Dicit Augustinus: Model Sermons as Episcopal Formation in St. Augustine's Tractates on the Gospel of John 55–124

Abstract

The bishop's primary task is teaching. Because of a lack of availability, erudition, or engagement, the Church has often suffered from a shortage of suitably equipped and pastorally present bishops. Provincial, regional, and ecumenical councils of the patristic and medieval eras sought to address this need. The fifth-century North African Church turned to St. Augustine as their resident expert on exegesis and episcopacy. Augustine formed future bishops as monks in his monastery and his co-bishops through model sermons they requested at council. The Tractates on the Gospel of John 55–124 were dictated for this purpose. Because Augustine's immediate audience was bishops (current and future), he meditated on aspects of the episcopacy: the spiritual risks of preaching, the discernment and discipline demanded in mystagogy and excommunication, and participation in Christ's blood and His Spirit, enabling growth in martyrial virtue and the performance of “greater works” for the glory of God.