Well, then, beloved,take what I think, but without prejudice if you have a better thought. For we all have one teacher and we are classmates in one school. (Augustine, Tr. in Ioann., 16, 3; PL 35, 1523) [condiscipuli in una schola]In our ignorance let us all ask the teacher, andlet us not quarrel in his school like little boys (Augustine, Tr. in Ioann., 16, 3; PL 35, 1539)Perhaps we are frightening you because we want to examine and investigate Gods words. But why were they spoken except in order to be known? Why did they make sound except in order to be heard? Why were they heard except in order to be understood. May he comfort us and give us as much as he may deign. Even if we dont get to the spring, let us drink from the rill. (Augustine, Tr. in Ioann., 21, 12; PL 35, 1571) [etsi ad fontem iam non penetramus, de rivulo bibamus]

Rev. Joseph A. Komonchak, professor emeritus of the School of Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America, is a retired priest of the Archdiocese of New York.

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