The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
Consequently, heretics and schismatics, separated from the unity of this Body, are able to receive the same Sacrament, but with no benefit to themselves; indeed, more to their own harm, in that they are judged the more severely rather than being liberated.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Saint Augustine emphasizes the importance of unity within the community of faith, suggesting that separation leads to harm rather than benefit.
In this quote, Saint Augustine warns that those who separate themselves from the unity of the Church—referred to here as the Body—may still participate in the Sacraments, but it does not serve them any good. Instead, their separation may lead to a harsher judgment, underscoring the belief that true spiritual benefit comes from being part of a unified community rather than being isolated or divided.
Themes
UnityFaithSacramentsSeparationCommunitySpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon about the importance of church community.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
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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.
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