ACC ~ Mark 9 v34

ROOTING BY DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

AUGUSTINE: Observe a tree, how it first tends downwards, that it may then shoot forth upwards. It fastens its root low in the ground, that it may send forth its top towards heaven. Is it not from humility that it endeavors to rise? But without humility it will not attain to higher things. [1] You are wanting to grow up into the air without a root. Such is not growth, but a collapse. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN, SERMON 38. [2]

[1] Cf. Prov 18:12.

[2] Cetedoc 0284, 117.38.671.39; GC 1:215*.