The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
Though in the order of nature angels rank above men, yet, by scale of justice, good men are of greater value than bad angels.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Goodness of character is more valuable than inherent status.
This quote by Saint Augustine expresses the idea that moral character and righteousness in humans surpass the intrinsic superiority of angels. It highlights the concept that one's ethical choices and actions define true worth, suggesting that being a good person holds more significance than existing in a higher order of nature without virtue.
Themes
AngelsMenGoodnessValueJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about morality, you might quote Augustine to emphasize the importance of ethical behavior.
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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