St Anslem 1033-1109 was a notable theologian, Benedictine monk, scholar, and philosopher, born in 1033. He worked throughout his life to renew the use of reason and tradition within the faith. Known as a patient and skilled teacher within his order of Benedictine monasticism, Anselm became a writer, strongly influenced by St. Augustine. His research and meditation on the ontological argument for the existence of an all-perfect God and his writing on “Why God Became Man” are still quite impactful in modern philosophy and theology.
St. Anselm was appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury at the age of 60. However, disagreeing frequently with the King over reforming the Church, Anselm voluntarily entered exile more than once. Despite this, his skills as negotiator, statesman, and theologian continued to further the authority of the Church.
When he died as Archbishop in 1109, Anselm left behind countless prayers, meditations, and philosophical and theological treatises. Theology was, for him, truly “faith seeking understanding” in the scholarly realm.
One such prayer is still relevant today and speaks of the grace of God in the manner that Paul cites in 2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
O Lord our God grant us grace to desire thee with our whole heart, that so desiring, we may seek and find thee; and so finding thee we may love thee; and loving thee we may hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us; for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen
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