AUGUSTINE 1

LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY

OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

The Sermons and Letters

of St. Augustine of Hippo
 AUGUSTINIAN PRAYER BEFORE CLASS

L: When we live in
unity
A: How good and how
pleasing it is
 AUGUSTINIAN PRAYER BEFORE CLASS

L: Pray for us,

Holy father Augustine
A: That we may dwell
together in peace

L: Let us Pray
God our father,
Your Son promised to be
present in the midst of all
who come together
in His name.
Help us to recognize
His presence among us
and experience in our
hearts the abundance
of Your grace,
Your mercy, and
Your peace, in truth and
in love.
We ask this, through
Christ our Lord.
Amen
L: St. Augustine
A: Pray For us
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Develop the ability to identify and
comprehend the teachings of Saint Augustine
as conveyed in his sermons and letters.
2. Cultivate an appreciation for the depth and
significance of Saint Augustine’s teachings found
within his sermons and letters.

3. Effectively communicate and share the teachings of

Saint Augustine from his sermons and letters with
others, recognizing their relevance and value in
contemporary discussions and personal
discourses.
What sermon have you heard or
letter that you read that strikes
you the most?
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the
Philippians (Phil. 4:8)

“Finally, beloved (brothers), whatever is

true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
just, whatever is pure, whatever is
pleasing, whatever is commendable, if
there is any excellence and if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about
these things”
(NRSV, Catholic Edition).
 THE SERMONS AND LETTERS
OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

✓ Saint Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) is one of the

most significant figures in Christian theology,
particularly in the Western tradition.

✓ His Sermons and Letters represent an essential part of

his literary corpus, offering insight into his theological
positions, pastoral care, and practical concerns of his
time.
 THE SERMONS AND LETTERS
OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

Augustine’s sermons were

generally preached to a broad
audience, while his letters were
often more specific, addressing
theological, ecclesiastical, and
pastoral issues.
 SERMONS
(SERMO/TRACTATE/ENARRATIONES)

There are various titles given to the collections of Augustine’s

preaching.
➢ It can also be called “Exposition” as applied to his preaching on the book
of Psalms (en. Ps.), or
➢ “Tractates” as applied to his commentaries on the “Gospel of John” and
“First Letter of John”.
➢ The rest are simply called “Sermons”. In any case, during the time of
Augustine, sermons became the more common word for preaching of
whatever kind whether catechetical, exegetical or exhortatory.
 SERMONS
(SERMO/TRACTATE/ENARRATIONES)

➢Augustine preached mostly at Hippo (about 146 sermons). He

also preached in Carthage, the Metropolitan See where 106
sermons were delivered. A dozen of his sermons were
preached in various cities, while it is hard to determine the
exact context of the remaining 188 sermons. Some 50 sermons
deal with the OT and 123 on the NT. He preached twice a
week - Saturday and Sunday- and often for several days running.
Sometimes he did so twice a day. His sermons lasted on the
average from about half an hour and a half or two hours.
 SERMONS
(SERMO/TRACTATE/ENARRATIONES)

 In preaching the Scripture, he was aware

of the radical unity between the OT and
the NT- a unity which derives from the
fact that both have a single author.
Although there are differences between
them, they are united to each other
through the mystery of Christ, who is
hidden in the OT and disclosed in the
NT.
 SERMONS
(SERMO/TRACTATE/ENARRATIONES)

 Augustine’s way of thinking can be quite

complicated even when he tries to explain
himself in apparently very simple formulas.
This is true of each theme he treats in his
sermons when taken separately; he seems to
think of all the themes as interwoven in any
single sermon. That is why even though his
topic is on a particular biblical text, he would
resort to other biblical passages to explicate
his point.
 THE LETTERS OF SAINT AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

In Augustinian scholarship, “Letters”

(Epistulae) is a term used to include all of
Augustine’s writings that are neither a
sermon nor a book.

There are 269 extant letters of Augustine.

It is believed that he began to write them as
early as 386 or 387 when he was still at
Cassiciacum, and continued doing so until
towards his death in 430.
• Augustine’s letters are considered as
“a vast treasure trove of his
thoughts and feelings.”
• They contain his own theological
or catechetical viewpoints.
• They were not personal or
intimate documents but public
writings containing Augustine’s
teaching and sometimes
ecclesiastical and political stand.
• Some of his letters served as “a
form of conversation for those
he could not meet.”

