Confessions - Book VI - Chapter II
St. Augustine reflects on the transformation from external customs to sincere inner devotion, emphasizing obedience, temperance, and heartfelt prayer over ritualistic practices.
In this devotional reflection, St. Augustine recounts his mother's humble and obedient spirit as she abandons familiar customs for deeper spiritual practices. He highlights the importance of temperance, obedience to church authority, and the transformation from external rituals to sincere prayer and charity. This sermon invites listeners to examine their own devotion and embrace true communion with God through heartfelt offerings and selfless giving.
Text
2. So also my mother brought to certain oratories, erected in the memory of the saints, offerings of porridge, bread, and wine--as had been her custom in Africa--and she was forbidden to do so by the doorkeeper [ostiarius]. And as soon as she learned that it was the bishop who had forbidden it, she acquiesced so devoutly and obediently that I myself marveled how readily she could bring herself to turn critic of her own customs, rather than question his prohibition. For winebibbing had not taken possession of her spirit, nor did the love of wine stimulate her to hate the truth, as it does too many, both male and female, who turn as sick at a hymn to sobriety as drunkards do at a draught of water. When she had brought her basket with the festive gifts, which she would taste first herself and give the rest away, she would never allow herself more than one little cup of wine, diluted according to her own temperate palate, which she would taste out of courtesy. And, if there were many oratories of departed saints that ought to be honored in the same way, she still carried around with her the same little cup, to be used everywhere. This became not only very much watered but also quite tepid with carrying it about. She would distribute it by small sips to those around, for she sought to stimulate their devotion, not pleasure.
But as soon as she found that this custom was forbidden by that famous preacher and most pious prelate, even to those who would use it in moderation, lest thereby it might be an occasion of gluttony for those who were already drunken (and also because these funereal memorials were very much like some of the superstitious practices of the pagans), she most willingly abstained from it. And, in place of a basket filled with fruits of the earth, she had learned to bring to the oratories of the martyrs a heart full of purer petitions, and to give all that she could to the poor--so that the Communion of the Lord\\
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Description of mother's custom of offerings in oratories
- Her temperate use of wine as a sign of moderation
- The significance of small, shared sips to encourage devotion
-
II
- The bishop's prohibition of the custom
- Mother's willing obedience to ecclesiastical authority
- Reflection on the dangers of gluttony and pagan superstition
-
III
- Transition from ritual offerings to heartfelt petitions
- Giving to the poor as a higher form of devotion
- The true communion with the Lord beyond external acts
Key Quotes
“She acquiesced so devoutly and obediently that I myself marveled how readily she could bring herself to turn critic of her own customs, rather than question his prohibition.” — St. Augustine
“She would never allow herself more than one little cup of wine, diluted according to her own temperate palate, which she would taste out of courtesy.” — St. Augustine
“In place of a basket filled with fruits of the earth, she had learned to bring to the oratories of the martyrs a heart full of purer petitions, and to give all that she could to the poor.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Practice obedience to spiritual authority as a pathway to humility and growth.
- Embrace temperance in all things to foster true devotion rather than mere pleasure.
- Focus on heartfelt prayer and charitable acts as the highest forms of worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did St. Augustine's mother stop bringing offerings of wine?
She obeyed the bishop's prohibition to avoid practices that could lead to gluttony or resemble pagan superstition.
What does the sermon say about temperance?
Temperance is shown through moderation in practices like drinking wine, emphasizing self-control and devotion over pleasure.
How does St. Augustine view external customs versus inner devotion?
He values sincere, heartfelt prayer and charity over ritualistic customs that can become empty or superstitious.
What role does obedience play in this sermon?
Obedience to church authority is praised as a virtue that fosters humility and true spiritual growth.
How is charity connected to true communion with God?
Giving to the poor is presented as a purer offering that embodies the communion of the Lord beyond physical rituals.