As I read my copy of Roma Aeterna (my current Latin language-learning text) I am reminded of St. Augustine's De Civitate Dei (i.e. The City of God). Augustine, during the time of the Western empire's collapse, compared the City of Man with the City of God. One was imperfect and temporary; the other was perfect and eternal. I get great enjoyment from reading about Rome, the Roman Empire, and all things pertaining to it - especially in the Latin language. There is something majestic and special about it. Even a Christian like me can appreciate the civic virtues so valued and practiced in the ancient Roman Republic - and even the power and might which characterized the later Roman Empire. Rome was known as the "Eternal City." However, Rome fell. Attempts at resurrecting the empire have failed - and brought death and destruction in their wake. Rome was not eternal. Only the City of God is Eternal.
The City of Man is right before my eyes. It attracts me. It beckons me with various diversions and amusements. It even beckons me with things of true beauty and seeming richness. I love my family. I am blessed by God for the wife and children He has given me. They are all beautiful. The plans I have for us, the love we share, and the warm feelings I have would almost lead me to believe that it (the big "IT") is all about family. I am almost entranced by salukis. They are beautiful, and their countenances suggest far-seeing wisdom; their movement suggests effortless almost-divine activity. It is no secret that I am a saluki fan and that I adore my better-than-mere-dog dog. I enjoy physical exercise. The feeling I get from feeling my body move, from setting and training towards goals, and competition itself has been almost a "spiritual"-type feeling. All these things I have mentioned increase my enjoyment of life. However, in the end, all of these things come to an end. Every saluki will eventually weaken and die - even mine. The family life I enjoy now will not exist forever. They will change, and it will change. The body and physical ability I possess now will eventually decrease and come to an end - even with the best training and personal upkeep. The things of this world that I value so much, that possess so much beauty and sweetness for me, will come to an end.
These things I have mentioned are not bad. God has created them. Their beauty and sweetness is real, but it is a reflected beauty and sweetness. They are not the Source. Their source is God. Their reflected beauty can be snares. I would be lying if I said I was immune to an inordinate focus on these things. At root, my problem really seems to be the inordinate focus on myself. Is IT all about ME, or is IT all about God? Scripture tells me that indeed the main character throughout all of history is God. It is clearly all about God and His glory. How wonderful it is that the Creator of all things, Who has no beginning and no end, has revealed Himself through Scripture. The more I understand this, the more I have joyfully - and not just through a feeling of obligation - applied myself to reading the Bible.
When I reflect upon God, His glory, and His unchanging nature, it gives me peace. There is a richness, sweetness, and a profound and perfect beauty to it. The sweetness of Christ is better than the best desert. The richness and depth of God in His HolyTrinity is immeasurably more than the best cup of Peet's coffee I have ever had. It is older, wiser, and more cherished than the best-smelling old book. It is fresher and more relevant the the newest product from Apple. When I read His Word, I taste the sweetness of Christ. When I contemplate Him I feel his richness. I can even "see" His beauty. Those things which I know are real, yet cannot be seen, tasted, or touched in this natural world, are in fact the most real things of all. The more I understand this the more joyful I become. It makes me sad when I see others not sharing this. The City of God is the True Eternal City. May God grant me the boldness and love for neighbor to proclaim His kingdom and His Eternal City.
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