The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
The entire most beautiful order of things that are very good, when their measures have been accomplished, is to pass away.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the transient nature of beauty and goodness, suggesting that true fulfillment comes with completion and acceptance of impermanence.
Saint Augustine's quote contemplates the idea that the most beautiful and good aspects of existence are often fleeting and that their true nature is to conclude gracefully. It implies that once we have experienced and appreciated these moments to their fullest, they naturally fade away, reminding us that life is characterized by cycles of beginning and ending. This perspective encourages an acceptance of change and an appreciation for the temporary nature of beauty and goodness in our lives.
Themes
BeautyGoodnessTransienceImpermanenceAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of cherishing our experiences, one might say, 'Remember, as Saint Augustine said, beauty passes away once its measures have been accomplished.'
More from Saint Augustine
All quotes βThere 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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