It is as absurd to argue men, as to torture them, into believing.
To holy people the very name of Jesus is a name to feed upon, a name to transport. His name can raise the dead and transfigure and beautify the living.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the transformative power of the name of Jesus for believers, suggesting it brings both sustenance and enlightenment.
In this quote, John Henry Newman highlights the profound impact that the name of Jesus has on the faithful. He suggests that for those who hold a deep spiritual connection, the name of Jesus is not just a title but a source of nourishment and inspiration. The statement conveys the idea that invoking Jesus's name can lead to spiritual resurrection and profound personal transformation, enhancing the beauty and virtue in the lives of believers.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the power of faith, you could use this quote to illustrate how Jesus's name serves as a source of strength for believers.
More from John Henry Newman
All quotes βA cloud of incense was rising on high; the people suddenly all bowed low; what could it mean? The truth flashed on him, fearfully yet sweetly; it was the Blessed Sacrament - it was the Lord Incarnate who was on the altar, who had come to visit and bless his people. It was the Great Presence, which makes a Catholic Church different from every other place in the world; which makes it, as no other place can be - holy.
It is seldom we have the heart to throw ourselves, if I may so speak, on the Divine Arm; we dare not trust ourselves on the waters, though Christ bids us. We have not St. Peter's love to ask leave to come to him upon the sea. When we once are filled with that heavenly charity, we can do all things, because we attempt all things - for to attempt is to do.
Now what is it moves our very hearts, and sickens us so much at cruelty shown to poor brutes? I suppose this first, that they have done no harm; next, that they have no power whatever of resistance; it is the cowardice and tyranny of which they are the victims which makes their sufferings so especially touching.
A science is not mere knowledge, it is knowledge which has undergone a process of intellectual digestion. It is the grasp of many things brought together in one, and hence is its power; for, properly speaking, it is Science that is power, not Knowledge.
Evil has no substance of its own, but is only the defect, excess, perversion, or corruption of that which has substance.
Similar quotes
No one is so completely disenchanted with the world, or knows it so thoroughly, or is so utterly disgusted with it, that when it begins to smile upon him he does not become partially reconciled to it.
Modern tyrants are terror managers. Do not allow your shock to be turned against your freedom.
I know of nothing sublime which is not some modification of power.
We would like to see you departing peacefully.
Immortality is like trying to carve your initials in a block of ice in the middle of July.
The furies are at home in the mirror; it is their address. Even the clearest water, if deep enough can drown. Never think to surprise them. Your face approaching ever so friendly is the white flag they ignore. There is no truce with the furies. A mirror's temperature is always zero. It is ice in the veins. It's camera is an x-ray. It is a chalice held out to you in silent communion, where gaspingly you partake of a shifting identity never your own.