A Restless Heart
In late August 386 AD, Augustine of Hippo found himself in a garden in Milan, Italy, grappling with the turmoil of his heart and mind. Born in Tagaste, Numidia (now Souk Ahras, Algeria), Augustine had chased worldly ambitions and grappled with intellectual skepticism. His life, marked by ambition, lust, and the teachings of Manichaeism, left him restless and yearning for peace.
Take Up and Read
In the stillness of the garden, Augustine cried out in desperation, 'How long, how long? Tomorrow and tomorrow? Why not now? Why not this very hour make an end to my uncleanness?' Overwhelmed, he wept beneath a fig tree, wrestling with his inner conflict. In that moment of vulnerability, he heard a child's voice say, 'Tolle, lege,' meaning 'Take up and read.' Seizing this as a divine sign, Augustine picked up a nearby book, which opened to Romans 13:13-14. The passage spoke directly to his condition, urging him away from darkness and towards the light of Christ.
A New Life Begins
Transformed by this encounter, Augustine declared, 'Oh Lord my God, my Light, my Wealth, and my Salvation.' He embraced Christianity, leaving behind his previous beliefs. Baptized by Bishop Ambrose during the Easter Vigil in 387 AD, Augustine committed his life to God. He went on to become a priest and eventually the Bishop of Hippo, dedicating himself to teaching and defending Christian doctrine.
Restless Until They Rest in You
Reflecting on his journey in his *Confessions*, Augustine wrote, 'You have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.' His transformation was not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, as he gave glory to Jesus for the peace and purpose he found. Through his writings and ministry, Augustine's influence on Christianity has endured for centuries, a testament to the profound change wrought by Jesus in his life.
