How are you supposed to act here on the road to heaven? What should be your occupation? Surely it is to praise the God you love and to bring others to love him together with you. If you are passionate about [an athlete], would you not pester other people to become your fellow fans? [The athlete’s] fan talks about his hero wherever he goes, trying to persuade others to share his passion. With the same passion you should not begrudge God to anyone. Grab someone else, as many people as you can, everyone you can get hold of. There is room for all of them in God and all of you will together possess him whole and entire.

From the stench in the building I realize that I have talked too long, but I can never keep up with your eager demands. I only wish you were just as demanding in seizing the kingdom of heaven.

—Commentary on Psalm 72.34

Heh. In addition to this wonderful message, you have to love Augustine’s forthrightness and earthiness. I think I will start using the congregation’s BO as a gauge to help me know when to stop preaching my sermons. 🙂