Some stones don’t make it into the tower. In this vision from Hermas, we hear the difference between those who are fit for the building and those who are cast aside—not for lack of belief, but because of divided hearts, unrepentant habits, or an unwillingness to be reshaped. “Learn this from yourself,” the Lady says, “When you were rich, you were useless; now, trimmed down, you are serviceable to life.” Augustine exhorts us to live “on the dry land,” separated from the whirlpools of pride, lust, and false knowledge. And Aquinas walks us through the mysterious reality of self-hatred—not as an intention, but as a tragic misfire of love aimed at the wrong goods (Ephesians 5:29).

Readings:

Hermas, The Pastor (Shepherd), Book First — Vision Third (second half)

Augustine, The Confessions, Book 13, Chapter 21

Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Part 1–2, Question 29, Article 4

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