Confessions - Book XI - Chapter I
St. Augustine reflects on the nature of God's eternal knowledge and the purpose of confession as a means to deepen love for God and experience His mercy.
In this devotional reflection, St. Augustine meditates on the eternal nature of God and the spiritual purpose of confession. He emphasizes that confession is not about informing God but about deepening love and recognizing divine mercy. Augustine calls believers to embrace spiritual poverty and pursue righteousness with a pure heart.
Text
1. Is it possible, O Lord, that, since thou art in eternity, thou art ignorant of what I am saying to thee? Or, dost thou see in time an event at the time it occurs? If not, then why am I recounting such a tale of things to thee? Certainly not in order to acquaint thee with them through me; but, instead, that through them I may stir up my own love and the love of my readers toward thee, so that all may say, \"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.\" I have said this before[406] and will say it again: \"For love of thy love I do it.\" So also we pray--and yet Truth tells us, \"Your Father knoweth what things you need before you ask him.\"[407] Consequently, we lay bare our feelings before thee, that, through our confessing to thee our plight and thy mercies toward us, thou mayest go on to free us altogether, as thou hast already begun; and that we may cease to be wretched in ourselves and blessed in thee--since thou hast called us to be poor in spirit, meek, mourners, hungering and athirst for righteousness, merciful and pure in heart.[408] Thus I have told thee many things, as I could find ability and will to do so, since it was thy will in the first place that I should confess to thee, O Lord my God--for \"Thou art good and thy mercy endureth forever.\"[409]
Sermon Outline
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I. The Nature of God's Eternity
- God's knowledge transcends time
- Human questioning about God's awareness
- The mystery of divine omniscience
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II. The Purpose of Confession
- Not to inform God but to stir love
- Confession as a spiritual exercise
- Acknowledging God's mercy
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III. The Call to Spiritual Poverty
- Being poor in spirit and meek
- Hungering and thirsting for righteousness
- Pursuing purity and mercy
Key Quotes
“For love of thy love I do it.” — St. Augustine
“Your Father knoweth what things you need before you ask him.” — St. Augustine
“Thou art good and thy mercy endureth forever.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Approach confession as a way to deepen your love for God rather than merely reporting your sins.
- Trust in God's eternal knowledge and mercy even when you struggle to understand His ways.
- Cultivate spiritual poverty by humbly seeking righteousness and purity of heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Augustine question God's knowledge of time?
He explores the mystery of God's eternal nature and how it relates to human experience of time.
What is the main reason for confession according to Augustine?
To stir up love for God and recognize His mercy, not to inform God of anything new.
How does Augustine describe those called by God?
As poor in spirit, meek, mourners, and those hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
Does Augustine believe God needs our prayers?
No, he acknowledges that God already knows our needs before we ask.