Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of relying on faith during difficult times, akin to how travelers depend on a staff for support.
In this quote, Anthony of Padua likens the act of leaning on the Cross of Christ to a traveler's reliance on a staff during a long journey. This metaphor suggests that just as a staff provides stability and support to a traveler, faith and the teachings of Christ offer strength and guidance to Christians as they navigate the challenges and obstacles of life. It highlights the importance of faith as a source of comfort and stability during trying times.
In practice
A pastor might use this quote during a sermon about relying on faith in times of adversity.
The creator of the heavens obeys a carpenter; the God of eternal glory listens to a poor virgin. Has anyone ever witnessed anything comparable to this? Let the philosopher no longer disdain from listening to the common laborer; the wise, to the simple; the educated, to the illiterate; a child of a prince, to a peasant.
Men will surrender to the spirit of the age. They will say that if they had lived in our day, faith would be simple and easy. But in their day, they will say, things are complex; the Church must be brought up to date and made meaningful to the day's problems.
Damned money! Alas! How many religious did it blind! How many cloistered religious did it deceive! Money is the 'droppings of birds' that blinded the eyes of Tobit.
The spirit of humility is sweeter than honey, and those who nourish themselves with this honey produce sweet fruit.
The life of the body is the soul; the life of the soul is God.
Earthly riches are like the reed. Its roots are sunk in the swamp, and its exterior is fair to behold; but inside it is hollow. If a man leans on such a reed, it will snap off and pierce his soul.
Perhaps only when human effort had done it's best and failed, would God's power alone be free to work.
A faith that can be destroyed by suffering is not faith.
Outside of Christ, I am only a sinner, but in Christ, I am saved. Outside of Christ, I am empty; in Christ, I am full. Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I cannot; in Christ, I am more than able. Outside of Christ, I have been defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious. How meaningful are the words, "in Christ."
Faith isn't about having everything figured out ahead of time; faith is about following the quiet voice of God without having everything figured out ahead of time.
Small numbers make no difference to God. There is nothing small if God is in it.
People who are obsessed with Jesus aren't consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else. Obsessed people care more about God's kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.
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