Today we remember and give
thanks for Augustine of Hippo, Pastor and Theologian. Augustine was one of the greatest of the
Latin church fathers and a significant influence in the formation of Western
Christianity, including Lutheranism. Born in A.D. 354 in North
Africa, Augustine’s early life was distinguished by exceptional
advancement as a teacher of rhetoric. In his book Confessions he describes his life before his conversion to
Christianity, when he was drawn into the moral laxity of the day and fathered
an illegitimate son. Through the devotion of his sainted mother Monica and the
preaching of Ambrose, Bishop of Milan (339–97), Augustine was converted to the
Christian faith. During the great Pelagian controversies of the 5th century,
Augustine emphasized the unilateral grace of God in the salvation of mankind.
Bishop and theologian at Hippo in North Africa from A.D. 395 until his death in
430, Augustine was a man of great intelligence, a fierce defender of the
orthodox faith, and a prolific writer. In addition to the book Confessions, Augustine’s book City of God had a great impact upon the
church throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Collect of the Day:
O Lord God, the light of the minds that know you, the life of the
souls that love you, and the strength of the hearts that serve you, give us
strength to follow the example of your servant Augustine of Hippos, so that
knowing you we may truly love you and loving you we may fully serve you – for
to serve you is perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment