Confessions - Book XI - Chapter Xxi
St. Augustine explores the elusive nature of time, emphasizing that past and future do not exist except as present moments measured in their passing.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine delves into the complex and mysterious nature of time, challenging conventional understanding by asserting that only the present moment truly exists. He invites listeners to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and its measurement, ultimately pointing to the eternal nature of God beyond temporal constraints. This sermon encourages a deeper spiritual awareness of how humans experience time and God's timelessness.
Text
27. I have said, then, that we measure periods of time as they pass so that we can say that this time is twice as long as that one or that this is just as long as that, and so on for the other fractions of time which we can count by measuring.
So, then, as I was saying, we measure periods of time as they pass. And if anyone asks me, \"How do you know this?\", I can answer: \"I know because we measure. We could not measure things that do not exist, and things past and future do not exist.\" But how do we measure present time since it has no extension? It is measured while it passes, but when it has passed it is not measured; for then there is nothing that could be measured. But whence, and how, and whither does it pass while it is being measured? Whence, but from the future? Which way, save through the present? Whither, but into the past? Therefore, from what is not yet, through what has no length, it passes into what is now no longer. But what do we measure, unless it is a time of some length? For we cannot speak of single, and double, and triple, and equal, and all the other ways in which we speak of time, except in terms of the length of the periods of time. But in what \"length,\" then, do we measure passing time? Is it in the future, from which it passes over? But what does not yet exist cannot be measured. Or, is it in the present, through which it passes? But what has no length we cannot measure. Or is it in the past into which it passes? But what is no longer we cannot measure.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Measurement of Time
- Time is measured by comparing lengths of periods.
- Past and future do not exist as measurable realities.
- Present time has no extension and is only measurable as it passes.
-
II. The Paradox of Present Time
- Present time is fleeting and has no length.
- It passes from future, through present, into past.
- Measurement of time challenges human understanding.
-
III. Implications for Human Experience
- Time is experienced subjectively.
- Our perception is limited to the present moment.
- Understanding time points to God’s eternal nature.
Key Quotes
“We measure periods of time as they pass so that we can say that this time is twice as long as that one or that this is just as long as that.” — St. Augustine
“Past and future do not exist except as present moments measured in their passing.” — St. Augustine
“Present time has no extension and is only measurable as it passes.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Reflect daily on the fleeting nature of the present moment to deepen spiritual mindfulness.
- Recognize that past and future are beyond control, focusing faith on God's eternal presence.
- Use the understanding of time’s nature to cultivate patience and trust in God’s timing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does St. Augustine define time?
He defines time as a measure of change, existing only in the present moment as it passes from future to past.
Why can't past and future be measured?
Because past no longer exists and future does not yet exist, only the present moment can be measured.
What is the significance of understanding time spiritually?
It helps believers grasp the eternal nature of God beyond human temporal limitations.
Does this sermon address how humans perceive time?
Yes, it highlights the subjective experience of time and its fleeting nature.