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St Augustine
Philippe de Champaigne
1645 – 1650
Los Angeles County Museum of Art

For academic year 2023-24 at SMC, we have selected a rich image of Saint Augustine for our yearly holy card, and the quote “Ignem Veni Mittere” for the yearly theme. These are clearly tied together by the prominent place which fire holds in both. 

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells His followers in Chapter 12 of Saint Luke’s Gospel “I am come to cast fire (ignem veni mittere) on the earth. And what will I, but that it be kindled?” He continues: “Think ye, that I have come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no; but separation.” The message of our Lord is striking: Truth Himself is at enmity with the established order of worldliness and selfishness. The fire that He casts upon the earth is the fire of love for God. As Saint Agustine writes in the City of God: “Two cities have been formed by two loves: the earthly by the love of self, even to the contempt of God; and the heavenly by the love of God, even to the contempt of self.” 

In the painting, Saint Augustine gazes at “Veritas”, representing none other than the source of all truth, God. The pages of Sacred Scripture below the light of truth rustle as in a gentle wind, possibly representing the influence of the Holy Ghost. Flames burst from the heart of the saint. Whether they are kindled by an intellect enlightened by God, or that same love inspires him to seek the first Truth, is left to the observer to surmise. Both interpretations fit, as each inspires us to know and love God more. In his other hand, Saint Augustine holds a pen. His intellect filled with the knowledge of God, and his will inflamed with love, God’s truth burns its way out through his pen in a beautiful expression of the workings of God’s grace in man’s free will. Below his feet, the saint crushes the heretical writings of Celestius, Pelagius, and Julian. There is no peace between truth and error, orthodoxy and heresy. For the student of SMC, love of God drives the study of truth, and love for His creatures inspires a desire to spread this life-giving truth. Under this aspect of casting fire upon the earth, we strive to carry on the motto of the college, “Instaurare Omnia in Christo” – to restore all things in Christ.