The Limits of Grief in Augustine of Hippo’s Sermones 172-173 and Sermo 396

This contribution explores select sermons of Augustine relating to the pastoral and existential phenomena grief human mortality (ss. 172-173 s. 396). In particular, it evaluates these themes in conversation with philosophical reflections on nature City God, Books 13-14. Drawing upon Platonic Stoic views latter, St. prefers a more compassionate permissive understanding emotion former. Nevertheless, author argues that while makes extensive textual appeal Pauline Johannine sources, which is likewise evident his work, he remains implicitly committed cognitivist theory also preaching. order support this claim, I first present traditions at work within biblical horizon through careful reading pertinent texts, including Sarah Byers. Second, attend shifts tone emphasis detected three public sermons, two have been successfully dated 418 419, where differences genre audience help account for Augustine’s heightened sensitivity. comparative approach illuminates, finally, how bishop Hippo maintains continuity navigates responsibilities.