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.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of humility and the value of every individual's perspective, regardless of their social status or education.
Anthony Of Padua highlights the profound truth that wisdom and authority exist in unexpected places, suggesting that even the highest of beings can show humility and listen to those who might seem less significant. This calls for an appreciation of all voices in society, encouraging a mindset that values insights from every level, be it the educated or the uneducated, the rich or the poor, thereby fostering a more inclusive and understanding community.
In practice
In a speech about inclusive education, this quote serves as a reminder to listen to students from all backgrounds.
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.
Christians must lean on the Cross of Christ just as travelers lean on a staff when they begin a long journey.
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.
How smart does a chimpanzee have to be before killing him constitutes murder?
....it is of the very essence of Christianity to face suffering and death not because they are good, not because they have meaning, but because the resurrection of Jesus has robbed them of their meaning.
The high destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule.
Those who were unlucky in life in spite of their skills would eventually rise. The lucky fool might have benefited from some luck in life; over the longer run he would slowly converge to the state of a less-lucky idiot. Each one would revert to his long-term properties.
Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains. Those who think themselves the masters of others are indeed greater slaves than they.
He was alone in the darkness once more, but the darkness became brighter and brighter until it was burning like the sun.
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