The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
That your enemies have been created is God's doing; that they hate you and wish to ruin you is their own doing. What should you say about them in your mind? "Lord be merciful to them, forgive them their sins, put the fear of God in them, change them!" You are loving in them not what they are, but what you would have them to become.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of compassion and mercy towards those who oppose us, viewing them not as they are, but as the potential they could embody.
Saint Augustine's quote reflects a profound philosophical perspective on the nature of enmity and forgiveness. It suggests that while our enemies are a result of divine circumstance, their feelings and actions stem from their own choices. Instead of harboring resentment, we are encouraged to wish for their transformation and redemption, illustrating a deep love that seeks to uplift others beyond their current state. This perspective not only furthers the concept of forgiveness but also highlights the hope for positive change in individuals who may wish us harm.
Themes
ForgivenessMercyCompassionEnemiesLoveTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about overcoming conflict, one might reference this quote to advocate for compassion.
More from Saint Augustine
All quotes →There is no health in those who are displeased by an element in Your creation, just as there was none in me when I was displeased by many things You had made. Because my soul didn't dare to say that my God displeased me, it refused to attribute to You whatever was displeasing.
Saint AugustineRead
Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.
Saint AugustineRead
Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
Saint AugustineRead
Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
Saint AugustineRead
Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
Saint AugustineRead
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