Augustine of Hippo: Associate

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Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16

“Those who enjoyed some measure of worldly success ought not to belittle their brothers who come to this holy society from a condition of poverty. They should endeavour to boast about the fellowship of poor brothers, rather than the social standing of rich relations. They are not to think well of themselves if they have contributed to the common life from their wealth. Sharing their possessions with the monastery ought not to become a greater source of pride than if they enjoyed these goods in the world.

As a matter of fact, every other vice produces evil deeds with a view to doing evil, but pride sets a trap for good deeds as well with a view to destroying them. What benefit is there in giving generously to the poor and becoming poor oneself, if the pitiful soul is more inclined to pride by rejecting riches than by possessing them? Live then, all of you, in harmony and concord; honor God mutually in each other; you have become His temples.”

Augustine of Hippo in The Rule of St. Augustine 1.7-8. The text of the rule is adapted from George Lawless’ translation in Augustine of Hippo and His Monastic Rule (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1987), included in Constitutions of the Order of Preachers (Dublin: Dominican Publications, 2012).

In the early church and today, wealth and social standing lead to pride which can destroy good deeds. Each of us must watch out for this. We are all equals in the “holy society” of followers of Jesus.

Augustine wanted those around him to avoid becoming prideful for contributions to common life and Christian community by living in harmony with others and honoring God in each other realizing we have become God’s temples.

Think of the practical implications of this.

God wants His light and love to be made know through us. That gets snuffed out when we are stuck up or thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to for our service, our contributions, or anything we bring to the proverbial table.

The only path to take was charted by Paul in His letter to the church in Rome.

Harmony is found through association with others realizing we may have different backgrounds but we are all on the same plane before God. We are all in need of the same love and care.

We are not temples for ourselves but His temples. Remembering this is the only way for our ongoing generosity to glorify God or in plain terms for our good deeds to remain good.

God, help us honor you mutually in each other so that our good deeds gloryify you. Amen.