| To
Parents and Catechists: Following the example of St. Augustine, young
people will experience contemplative prayer and reflective journaling.
Have quiet music on hand to create a peaceful mood. |
 The
Saint Who Took His Time—St. Augustine
Imagine someone who has many friends, is full of fun, and wants the good
life. He is smart, popular, and always on the go. You have just met the
young Saint Augustine!
For many years Augustine could
not find time for God in his life. He was too busy doing only what he
wanted to do. But nothing in his carefree life seemed to satisfy him.
Gradually, he became aware of a deep emptiness in his heart.
Augustine began searching
to fill that emptiness, and finally he discovered what he really needed
was God. His search led him to an understanding of the following words
of Scripture: We have come to know and believe the love which God has
for us. From 1 John 4:16
From that time on Augustine's
life was changed. He regretted that it had taken him so long to love God
who is the source of all beauty and happiness.
He wrote:
"Late have I loved you,
O Beauty ever ancient, ever new;
late have I loved you"
"Our hearts are restless,
O Lord,
until they rest in you."
Quiet
Time with God
Slowly repeat the words of Saint Augustine until they become like a quiet
"current" of prayer in the "river" of your mind. As you do this, listen
to your inner spirit. Do you feel unhappy or uneasy about something in
your life? Do you have an empty space in your heart waiting to be filled?
Have you ever asked God to fill that space? How much time do you leave
for God in your life?
Listen
to God's Word
God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in union with God.
1 John 4:16
Catching
Fire
Augustine did not want to waste any more time. He was so filled with God's
love that he helped many young people to discover that they too could
"catch on fire" with that same love.
What feelings did you discover
when you listened to your inner spirit? Did you find that you are "on
fire" with love for God? Take time now to journal your feelings. If you
have learned anything from Saint Augustine about having time for God,
tell God about it now.
My
Prayer Goes On
My heart is restless, O Lord, until it rests in you.
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