If we endure all things patiently and with gladness, thinking on the sufferings of our Blessed Lord, and bearing all for the love of Him: herein is perfect joy.
The Father willed that his blessed and glorious Son, whom he gave to us and who was born for us, should through his own blood offer himself as a sacrificial victim on the altar of the cross. This was to be done not for himself through whom all things were made, but for our sins.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the Christian belief in sacrifice and redemption through Jesus' crucifixion for humanity's sins.
In this quote, Francis of Assisi articulates the fundamental tenet of Christian theology that encapsulates the idea of divine love and sacrifice. He emphasizes that God, in his benevolence, sent His Son Jesus, who willingly gave Himself on the cross, not for His own sake but as an atonement for the sins of humanity. This profound act signifies the depth of love and commitment that defines the relationship between God and mankind, illustrating how sacrifice is central to redemption and spiritual salvation.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a sermon to illustrate the theme of sacrificial love.
More from Francis Of Assisi
All quotes →Jesus is happy to come with us, as truth is happy to be spoken, as life to be lived, as light to be lit, as love is to be loved, as joy to be given, as peace to be spread.
Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth.
By the anxieties and worries of this life Satan tries to dull man's heart and make a dwelling for himself there.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens, you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self.
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We have to distinguish between a man as he is in essence, and as he is in ego or personality. In essence, every person is perfect, fearless, and in a loving unity with the entire cosmos; there is no conflict within the person between head, heart, and stomach or between the person and others. Then something happens: the ego begins to develop, karma accumulates, there is a transition from objectivity to subjectivity; man falls from essence into personality.