The Augustinian Restless Heart
- Augustinian Vocations
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
“When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” (John 1:28-29a, NRSVCE)
What are you looking for? How does my heart and my soul yearn for God?
Saint Augustine was complex and intense. His Confessions and other writings show the many influences that worked on his spiritual life. Augustine became devoted to Scripture – reading the Word of God was fundamental to his conversion. As a theologian, he wrote about the Holy Trinity, grace, and schisms in the Church of Northern Africa. His Eucharistic theology emphasizes the transformative effects of receiving the sacrament, where “We become what we receive” (Easter Sermon 227).
Saint Augustine knew the support of friends and community. He wanted his brothers to “Live harmoniously, with one mind and one heart, on the way to God” (Rule, Chapter I). He also knew the trials of family life as his Mother Monica desperately wept and prayed for his conversion to the Catholic faith.
All of these influences helped Augustine to go within his own heart to experience the grace of God. It was a heart with just one desire: to praise God.
“Great art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy power, and of Thy wisdom there is no end. And man, being a part of Thy creation, desires to praise Thee, …Thou movest us to delight in praising Thee; for Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee.” (Confessions I, I, 5)
As a matter of history, Augustine’s contributions to the Church are enormous and lasting. But what does it do for Christians today?
Augustinian spirituality is deeply personal; creating intimate spaces of interior prayer. Jesus continues to ask us “What we you looking for?”. Careful reflection creates the space to realize all the pursuits that fill our lives. We assert our own desire for satisfaction through human love, ideology, and ambition.
And all the heart really craves… is God’s love.
It is the grace of God that moves us towards tranquility and harmony. And we journey together as a Church and the Body of Christ.
Should I want a restless heart?
YES! We should all pray to have a disposition that is fundamentally open to God’s will. At times, this is indicated by being uncomfortable or uneasy with how things currently are. It may also be the recurring joy of the Lord’s presence and fulfillment in contemplation.
You are looking – and God is calling you to a vocation!
Each person enjoys a unique capacity for holiness. The human heart has been designed to constantly pursue the search for the Lord.
The Holy Spirit inspires us to move beyond our comfort zone – to broaden the depths of our love. God wants you to find satisfaction and joy in your life. Ultimate satisfaction is found in the discernment of your vocation.
So, what does Augustinian spirituality do today?
Be delighted in who God created you to be. Ask for the grace to say YES.
The Midwest Augustinians rejoice with our brother Pope Leo XIV as he begins his service as Chief Shepherd. As Pope Leo stated in his opening address,
“I am a son of Saint Augustine, an Augustinian. He said, “With you I am a Christian, for you a bishop.” So may we all walk together toward that homeland that God has prepared for us.” - Pope Leo XIV
