is a time for prayer, education and action.  It is very fitting that it ends on October 4^th because that is St. Francis of Assisi Day.

Isn’t it awe-inspiring how nature can teach us so much about faith and life? Job 12: 7-10a says

“But ask the animals and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?  In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being”

This passage tells us that all of creation reflects God’s wisdom, power, and control over the world– the design of a flower, the vastness of the oceans, the beauty of a sunset – they all point to a Creator who is incredibly wise and powerful.

Nature is not just a random collection of things, but a beautifully orchestrated masterpiece that reveals the magnificence of God. Job reminds us that we need to reconnect with the natural world as a source of divine revelation. In today’s world, technology often separates us from nature but by observing the wonders of creation, we can deepen our understanding of God and our place in His creation.

God entrusted the world and all that is in it to us. This is not a responsibility we should take lightly.  By reconnecting we are also reminded of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. Yet, at the same time, we are reassured that we are deeply loved and cared for by a Creator who has everything under control.

Prayer of Gratitude for Beauty of Creation
God, our Creator of heaven and earth, how blessed we are to be surrounded by the beauty of your creation. We lift our prayer of gratitude as we see the stars of heaven, and the beauty of the sunset. We are amazed by the seas and waterways and all that are in them. We are enchanted by the flowers and trees which are clothed by you. We are awed by all the animals you created. For the beauty of the earth, the mountains and valleys, the sun and the moon – we give you praise. Amen.

– Author Unknown