#10 | Why the Queen's Chaplain Became Catholic, and a Christmas Reading from St. Augustine

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

St. Gregory the Great's "Moralia on Job" is a comprehensive commentary on the Book of Job, offering profound theological and spiritual insights. Gregory's exegesis explores the themes of suffering, divine justice, and human response to adversity. He uses Job's story as a lens to examine the nature of God, the human condition, and the relationship between faith and suffering. The work is characterized by its rich allegorical interpretations, its pastoral sensitivity, and its profound reflections on the spiritual life. Gregory's "Moralia" has been a significant influence on Christian thought and spirituality for centuries.