Yesterday, we met Saint Monica, the mother who refused to stop praying for her son.

Today, on Day 301 of Saints in a Year, we meet that son.

Saint Augustine of Hippo went from rejecting Christianity and pursuing worldly ambition and pleasure to becoming a bishop, saint, Doctor of the Church, and one of the most influential Christian thinkers in history.

His journey took him through Manichaeism, philosophical searching, struggles with sin, the preaching of Saint Ambrose, his mother's relentless prayers, and finally the famous moment in a garden when he heard the words "Take and read."

Augustine's story reminds us that our past does not have to determine our future and that no restless heart is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Scripture

"Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."

Romans 13:14

Thought to Remember

"You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

Saint Augustine, Confessions

We spend enormous amounts of our lives trying to quiet that restlessness with success, possessions, relationships, entertainment, and pleasure. Augustine tried too. Eventually, he discovered that the deepest hunger of the human heart has only one answer: God.

Prayer

Saint Augustine, pray for every restless heart searching for truth. Help us stop postponing the conversion God is asking from us today. Give hope to those ashamed of their past, courage to those struggling with sin, and wisdom to those searching for answers.

Saint Augustine, pray for us. Amen.

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