Through the Church Fathers: May 26

Today’s ReadingsTheophilus of Antioch — To Autolycus, Book 2, Chapters 16–19 Augustine — The Confessions, Book 8, Chapter 5 (Section 12) Thomas Aquinas — Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 26 (Articles 1–4 Combined)Everything begins with what you love—and that determines everything that follows. Theophilus shows that creation itself is not only ordered but meaningful, filled with patterns, types, and purpose—from the waters that point to regeneration to the dignity of man made in the image of God, set above all creation . Augustine then exposes the human condition at its core: not ignorance, but divided love—knowing what is better, yet clinging to what is easier, trapped by habit and delayed obedience, saying “presently” while remaining unchanged. Aquinas brings clarity to both: love is the first movement of the soul, the quiet moment when something is recognized as good, and from that single point flows everything else—desire, fear, joy, action. Put it together, and the problem becomes unmistakable: you don’t struggle first because of lack of discipline, but because of competing loves. Change what you love, and the entire chain begins to change with it.Explore the Project:Through the Church Fathers – https://www.throughthechurchfathers.comPatreon – https://www.patreon.com/cmichaelpattonCredo Courses – https://www.credocourses.comCredo Ministries – https://www.credoministries.org