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.
It is not great faith, but true faith, that saves; and the salvation lies not in the faith, but in the Christ in whom faith trusts...It is not the measure of faith, but the sincerity of faith, which is the point to be considered.
Our Father's commitment to us, His children, is unwavering. Indeed He softens the winters of our lives, but He also brightens our summers.
If our lives are easy, and if all we ever attempt for God is what we know we can handle, how will we ever experience His omnipotence in our lives?
Faith is unutterable trust in God, trust which never dreams that He will not stand by us.
With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end.
Christians are meant to have the same vocation as their King, that of cross-bearers. It is this conscience of a high calling and of partnership with Jesus which brings gladness in tribulations, which makes Christians enter prisons for their faith with the joy of a bridegroom entering the bridal room.
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