The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
Wicked sons do not have the Holy Ghost in the same way as do beloved sons, and yet they do have Baptism. So, too, heretics do not have the Church as Catholics have, even though they have Baptism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the distinction between outward rituals and the inner spiritual state of individuals.
Saint Augustine highlights that while both wicked sons and heretics may receive the sacrament of Baptism, it does not guarantee them the same relationship with the Holy Spirit or the Church that true believers possess. This reflects on the importance of genuine faith and the internal qualities that define one's spiritual standing, rather than merely adhering to external rites.
Themes
BaptismSpiritualityFaithChurchSacraments
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the meaning of true faith and its manifestations beyond rituals.
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.
Saint AugustineRead
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