October 10
Darkness, a barrier
hrist came to
enlighten those who lived in darkness, overshadowed by death, and to guide
their feet into the way of peace. Do you ask what darkness? Whatever is
present in our intellect, in our will, or in our memory that is not God,
or which has not its source in God; that is to say, whatever in us is not
for God's sake, is a barrier between God and the soul — it is darkness.
In himself Christ brought us light which would enable us to see our sins, and hate our darkness. His freely chosen poverty, when there was no place for him in the inn, is for us a light by which we can now learn that the poor in spirit, to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs, are blessed.
The love with which Christ offered himself to instruct us, and to endure for us injuries, ostracism, persecution, lashes, and death upon a cross; the love finally which made him pray for those who crucified him — that love is for us a light by which we may learn to love our enemies.
| Augustine Day By Day | The Augustinians - St. Thomas of Villanova Province |
From John E. Rotelle, O.S.A., Tradition Day by Day: Readings from Church Writers. Augustinian Press. Villanova, PA, 1994.
HTML text prepared by David P. Steelman