Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that the path to spiritual enlightenment or heaven is only achievable through sacrifice and devotion.
Rose of Lima emphasizes that the only way to attain a higher spiritual state or reach heaven is through the metaphorical cross, which represents sacrifice, suffering, and commitment. This reflects a belief in the necessity of enduring challenges and making sacrifices in order to achieve spiritual fulfillment or a deeper connection with the divine.
In practice
This quote could be used in a motivational speech about overcoming challenges in life.
Superstitions, bigotries, hypocrisies, prejudices, these phantoms, phantoms though they be, cling to life; they have teeth and nails in their shadowy substance, and we must grapple with them individually and make war on them without truce; for it is one of humanity's inevitabilities to be condemned to eternal struggle with phantoms.
Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.
Once you open up the Pandora's box of race and gender... you're never done.
The state controlling a woman would mean denying her full autonomy and full equality.
And what’s he then that says I play the villain?
You asked me once,' said O'Brien, 'what was in Room 101. I told you that you knew the answer already. Everyone knows it. The thing that is in Room 101 is the worst thing in the world.
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