St. Augustine's "The City of God", Book 2

I admit that this chapter was harder going for me than Book 1 was. A lot of it is Augustine recounting the sins of the Roman empire and their pagan way of life.

But, on the other hand, it's the indictment of a luxurious, over-ripe, falling empire in its twilight years. I hope I'm not living in one such myself, but reading this made me wonder.  Try this on for size:

Only let it remain undefeated, they say, only let it flourish and abound in resources; let it be glorious by its victories, or still better, secure in peace; and what matters it to us? This is our concern, that every man be able to increase his wealth so as to supply his daily prodigalities . . . Let  the people applaud not those who protect their interests, but those who provide them with pleasure.

Yeah . . . that's reading for an election year.

Loud and Immodest
Augustine points out that sacred entertainment - the plays and festivals put on to honor the gods - has become sacred because it's entertaining. Everyone wants to be entertained and to party. And he says:

If such happiness is distasteful to any, let him be branded as a public enemy; and if any attempt to modify or put an end to it, let him be silenced, banished, put an end to.

Reminds me of the loud outcry on any internet forum if you suggest that some show or movie might be too unedifying to watch.

Evil has limits
And, finally, something comforting. The good bishop reminds us:

. . . for as wicked men on earth cannot do all they would, so neither can these demons.

Amen!

Peace of Christ to you,
Jessica Snell

p.s. I have to include this quotation too, because it's awesome:

Awake more fully: the majesty of God cannot be propitiated by that which defiles the dignity of man.