(354-430) Augustine was born to a Christian mother (Saint Monica) and a pagan father in Tagaste, Roman North Africa. Much of his autobiography is known from his book, Confessions. Augustine had a wild youth that included drinking, enjoying blood sport, and fathering an illegitimate son. Still, his relentless pursuit of truth led him to embrace the Catholic faith, and he became a bishop and one of the greatest theologians of Christian history.

Augustine honestly said to God, “Grant me chastity and continency, but not yet” (Confessions). He preferred to satisfy the desire rather than quench it. Addiction feels that way, and we can ask ourselves difficult questions. “What if I had to give it up? What would I be without it?” We are powerless (Step 1), but God can restore sanity (Step 2).

“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen” (Saint Augustine).

Reflection by Brad Farmer