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Notes on Lessons from St. Augustine

LESSON 1: SIN, FREE WILL, FALLEN PERSON AND GRACE

1.0 SIN, FREE WILL, AND FALLEN PERSON

  • Genesis 1:27: "God created man in His own image…" (Signifies that man was created in goodness).

  • Free Will: God endows man with free will, enabling the power to choose.

  • Mark 7:15: "There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile…" (Emphasizes internal sin).

1.1 FREE WILL

  • Free will is a fundamental aspect of humanity as it allows individuals to choose between good and evil.

1.2 SIN

  • Defined as an act of pride and disobedience to God, when man sees himself as equal to God.

2.0 3 STAGES OF SIN (St. Augustine)

2.1 CONCUPISCENCE OF THE FLESH

  • The senses perceive delights (includes sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing).

2.2 CONTEMPLATION

  • Involves delighting in sense impressions rather than referring them back to God.

2.3 CONSENT OF THE WILL

  • Actual sin occurs when the will consents to act on the sin.

3.0 FALLEN HUMANITY

  • Humanity’s tendency towards sin creates harm to self, others, and the world.

  • Genesis 3:9: “The Lord God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" (Illustrates God’s continued relationship with fallen humanity).

4.0 GRACE (according to St. Augustine)

  • Doctor Gratiae: Title reflecting Augustine's teachings on grace.

  • God’s grace is unmerited love and favor, transforming human will towards goodness.

  • Redemption occurs through grace, which becomes incarnate in Jesus Christ.

  • Romans 5:20-21: "Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more."

LESSON 2: ST. AUGUSTINE ON PRAYER

1.0 ST. AUGUSTINE’S TEACHINGS ON PRAYER

  • Confessions: Personal account highlights prayer's transformative power, acknowledging sin and God’s mercy.

2.0 KEY QUOTES FROM CONFESSIONS

  • "You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

  • "Too late have I loved You, O Beauty ever ancient, ever new…"

  • "Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet."

  • Prayer is essential for connecting with God and expressing longing for Him.

3.0 TEACHINGS ON PRAYER

3.1 Prayer as a Relationship with God

  • Prayer involves developing a loving relationship with God, not just asking for things.

3.2 Prayer Must Be Sincere and Humble

  • Augustine emphasized humility and sincerity during prayer, seeking God's will.

4.0 DIFFERENT METHODS OF PRAYER

4.1 MEDITATION

  • Active reflection on Scripture or experiences of God; requires focus and openness.

4.2 CONTEMPLATION

  • Stillness, fostering an intimate union with God beyond words.

4.3 RECITATION OF SCRIPTURE

  • Utilizes scripture for prayer expression; connects personal prayers with tradition.

4.4 SPONTANEOUS PRAYER

  • Informal and conversational approach, encouraging a personal relationship with God.

4.5 PRAYER AS A MEANS OF TRANSFORMATION

  • Shapes hearts and minds to be receptive to grace; deepens virtues like love and trust.

4.6 ALIGNING OUR WILL TO GOD’S PLAN

  • Prayer is about conforming hearts to God’s plan, fostering humility and trust.

5.0 FOUR PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER (St. Augustine)

5.1 DESIRE FOR GOD

  • Prayer arises from a longing for God; desires should focus on seeking Him.

5.2 FAITH IN GOD’S PROVIDENCE

  • Trust in God’s wisdom; He provides what is truly good.

5.3 PERSISTENCE IN PRAYER

  • Continuous prayer builds and strengthens faith.

5.4 PRAYER AS A FORM OF LOVE

  • True prayer expresses love for God and others, seeking the well-being of all.

LESSON 3: THE HOLY RULE OF ST. AUGUSTINE

1.0 CHAPTER 1: THE PURPOSE AND BASIS OF COMMON LIFE

  • Emphasis on living harmoniously towards God with one heart and one soul (Acts 4:32).

2.0 CHAPTER 2: ON PRAYER

  • Commitment to prayer at set times; use spaces appropriately for prayer and meditation.

3.0 CHAPTER 3: MODERATION AND SELF-DENIAL

  • Encourage fasting and self-denial, ensuring balance with health considerations.

4.0 CHAPTER 4: SAFEGUARDING CHASTITY AND FRATERNAL CORRECTION

  • Promote behavior that does not seek attention; foster good life and good character.

5.0 CHAPTER 5: THE CARE OF COMMUNITY GOODS AND TREATMENT OF THE SICK

  • Work should benefit the community and prioritize collective over individual gains.

6.0 CHAPTER 6: ASKING PARDON AND FORGIVING OFFENSES

  • Urge the resolution of conflicts quickly to prevent escalations of anger into hatred.

7.0 CHAPTER 7: GOVERNANCE AND OBEDIENCE

  • Encourage obedience to superiors with respect; essential for divine harmony.

8.0 CHAPTER 8: OBSERVANCE OF THE RULE

  • Actions should reflect a spirit of charity and a love for spiritual beauty, living in freedom under grace.