This paper will discuss a relationship between desire and receiving the sacraments in Saint Augustine’s sermons. First, usage of words desire and sacrament with their variations in the sermons will be analysed. Two crucial issues will be considered: desire as a basic stimulus to accomplish the essential man’s task to be according to the image of God and the moment of conversion. Turning point from cupiditas to desidero, from self-centred to Christ-centred. We will highlight the sentences describing craving in a person's life so that the primal longing, which is the desire for God, can be revealed. In a dialogue with St. Augustine we will explore his view on sacraments and their effects in relationship with desire. Through the hermeneutic endeavour we will identify his concept of desire as an instrument to kindle the hearts of his listeners to change their lives or to strengthen their perseverance to follow Christ in His Mysterium Paschale. Describing the moment of conversion, as a source for stimulating desire for God’s grace received through the sacraments is the key aim of this paper.
Key words: desire, sacraments, conversion, perseverance, Mysterium Paschale
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