Before we continue speaking about the Church during this Easter season—so that we may better grasp its beauty and the mission entrusted to it by the Lord—allow me to take a brief look at our community, Agnus Dei, which was founded on April 24, 1980. Certainly, every date—since every day is a gift from God—has its own precious history. Therefore, it is worthwhile to discover what else happened on those days that stand out in a special way in our lives. Since the Agnus Dei community is a spiritual community of Catholics, let us first look at which feast the Church celebrates on this day.
Saint Augustine certainly played a role in the emergence of the community on various levels, which is why we honor him in a special way today. The Augustinian Order, in fact, celebrates the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Augustine on April 24. We know what came forth from his conversion, which he also owed to the intercession of his mother, Saint Monica. His influence on the Church, as well as on people seeking the truth, is immeasurable. This remains true to this day.
For this reason, on this day we have often read with great gratitude excerpts from the story of his conversion, for some among us have also experienced a turning away from a “lost life” toward following Christ. Others, who grew up more firmly rooted in the faith, experienced a deepening of their faith that first enabled them to walk the path of discipleship as it is lived in our Agnus Dei community by the grace of God.
Saint Augustine was a seeker who, however, had gone astray both spiritually and morally. Yet his heart sincerely longed for God. In his Confessions, he describes his conversion, which moved toward a specific, decisive experience. Here is an excerpt from this book that describes his struggle:
“But when a deep consideration had from the secret bottom of my soul drawn together and heaped up all my misery in the sight of my heart; there arose a mighty storm, bringing a mighty shower of tears. Which that I might pour forth wholly, in its natural expressions, I rose from Alypius: solitude was suggested to me as fitter for the business of weeping; so I retired so far that even his presence could not be a burden to me.
Thus was it then with me, and he perceived something of it; for something I suppose I had spoken, wherein the tones of my voice appeared choked with weeping, and so had risen up. He then remained where we were sitting, most extremely astonished. I cast myself down I know not how, under a certain fig-tree, giving full vent to my tears; and the floods of mine eyes gushed out an acceptable sacrifice to Thee. And, not indeed in these words, yet to this purpose, spoke I much unto Thee: and Thou, O Lord, how long? how long, Lord, wilt Thou be angry forever? Remember not our former iniquities, for I felt that I was held by them. I sent up these sorrowful words: How long, how long, “to-morrow, and tomorrow?” Why not now? why not is there this hour an end to my uncleanness?
So was I speaking and weeping in the most bitter contrition of my heart, when, lo! I heard from a neighboring house a voice, as of boy or girl, I know not, chanting, and oft repeating, “Take up and read; Take up and read. “Instantly, my countenance altered, I began to think most intently whether children were wont in any kind of play to sing such words: nor could I remember ever to have heard the like. So, checking the torrent of my tears, I arose; interpreting it to be no other than a command from God to open the book, and read the first chapter I should find. For I had heard of Antony, that coming in during the reading of the Gospel, he received the admonition, as if what was being read was spoken to him: Go, sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me: and by such oracle he was forthwith converted unto Thee.
Eagerly then I returned to the place where Alypius was sitting; for there had I laid the volume of the Apostle when I arose thence. I seized, opened, and in silence read that section on which my eyes first fell: Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, in concupiscence. No further would I read; nor needed I: for instantly at the end of this sentence, by a light as it were of serenity infused into my heart, all the darkness of doubt vanished away” (Book VIII, Chapter XII)
“Our heart is restless until it reposes in Thee” is one of the wonderful sayings handed down to us from Augustine. He had found the peace of heart, and from that hour on he walked his path with the Lord without doubt and with great devotion.
For us, who also strive to follow Jesus, he remains a friend and companion. We thank him for having responded to the Lord’s call; and we thank the Lord for having given this saint to His Church!
Reflection on today’s reading: https://en.elijamission.net/faithfulness-to-the-lord-and-his-church/
Reflection on today’s Gospel: https://en.elijamission.net/no-one-shall-snatch-them-out-of-my-hand/