Catholic Classics

Continuing his examination of pride, St. Augustine notes how this vice lurks in evil and good works. He sums up his battle between joy in his conversion and sadness in his bad habits. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain that the marks of humanity are true in all centuries. The best way to combat our fallen natures is to be on your guard against sins and always return to Christ. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 38-43. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Is it better for God to be loved or feared? St. Augustine reflects on this question as he addresses the threefold concupiscence of sin found in John’s Gospel. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss what it means to be attracted to truth but in an inordinate way. They conclude with a conversation on pride and the subtleties of this vice. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 35-37. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Moderating our bodily attachments and desires is essential for spiritual growth. St. Augustine describes the ways our bodily desires and attachments can become distorted. From love of food to love of music, every earthly attachment can turn us away from God if we become overly reliant on them. Fr. Jacob Bertrand and Fr. Gregory invite us to consider a holy detachment from the things of this world so we can let God fill us completely. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 31-34. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

True and enduring happiness is found only in God. St. Augustine examines the ways he looked for happiness in the wrong places, mainly in himself and in the pleasures of the world. He expresses repentance for not loving the Lord sooner, inspiring his famous prayer: “Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved you!” Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine challenge us to examine the ways we seek happiness in our lives. Today’s readings are Book 10, Chapters 22-30. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What is the role of memory in the spiritual life? As St. Augustine continues his philosophical discussion on the human mind, he focuses on understanding the different ways that memory works. We learn that our memory allows us to see God’s handiwork throughout our lives. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand and Fr. Gregory Pine also remind us that God wants to heal and purify our memories. Today's reading are Book 10, Chapters 16-21. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The human mind is a magnificent gift of God given to us to discover truth. Using a scientific approach, St. Augustine delves into the origins of intellect, memory, and conceptual thought. Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory break down St. Augustine’s reflection and emphasize that the human mind sets us apart from the rest of creation. Today's readings are Book 10, Chapters 10-15. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

We can find God’s footprints in the beauty of creation and the mystery of our own humanity. St. Augustine poetically explores creation, the senses, and the human mind as ways we can encounter God in our initial search for him. Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk and Fr. Gregory Pine remind us that God reveals himself in tangible ways because he wants us to know him.Today's readings are Book 10, Chapters 6-9. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As we enter Book 10, Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk prepare us for a shift in tone. We transition from St. Augustine discussing his life to St. Augustine reflecting more deeply on who God is and what he does. Our hosts remind us that we must approach this Book as students and disciples of Christ. We should train our minds and hearts to pursue God fully. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

What moves St. Augustine to share his testimony with others? St. Augustine reflects on his motivations behind making Confession and his approach to sharing his testimony so as to edify others. Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Betrand Janczyk explain how St. Augustine models for us the appropriate way to bear witness to Christ and prudently share our testimonies so that God may be glorified. Today's readings are Book 10, Chapters 1-5. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Having completed her earthly mission, St. Monica passes from this life to the next. Facing grief and mourning, St. Augustine pursues truth to elevate the pain of loss. He gives thanks to the Lord for his mother and God’s gifts present in her. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us that even the saints mourn. They explain that when we prepare for our death and look forward to eternity, worldly concerns vanish. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 11-13. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In the lead-up to St. Monica’s death, St. Augustine reflects on her life. He shares stories from her early childhood and the hardships she endured in her marriage. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk shed light on the significance of enduring suffering for the sanctification of others while commending Monica for her charity, maternal love, and unwavering faith. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 8-10. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine receives the sacrament of Baptism alongside his son and friend. He turns to the Old Testament for preparation and understanding of his place in salvation history. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss Church persecution and St. Ambrose’s role in ending the oppression. They reflect on the grace of the sacraments and the simplicity of conversion. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 4-7. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Following his conversion, St. Augustine thanks God for his new life. He prepares to leave his teaching position. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the fear of what you might lose in pursuing Christ. They explain how conversion requires a reorientation of the whole of one’s life. Today’s readings are Book 9, Chapters 1-3. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Book 9 follows St. Augustine’s reception into the Church. While finally receiving the sacraments brings forth great joy, conversion requires sacrifice. St. Augustine’s new life demands his resignation from his position teaching rhetoric. This isn’t the only trial St. Augustine faces in Book 9. We prepare for the death of his mother, St. Monica. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk remind us to lean on the support we have in the Church as we face our day-to-day conversions. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

It is finally conversion day! After providing further philosophical proofs against the Manichaeans, St. Augustine reaches the point of conversion. Not only does St. Augustine describe the moment in which the Holy Spirit overwhelms him, but he also shares how those closest to him react upon learning of his conversion. This includes a description of the joy and relief of St. Monica. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk reflect on these reactions and on the moment of St. Augustine’s conversion. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 10-12. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine offers his insight on the language of the two wills that is found in Scripture. One of his primary reasons for addressing this was in order to disprove the Manichaeans. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk address the life of sin and vice versus the life of grace and virtue. They discuss the common circumstance in which a person may look as though they have it all together, but in reality, are struggling with vice and sin. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 7-9. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine finds himself incredibly close to conversion. He conveys two stories regarding the conversion of other men. He shares how these men were inspired by the story of St. Anthony of the Desert to convert to Catholicisim. The conversion stories of other people move St. Augustine greatly and play a key role in his own conversion. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss why it is so radical for a person to convert to Christianity. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 4-6. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

St. Augustine has settled his theological and philosophical challenges when it comes to Catholicism. However, an area that he continues to struggle with is chastity. He finds himself stuck in lust. St. Augustine also shares his perspective of the institutional Church and describes the conversion of an individual named Victorinus. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk explain why the conversion of just one person can be so impactful. Today’s readings are Book 8, Chapters 1-3. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Book 8 finds St. Augustine at the moment of his conversion. In this book, St. Augustine surrenders to the will of God and consents to grace. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk point out the importance of Scripture in the moment of St. Augustine’s conversion. They encourage everyone to read Scripture and remember that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God. Finally, Fr. Gregory and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand urge anyone who is on the precipice of conversion to take that step of surrender to God. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

As he continues his studies, St. Augustine realizes his knowledge of God, theology and Jesus are incomplete. He also concludes Book 7 with a comparison of the Neoplatonic texts he’s been reading with what he has been studying in Scripture. Fr. Gregory Pine and Fr. Jacob-Bertrand Janczyk discuss the humility with which we must approach our study of God. Today’s readings are Book 7, Chapters 19-21. To get your copy of the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/catholicclassics or text "CONFESSIONS" to 33-777. Please note: The Confessions of St. Augustine contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.