The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Interpretation
Saint Augustine emphasizes the spiritual support and divine presence during the celebration of Mass.
In this quote, Saint Augustine highlights the concept that priests are not alone in their sacred duties; rather, they are aided by angels who provide spiritual support. This reflects the belief in a divine connection during religious rituals, suggesting that the act of celebrating Mass is not merely a human endeavor but is significantly enhanced by heavenly assistance.
In practice
In a sermon about the importance of the priesthood during a religious service.
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.
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.
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.
Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
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.
Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend your sick ones, O Lord Jesus Christ; rest your weary ones; bless your dying ones; soothe your suffering ones; pity your afflicted ones; shield your joyous ones; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
We can inspire others through witness so that one grows together in communicating. BUt the worst thing of all is religious proselytism, which paralyses: 'I am talking with you in order to persuade you.' No. Each person dialogues, starting with his and her own identity. The church grows by attracting, not proselytizing.
The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the whole world. . . . Let Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament speak to your hearts. It is he who is the true answer of life that you seek. He stays here with us: he is God with us. Seek him without tiring, welcome him without reserve, love him without interruption: today, tomorrow, forever.
In the Church of Jesus Christ there can and should be no non-theologians.
Christians believe that true worship is the highest and noblest activity of which man, by the grace of God, is capable.
One saintly priest attracts more souls to Christ...than do those who lack the imprint of their sacred office
The church that can't worship must be entertained. And leaders who can't lead a church to worship must provide the entertainment.
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