Confessions - Book X - Chapter Xvii
St. Augustine reflects on the vastness of human memory and the soul's journey beyond it to seek and cleave to God, the true Good and Light.
In this devotional reflection, St. Augustine explores the immense power of human memory and its role in shaping identity. He meditates on the soul's yearning to transcend memory in order to encounter God, the ultimate Good and Light. Augustine highlights the paradox of needing memory to seek God while also aspiring to surpass it. This passage invites believers to consider the depths of their inner life and the spiritual journey toward divine union.
Text
26. Great is the power of memory. It is a true marvel, O my God, a profound and infinite multiplicity! And this is the mind, and this I myself am. What, then, am I, O my God? Of what nature am I? A life various, and manifold, and exceedingly vast. Behold in the numberless halls and caves, in the innumerable fields and dens and caverns of my memory, full without measure of numberless kinds of things--present there either through images as all bodies are; or present in the things themselves as are our thoughts; or by some notion or observation as our emotions are, which the memory retains even though the mind feels them no longer, as long as whatever is in the memory is also in the mind--through all these I run and fly to and fro. I penetrate into them on this side and that as far as I can and yet there is nowhere any end.
So great is the power of memory, so great the power of life in man whose life is mortal! What, then, shall I do, O thou my true life, my God? I will pass even beyond this power of mine that is called memory--I will pass beyond it, that I may come to thee, O lovely Light. And what art thou saying to me? See, I soar by my mind toward thee, who remainest above me. I will also pass beyond this power of mine that is called memory, desiring to reach thee where thou canst be reached, and wishing to cleave to thee where it is possible to cleave to thee. For even beasts and birds possess memory, or else they could never find their lairs and nests again, nor display many other things they know and do by habit. Indeed, they could not even form their habits except by their memories. I will therefore pass even beyond memory that I may reach Him who has differentiated me from the four-footed beasts and the fowls of the air by making me a wiser creature. Thus I will pass beyond memory; but where shall I find thee, who art the true Good and the steadfast Sweetness? But where shall I find thee? If I find thee without memory, then I shall have no memory of thee; and how could I find thee at all, if I do not remember thee?
Sermon Outline
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I. The Marvel of Memory
- Memory as a vast and multifaceted power
- Memory contains images, thoughts, and emotions
- Memory as a defining aspect of human identity
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II. The Limitations of Memory
- Memory shared with animals but limited
- The desire to transcend memory to reach God
- Memory alone cannot fully grasp the divine
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III. The Soul's Ascent to God
- The mind's flight beyond memory toward God
- God as the true Good and steadfast Sweetness
- The paradox of finding God beyond memory yet needing memory to remember Him
Key Quotes
“Great is the power of memory. It is a true marvel, O my God, a profound and infinite multiplicity!” — St. Augustine
“I will pass even beyond this power of mine that is called memory, desiring to reach thee where thou canst be reached.” — St. Augustine
“But where shall I find thee? If I find thee without memory, then I shall have no memory of thee; and how could I find thee at all, if I do not remember thee?” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Reflect on the vastness of your own memory and how it shapes your identity before God.
- Seek to go beyond mere recollection and habit to a deeper, spiritual connection with God.
- Embrace the paradox of faith that requires remembering God while aspiring to transcend human limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does St. Augustine mean by the power of memory?
He describes memory as a vast and profound faculty that holds images, thoughts, and emotions, shaping human identity.
Why does Augustine want to pass beyond memory?
He desires to transcend memory to reach God, who is beyond all human faculties and the ultimate source of life and goodness.
How does memory relate to animals according to Augustine?
Animals possess memory to form habits and find their homes, but humans are distinguished by a higher wisdom that seeks God.
Is it possible to know God without memory?
Augustine wrestles with this paradox, suggesting that while God is beyond memory, memory is necessary to remember and seek Him.
What is the ultimate goal of the soul in this passage?
The soul aims to cleave to God, the true Good and Light, surpassing all earthly faculties including memory.