Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

They disregard consequences, because everything is forgiven when they are converted. If there is only license for sin, and no forgiveness for sins, then where will you be? Where will you go? People sin more under the hope of forgiveness. They also sin more if they lose hope of being forgiven. Do you not observe the promiscuous cruelty in which gladiators live? Because they are destined for the sword, they choose to satisfy their lust before they pour out their own blood. Would you not do the same? I am already a sinner, already an unjust man; I am one already doomed to damnation, and there is no hope of pardon. Why should I not do whatever pleases me, even if it is unlawful? Why not fulfill any longings I may have, if nothing but torments are in store for me? Would you not speak this way to yourself, and from this very despair become even worse? Rather than this, he who promises forgiveness corrects you, saying, “As surely as I live . . . I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but rather that they turn from their ways and live” (Ezek 33:11). For in order that people might not live worse because of despair, he promised a harbor of forgiveness. Therefore, repent! I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears (v. 9). By this banquet you will reach the table of God. Do not despair; pardon has been promised to you.