There is no free society without silence, without the internal and external spaces of solitude in which the individual freedom can develop.
Herbert MarcuseRead
Jesus comes among us, in our all division, not to instruct, comfort or inspire but to die. In doing so, He answers the sum of our self-regard, stupidity and cruelty.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that Jesus's presence is not for guidance or motivation but rather for the ultimate sacrifice, addressing human flaws.
Richard Coles emphasizes the profound nature of Jesus's sacrifice, interpreting it as a response to humanity's inherent flaws like self-centeredness and cruelty. Instead of merely providing comfort or guidance, Jesus's willingness to die signifies a deeper engagement with our moral shortcomings, serving as a poignant reminder of the weight of our collective actions.
In practice
During a sermon, when discussing the meaning of sacrifice and love for others.
There is no free society without silence, without the internal and external spaces of solitude in which the individual freedom can develop.
If everything in the environment is utterly predictable, you become bored. If it's utterly unpredictable, you become frustrated.
What do you think has become of the young and old men? And what do you think has become of the women and children? They are alive and well somewhere, The smallest sprout shows there is really no death, And if ever there was it led forward life, and does not wait at the end to arrest it, And ceas'd the moment life appear'd. All goes onward and outward, nothing collapses, And to die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.
Things separate from their stories have no meaning. They are only shapes. Of a certain size and color. A certain weight. When their meaning has become lost to us they no longer have even a name. The story on the other hand can never be lost from its place in the world for it is that place.
I mean, it's real hard to be free when you are bought and sold in the marketplace. Of course, don't ever tell anybody that they're not free, 'cause then they're gonna get real busy killin' and maimin' to prove to you that they are. Oh yeah, they're gonna talk to you and talk to you and talk to you about individual freedom. But they see a free individual, it's gonna scare 'em.
Disciples will not be weakened by suffering, worn down, and embittered until they are broken. Instead, they bear suffering, by the power of him who supports them. The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of him who bears all suffering on the cross. As bearers of suffering, they stand in communion with the Crucified.
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