Confessions - Book I - Chapter Iii
St. Augustine explores the infinite nature of God, emphasizing that God transcends all creation and is wholly present everywhere without being contained.
In this devotional sermon from Confessions Book I, Chapter III, St. Augustine meditates on the infinite and omnipresent nature of God. He reflects on how God fills all creation without being contained or diminished by it. Augustine invites listeners to contemplate the mystery of God's presence that uplifts and gathers humanity, transcending all physical limitations.
Text
3. Since, then, thou dost fill the heaven and earth, do they contain thee? Or, dost thou fill and overflow them, because they cannot contain thee? And where dost thou pour out what remains of thee after heaven and earth are full? Or, indeed, is there no need that thou, who dost contain all things, shouldst be contained by any, since those things which thou dost fill thou fillest by containing them? For the vessels which thou dost fill do not confine thee, since even if they were broken, thou wouldst not be poured out. And, when thou art poured out on us, thou art not thereby brought down; rather, we are uplifted. Thou art not scattered; rather, thou dost gather us together. But when thou dost fill all things, dost thou fill them with thy whole being? Or, since not even all things together could contain thee altogether, does any one thing contain a single part, and do all things contain that same part at the same time? Do singulars contain thee singly? Do greater things contain more of thee, and smaller things less? Or, is it not rather that thou art wholly present everywhere, yet in such a way that nothing contains thee wholly?
Sermon Outline
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I
- God fills heaven and earth beyond their capacity
- Creation cannot contain God's fullness
- God's presence overflows creation
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II
- God is not confined by vessels or boundaries
- Even broken vessels do not diminish God's presence
- God uplifts rather than is diminished when poured out
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III
- God is wholly present everywhere simultaneously
- No single thing contains God fully
- God transcends singular and greater things alike
Key Quotes
“Thou art not scattered; rather, thou dost gather us together.” — St. Augustine
“For the vessels which thou dost fill do not confine thee, since even if they were broken, thou wouldst not be poured out.” — St. Augustine
“Thou art wholly present everywhere, yet in such a way that nothing contains thee wholly.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Recognize God's infinite presence in every aspect of life and creation.
- Trust that God's grace uplifts and unites rather than confines or limits.
- Contemplate the mystery of God's transcendence to deepen your faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is not contained by heaven and earth?
It means that God's presence and essence are infinite and cannot be limited by physical creation.
How can God be present everywhere yet not be contained?
God's omnipresence means He is fully present in all places without being confined or divided.
Why does Augustine say God uplifts us when poured out?
Because God's grace and presence elevate humanity rather than diminish His divine nature.
What is the significance of vessels not confining God?
It illustrates that God's essence transcends any physical or created boundaries.