THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
I observed wickedness and contradiction within the city. This man’s journey into the wilderness was not without purpose; he recognized the iniquity and strife in the city. There exists a troubled city—a city known for building the tower, the same that faced shame and was called Babylon, scattered among many nations. From this place, the Church emerged into the wilderness of a clear conscience. He perceived the contradictions present there. Christ arrives—what Christ? You oppose—the Son of God. Is it possible for God to have a Son? You challenge—He was born of a virgin, endured suffering, and rose from the dead. Where does such belief originate? you question. Consider, at the very least, the glory of the Cross itself.
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That Cross, once a source of scorn for His enemies, now adorns the foreheads of kings. Its effect has proven its value; it conquered the world not through weaponry, but through wood. The wood of the Cross was deemed mock-worthy by the adversaries, who shook their heads before it, declaring, "If He is the Son of God, let Him come down from the Cross." He stretched out His arms to those filled with doubt and contradiction. For it is written, "the righteous shall live by faith," while the unrighteous are those without faith. The iniquity mentioned here refers to unbelief. Thus, the Lord recognized wickedness and contradiction in the city, extending His hands to a people riddled with disbelief. Yet, awaiting their response, He proclaimed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." The remnants of that city still rage and now speak in contradiction. Now He reaches out His hands to all humanity, inviting the remnant of those who doubt and oppose Him. Day and night, iniquity and toil shall encircle its walls. Upon its walls and defenses, they uphold the heads of its noblemen. If this nobleman had embraced Christianity, surely none would remain as infidels! It is often said that if he had truly been a follower of Christ, there would be no pagans left. Many assert that had he converted, who could possibly remain a heathen? Since they have yet to follow Christ, the walls of this city stand as symbols of disbelief and strife. How long will these walls endure? They shall not stand forever. The Ark circles the walls of Jericho, and when the seventh circuit is completed, the day will come when all the walls of this city, marked by disbelief and contradiction, will crumble. As long as this man is troubled by his circumstances and tolerates the presence of the obstinate, he shall seek refuge in the wilderness. Let him continue living among those who oppose, enduring threats and absorbing disdain while seeking the One who can deliver him from turmoil: let him fix his gaze on the Head, the model for his conduct, and find rest in hope, even amid his tribulations. Day and night, he will be encircled by the walls of iniquity and toil, and the oppression of injustice will be present. The reason for this labor is the presence of iniquity; where there is injustice, labor follows. Yet let them hear as He extends His hands, saying, "Come to Me, all you who are weary." You may raise your voices in contradiction and insult; but He invites all who labor in pride to instead rest in His humility. He calls, "Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." What are they toiling for, if not for the lack of humility? God exemplified humility; let mankind renounce pride.