The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
The wicked exist in this world either to be converted or that through them the good may exercise patience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The wicked serve a purpose in the world, either as subjects for redemption or as challenges for the virtuous to grow.
This quote by Saint Augustine reflects on the dual role of wicked individuals in society. On one hand, they can be seen as those who need to be redeemed or transformed for the better; on the other hand, their presence allows those who are good to develop virtues such as patience and resilience through the challenges they pose. It suggests that every person's existence, regardless of their moral standing, contributes to the broader tapestry of human experience and the moral development of others.
Themes
WickedConversionPatienceGoodVirtueMoral Development
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on ethics, you might use this quote to discuss the role of negative influences in personal growth.
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.
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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.
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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