The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
He who loves the coming of the Lord is not he who affirms that it is far off, nor is it he who says it is near, but rather he who, whether it be far off or near, awaits it with sincere faith, steadfast hope, and fervent love.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True love for the coming of the Lord is shown through sincere faith and hope, regardless of when it may occur.
In this quote, Saint Augustine emphasizes that genuine devotion to the anticipation of the Lord's arrival is not about debating whether it is near or far. Instead, it is characterized by a faithful heart, a hopeful spirit, and a deep love, regardless of the timing of that arrival. This reflects the essence of spirituality and faith, which is about unwavering belief and love rather than speculation.
Themes
FaithHopeLoveAnticipationSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about living with faith, a pastor might share this quote to encourage the congregation to remain hopeful.
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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