A small book, Latin Sayings for Spiritual Growth by Archabbot Lambert Reilly, OSB found its way into our hands recently and we found some of what Archabbot Lambert wrote to be something well worth sharing with you. We hope you enjoy his wisdom (and wit) as much as we do...
Festinamus ad Christu, non currendo
sed credendo
("We hasten to Christ not by running
but by believing")
St. Augustine
Movement toward Christ involves belief in Him before actual steps are ever taken. In the same way that an infant will take his first steps toward someone he trusts, so too in the life of faith.
Why do we believe anyone about anything? For two reasons: What's told us is possible and the witness is reliable.
Isn't it true, though, that some ofwhat Jesus tells us doesn't always seem possible or even reasonable? "Whoever would save his life will lose it" (Matthew 16:25); "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44); "Sell all that you have and give to the poor" (Mark 10:21).
These words are hard to believe at first, but an honest heart sees their truth, and for two reasons: First, living has taught us that letting go, loving, and generosity always bring more peace than grasping, hating, and selfishness. Second, there is the Witness Himself, One whose resurrections from the dead makes Him the most reliable of all.
Faith in the words starts with faith in the Speaker.
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