If in my life I fail completely to heed others, solely out of a desire to be 'devout' and to perform my 'religious duties', then my relationship with God will also grow arid. It becomes merely 'proper', but loveless.
Pope Benedict XviRead
God is not distant: he is 'Emmanuel,' God-with-us. He is no stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the closeness of God to humanity through Jesus.
Pope Benedict XVI's quote expresses the idea that God is intimately involved in human life, represented through the persona of Jesus. The term 'Emmanuel' signifies that God is not an abstract or distant entity, but a personal presence in the world, offering comfort and connection to believers.
Themes
GodJesusEmmanuelPresenceFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to emphasize God's active presence in our lives.
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Do not be afraid of seeming different and being criticized for what might seem to be losing or out of fashion; your peers but adults too, especially those who seem more distant from the mindset and values of the Gospel, are crying out to see someone who dares to live according to the fullness of humanity revealed by Jesus Christ.
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