• By sending letters, Augustine drew

himself closer to those he had not
personally met (like Jerome and
Paulinus) and was able to know
them at least by the views they
expressed in their response to him.
In 1969, Johannes Divjak of Vienna found
in Marseilles a treasure of 29 letters
attributed to the African bishop during
the obscure final decades of his life. They
are now called Augustine’s “Divjak letters.”
Unfortunately, after his death, Possidius
made an inventory of Augustine’s letters
found in the library of Hippo. It was found
out that approximately one third of the
letters were already lost.
 Overall, Augustine’s works have
influenced the Western world in
many ways, but most especially in
the theological and the
philosophical fields. Because of this,
he was called “river of eloquence”
(flumen eloquentiae) by the African
historian Victor of Vita.
In this lesson, we will present the key
teachings of the sermons and letters of
Saint Augustine, with just a brief
commentary.

Each teaching will be deepened in the

discussion of Lessons 8, 9, and 10.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

1. Grace and Free Will

One of Augustine’s core theological
concerns, particularly after his conflict with
the Pelagians, was the role of divine grace in
salvation. He argued that human nature,
corrupted by original sin, could not achieve
righteousness or salvation without the grace
of God. His sermons often emphasize that
human beings cannot earn salvation through
their efforts or merit.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 169: Augustine explains that the fall of

Adam introduced sin into the world, which
corrupted human nature.
• Therefore, he insists on the necessity of God’s grace
to restore humanity, emphasizing that "our free will is
not taken away by grace, but is healed and made strong."

Sermon 26: In his reflection on free will and

grace, Augustine elaborates that grace does not
destroy human free will but enables it to choose
good.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

2. Original Sin

A prominent theme in Augustine’s sermons is

the doctrine of original sin, which posits that
humanity is inherently sinful due to the fall of
Adam and Eve. He used sermons to explain
this belief to his congregants, grounding his
views in a pastoral concern for human moral
weakness and the need for divine assistance.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 151: Augustine states that all human

beings inherit sin from Adam, emphasizing that
baptism is necessary for salvation because it
cleanses the soul from this inherited guilt.

Sermon 293: He asserts that original sin affects

every person, leading to spiritual death, and only
Christ's sacrifice and divine grace can reverse its
consequences.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

3. The Nature of the Church

For Augustine, the Church was not just a

visible institution but a mystical body of
Christ. His sermons address both the
unity and holiness of the Church, while
also recognizing that not all members of
the visible Church are necessarily part of
the true, spiritual Church.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 217: Augustine speaks of the Church as

the "ark of salvation," drawing parallels between
Noah's ark and the necessity of the Church for
salvation.
Sermon 229E: Augustine explains that the
Church is a community of saints, but it also
includes sinners. It is only at the final judgment
that the true Church will be fully revealed.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 46: He highlights the Church's

role as the bearer of God's grace to
humanity through the sacraments,
particularly emphasizing the unity of the
Church against the backdrop of schisms,
such as the Donatist controversy.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

4. Love and Charity

Augustine placed a strong emphasis on the

Christian virtues of love (caritas) and charity,
which he considered the highest of all
virtues. His teachings on love are closely tied
to his understanding of God and human
relationships, reflecting the influence of
biblical passages like (1 Corinthians 13.)
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 34: He famously teaches that the

essence of Christianity is summed up in the
commandment to "love God and your neighbor,"
insisting that all other commandments are
fulfilled by love.
Sermon 350: Augustine encourages his audience
to cultivate charity, warning against the dangers
of pride and self-love. Charity, for him, is not only
giving to the poor but also maintaining humility
and patience.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

5. The Problem of Evil

Augustine’s views on the problem of evil are
a key part of his sermons. He developed a
complex theology regarding the origin of evil,
framing it as a privation of good rather than
something with independent existence. In his
sermons, he tackles the question of why God
permits evil, emphasizing the mysterious
nature of divine providence and human free
will.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 241: Augustine explores the nature of

evil as an absence or corruption of good, stating
that God permits evil to bring about a greater
good and to respect human free will.

Sermon 19A: He reassures his congregation

that evil does not come from God but is a result
of the misuse of free will by angels and humans.
God's response to evil is not to eliminate free
will but to offer grace and redemption.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

6. Eschatology and the Final Judgment

In his sermons, Augustine frequently

discusses the themes of the end times,
judgment, and the ultimate destiny of
humanity. He urges his listeners to live with
the awareness of their eventual judgment
before God.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S SERMONS:

Sermon 213: Augustine describes the

resurrection of the dead and the final judgment,
warning his audience about the consequences of
living a sinful life. He stresses the need for
vigilance, repentance, and preparation for the
coming of Christ.
Sermon 105: He contrasts the eternal fate of
the righteous with that of the wicked, discussing
heaven and hell in vivid terms, meant to
encourage repentance and holy living.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

