The word temporal dates back to the 14th century. It refers to the terrestrial, the earthly and lasting only for a period of time. It expresses an understanding man is a temporary being. He lasts for only a short time in the overall linear timeframe encompassing what we know exists. We live, we contribute for as long as we exist and we die. We’re NOT as powerful as what we perceive as being everlastingly omnipotent. It suggests a smallness of the individual to be enhanced by the appreciation of that which is unimaginably large or longer in duration.
