Reading challenge, on time

The Restless Flame. I finished Book VII.

The Confessions of St. Augustine. I finished Book X

Augustine was baptized in the Catholic Church. His mother, Monica, died.

I walked to the river on Saturday. Today worked out in the gym.

conversion

"How lovely I now find it to be free from the loveliness of vanities, so that now it is a joy to renounce what I had been  so afraid to lose…And I can talk to you as friends talk, my glory and my riches and my salvation, my Lord God.”
-The Restless Flame, A Novel about St. Augustine, by Louis de Wohl
note: I’m at Book VII. 60 pages to go. The challenge started March 16.

vanities

The Confessions of St. Augustine-starting Book VII. Augustine left the Manicheans but still a follower of vanities and lust.

the shaping of Augustine

Augustine met Faustus, a respected high ranking Manichean, who could not answer questions of Augustine. He went to Rome and lied to his mother about.He went to Rome and lied to his mother about.He taught Rhetoric.

He met philosophers who taught to doubt everything and that man does not the power to comprehend the truth.Augustine met Ambrose, a bishop, who impressed Augustine. He left the Manicheans which he was a follower for nine years. End of Book V.

open mind

“All Self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind.”-Shunryu Suzuki, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

note:Readings novel on St. Augustine and the Confessions.  Augustine’s friend became ill and died.

His mother had a dream. 

I walked to the river yesterday. I had mild cramps in my left foot last night.

reading 23 pages a day

“There is no such thing as a solitary polar explorer, fine as the conception is.”-Annie Dillard

Progress Report

The Restless Flame

Augustine was introduced to Manichean teaching, the Principle of Light and Darkness.

The Confessions of St. Augustine

Augustine confessed his “soul was in profound darkness.”

I’m on track in reading  at least 23 pages a day.

I went to the gym yesterday. I didn’t have leg cramps last night.

love of play

The Restless Flame

When he learned that Melania, his servant girl, was pregnant with his child Augustine hugged her and felt pride, then fear. He didn’t know what to do. He went out and walked in the city. 

2 weeks later Harmodius, a childhood friend, visited him. Alypius noted that Augustine looked like his old self again.

The Confessions

Augustine attributed some his sins when he was young to his  “love of play.” 

Yesterday I worked out  in the gym for one hour. I did not have leg muscle cramps last night. My reading is on schedule.