Augustine’s Letters cover a wide range of

topics, from theological debates to
everyday pastoral concerns.
Some of his most significant teachings,
particularly in terms of doctrinal
development, can be found in these letters.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

1. The Role of Grace

(Anti-Pelagian Controversy)
The Pelagian controversy was a significant
theological debate during Augustine’s time,
focusing on the role of human effort and
divine grace in salvation. Augustine’s letters
to figures like Pelagius, Julian of Eclanum, and
others elaborated on his views regarding
original sin, free will, and grace.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

Letter 186 (To Paulinus): Augustine emphasizes

that it is only through God’s grace that humans
can do any good. Without grace, human free will
is powerless against sin.
Letter 194 (To Sixtus): In this letter, Augustine
articulates his belief that grace is given freely and
not as a reward for human merit. This letter also
reinforces his view that salvation is entirely
dependent on God’s initiative.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

2. Church Unity and Schism

(Donatist Controversy)
Augustine's letters were instrumental in defending
the Catholic Church against the Donatist schism.
The Donatists argued that the validity of the
sacraments depended on the moral purity of the
clergy who administered them. Augustine, in
response, emphasized the universality of the
Church and the efficacy of the sacraments
regardless of the moral state of the clergy.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

Letter 87 (To Emeritus): Augustine stresses that

the sacraments are valid by virtue of Christ’s
work, not the personal holiness of the minister.
He argues for the importance of unity within the
Church and the need to avoid schism.
Letter 93 (To Vincentius): Augustine encourages
the reconciliation of the Donatists with the
Catholic Church, emphasizing that the Church is
a "mixed body" of both saints and sinners until the
final judgment.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

3. The Role of Bishops

and the Pastoral Ministry
Many of Augustine’s letters deal with
practical concerns of pastoral care, offering
advice to other bishops, clergy, and laity. He
viewed the episcopal office as one of service
and responsibility, frequently exhorting his
correspondents to maintain humility,
discipline, and care for their congregations.
 KEY TEACHINGS FROM AUGUSTINE’S LETTERS:

Letter 21 (To Bishop Valerius): Augustine reflects

on the heavy responsibilities of a bishop,
particularly in terms of teaching, guiding the
faithful, and maintaining Church discipline.
Letter 22 (To Aurelius): He writes about the
importance of humility in leadership, noting that
the bishop should act as a servant to the people,
modeling Christ’s own example of servant-
leadership.
VIDEO PRESENTATION: FAMOUS QUOTES FROM SAINT AUGUSTINE

➢St. Augustine of Hippo | Quotes to INSPIRE your FAITH

(youtube.com)
➢St Augustine quotes - Wise quotes and phrases for your
life (youtube.com)
➢St. Augustine of Hippo | Powerful WISDOM of the Saints
PART 3 (youtube.com)
 VALUING/EXTENDING ACTIVITY:
GROUP WORK

Valuing/Extending Activity:
 Research the teachings of Saint
Augustine on the core values of unity,
truth, and charity as conveyed in his
letters and sermons.
 Make a video of these teachings to be
shared to the class.
 CONCLUSION

We have learned in Lesson 7 the different letters and sermons of

Saint Augustine of Hippo. Based on the discussion, we have found
out that those works of Saint Augustine of Hippo are truly life-
giving words that penetrated not only in our minds but also in
our hearts. Augustine as a prolific writer once again had furnished
us some valuable and relevant materials that could help us
deepen our relationship with God and with one another in God.
We seriously salute him as a prolific writer, homilist and one of
the great Fathers of the Church.
 CONCLUSION

Just like our Father Saint Augustine of Hippo, we too are

encouraged to develop our study habits and be devoted
and dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom. May these letters
and sermons of Saint Augustine of Hippo motivate and
encourage you young students to develop your writing
skills and be responsible writers in the future.
 AUGUSTINIAN PRAYER AFTER CLASS

L: Our help is in the

name of the Lord
A: Who made heaven
and earth

L: Let us Pray
God, the desire of every
human heart, you moved
Saint Augustine to seek
restlessly for truth and
peace.
Touch our hearts with his
burning desire for wisdom,
for the Word made flesh.
We ask this through Christ,
our Lord.
Amen
L: Glory be to the
Father and to the
Son, and to the
Holy Spirit
A: As it was in the
beginning, is now,
and will be forever.
Amen
L: St. Augustine
A: Pray For us
AUGUSTINE 1
LIFE, WORKS, TEACHINGS & SPIRITUALITY
OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

The Sermons and Letters

of St. Augustine of Hippo