Creatures' Comfort Is Only on the Surface
Meister Eckhart's sermon reveals that true comfort is found solely in God, as earthly comforts are ultimately superficial and inadequate.
Meister Eckhart preaches about the incomparable perfection found in God, where all perfections that are fragmented in creation are united. He illustrates how earthly comforts, such as food, clothing, and possessions, always come with limitations and never fully satisfy, unlike the complete and unending comfort that God provides. God's comfort is described as full, lacking nothing, and a gift that He is compelled to give us until we have received all of Him.
Text
It is only in God that are collected and united all the perfections, which in the creatures are sundered and divided.
If I had everything that I could desire, and my finger ached, I should not have everything, for I should have a pain in my finger, and so long as that remained, I should not enjoy full comfort. Bread is comfortable for men, when they are hungry; but when they are thirsty, they find no more comfort in bread than in a stone. So it is with clothes, they are welcome to men, when they are cold; but when they are too hot, clothes give them no comfort. And so it is with all the creatures. The comfort which they promise is only on the surface, like froth, and it always carries with it a want.
But God's comfort is clear and has nothing wanting: it is full and complete, and God is constrained to give it thee, for He cannot cease till He have given thee Himself.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of comfort - Distinction between creaturely comfort and divine comfort
- II points: - The limitations of creaturely comforts - Examples of discomfort despite external comforts
- III points: - The nature of God's comfort - God's completeness in providing comfort
- IV points: - The necessity of seeking comfort in God - The promise of God's unwavering support
Key Quotes
“The comfort which they promise is only on the surface, like froth.” — Meister Eckhart
“God's comfort is clear and has nothing wanting.” — Meister Eckhart
“He cannot cease till He have given thee Himself.” — Meister Eckhart
Application Points
- Reflect on the sources of comfort in your life and assess their true value.
- Prioritize seeking a deeper relationship with God for lasting peace.
- Recognize the limitations of material possessions and turn to spiritual fulfillment.