Kurt Bragg

What drew you to becoming an Augustinian?

 

 I deeply value the encounter of community life, especially with brothers who are “working their faith out through fear and trembling” (Phil: 2); and, through laughs, a cuppa coffee, and the occasional boardgame. This communal expression of Augustinian life is vital for my spirit: my brothers are consistently there for me—challenging me, growing me, and helping me to grow in my faith through their witness.

 

How has your faith grown since entering religious life?

 

In very large and small ways. One of the keys has been the “12-inch drop”- the all-important migration of my faith and encounter with Christ from my head to my heart. Augustine’s focus on interiority has been instrumental for me making that needed pilgrimage deeper into my own soul, where I can both rest and find rest in Christ.

 

In one of my favorite quotes, Augustine shared, “Enter, then, into your heart (Isaiah 46:8) and if you have faith, you will find Christ there. There Christ speaks to you. I must use my voice, but he instructs you more effectively in silence." – The True Religion

 

How important is prayer in your life?

 

This is a great question. How might you answer this question, if you were me?

 

For me, it is key! It’s my everything! I wanted a life that revolved around a prayerful expression and life with Christ, and this is where Christ has led me.

 

A word of caution and encouragement. The prayer life of a religious must be more than the times we gather together formally, in community, for liturgy of the hours or mass. As a religious, you must find ways that feed your relationship with God. For some they take time in adoration or other devotions, for some they experience God through nature. Whatever it looks like, you must find that unique way Christ speaks with you. As I mentioned above, I find Christ in silence-- in interiority; He is wondrously present, which continues to surprise me and uplift me.

 

What do you do all day as a novice?

 

All we do is pray, at every moment and every second of the day, I haven’t even taken a second to eat since I’ve been here!        I’m kidding!

 

We have a robust and prayerful schedule. This year has a lot of intentionality around it; and we are afforded time to pray, study, reflect and have time as a community for fun. It really has helped me to cut down on the noise of a “busy” life and has helped us (and me specifically) focus on those things that are most important- God and my brothers.

 

What’s one thing you wish you knew before entering that you know now?

 

To take heart and have courage! I continue to learn that when I take a step towards Christ, He takes two steps towards me. Coupled with that is that you cannot know everything before you enter- so, if you are feeling the Lord place this on your heart, take a step towards Him, and he will show you the next – good—step!