Augustinian spirituality is a unique lens through which one can discover God.

Stemming
from Saint Augustine’s own life, his writings, and his teachings, Augustinian spirituality can largely
be summed up as the act of journeying together in search of the truth that is God. This journey,
as Augustine’s own life gives example, was not merely a communal and internal journey toward
God, but rather a communal and outward journey. Augustine took scripture as a guide for truth,
and specifically followed the example of the first Christian community described in the Acts of
the Apostles. As such, he and the communities in which he lived followed Christ’s outward model
of love through service to others.
Augustinian Spirituality takes its inspiration from Augustine’s encounter with God’s
Mystery as it is revealed in his writings and prayers. Every dimension of Augustine's vision of the
spiritual life is vitally linked to and grounded in his profound sense of the identity and work of
the Son of God, expressed in key affirmations such as Christ-Physician (medicus ), Teacher
(magister ), Word (Verbum ), and the uniquely rich Christus totus —the whole Christ. The Total
Christ: St. Augustine is credited with coining the phrase “Totus Christus” (The Whole Christ) who
is at the center and heart of the Trinity from all eternity; is dynamically One in his humanity during
his historical time on earth; and continues to be at the center of our interacting and entwining
lives throughout all of history “We are Christ, and we are of Christ because in some way the whole
Christ is head and body”. (Exposition on the psalms 26, 22) For this reason, Augustine was able
to meet Christ present each day in
1. Community: “By loving us he has bound us together by mutual love, and by joining the members
together in this gentle bond he has made us the body of which he is the noble head”.(Homily on John’s
Gospel 65, 3)

2. The Word of Scripture: “Don’t be lazy, gather the grains from the Lord’s threshing floor; the words of
God from the Church of God, gather them and store them away in your heart”. (Sermon 38, 2)

3. The Eucharist: Christ is present not just in the bread and wineplaced on the altar, but the
people assembled are changed (or at least reminded) that they are the Body of Christ. “Just as
communion turns into you when you eat and drink it, so you, for your part, turn into the Body of
Christ when you live devout and obedient lives” (Sermon 228 B, 3)
4. The Poor and Suffering Members of Society: “Christ is present in the poor; when you give to
the poor it is Christ’s hand which accepts”. (Sermon 86, 3,3)
In conclusion, Augustine had succeeded to tell us his splendid transforming moment – a
moment in which he was able to find and embrace God. He had reminded us that self-knowledge
is the key to spiritual life as based on his restless journey with God despite the many trials and
difficulties. He had taught us that truly God is good, and he never abandons us despite our
sinfulness and weaknesses. Augustinian spirituality covers multi-faceted aspects, and
characteristics which are intended to bring humanity closer to God and closer to one another in
God. The primary goal of every Augustinian spirituality is to love and to serve the whole humanity
of God.