THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
Inquire of God what greater gift He could possibly bestow upon you. The Lord cherishes you as He cherishes me, presenting you with an invitation to request your heart’s desires. If an emperor were to say, “Request anything you desire,” you might seek a position of honor or prestige, believing you could attain it and share it with others. Yet now, the Lord of all Creation invites you to ask for what you wish. What should your request entail? Therefore, awaken your spirit, cast off your reluctance, and extend your aspirations far and wide; determine what you seek, for it is not merely anyone but the Almighty Himself who urges you to ask. Nevertheless, you will discover that nothing is more precious or fulfilling than He who has brought everything into existence.
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Seek the Creator and you will find in Him all that He has made. These creations are beloved and captivating, yet what could ever surpass the beauty of God? All these things possess strength, but who surpasses His might? There is nothing He desires to give you apart from His very Self. If you believe you have found something superior, feel free to ask for it. However, should you seek anything less than Him, you will not only dishonor Him but also harm your own soul by choosing created things over the Creator, who is ready to offer you His very essence.
To those who wish to do me harm, what is my course of action? Yet my spirit will find joy in the Lord, for in Him I have discovered my salvation. I do not seek external treasures or indulge in the fleeting pleasures of this world. Instead, I love the true Bridegroom freely, not desiring anything from Him that may please me, but simply wishing to delight in Him. What could possibly be better than God? He loves me and He loves you. Consider the invitation He has extended to you: Ask for what you wish. If a ruler were to say to you, “Request anything you desire, any commands or titles,” would you not be taken aback? What grand things you would contemplate, both to acquire and to offer! When God invites you to, “Ask what you will,” what is it that you seek?
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Clear your mind, temper your greed, extend your desires as far as they can reach, for it is Almighty God who has proclaimed: Ask for what you wish. If your heart is set on material possessions, your ambition will stretch to encompass the entire earth, wishing all born to serve as your laborers or your subjects. But possessing the whole earth still leaves you wanting; you would then wish to command the sea, where you would find yourself unable to dwell. In such desires, the fish of the sea would prevail over you. Perhaps you might lay claim to the islands. Set your sights higher; inquire of the air, even if you are unable to soar; broaden your aspirations to the heavens, desiring the sun, the moon, and the stars, for He who fashioned all has declared: Ask whatever you desire. Yet nothing you seek is more valuable, nor more wondrous than He who is the Creator of all. Pursue the Maker of all, for in Him and from Him you will receive everything He has brought into being. All creations are precious, as they are reflections of beauty; yet nothing is more beautiful than He. They possess strength, but nothing is stronger than He. And the only gift He offers is Himself. If you discover something greater, feel free to inquire of it. But if you seek anything else, you may harm Him and yourself by favoring His creations over Him, who would willingly give you Himself, the Creator.... My spirit will rejoice in the Lord, finding joy in His salvation. The salvation of God is Christ, for my eyes have witnessed Your salvation.