"Through faith we must all learn a kind of Copernican revolution. Copernicus discovered that it was not the sun that went around the earth but that this earth along with the other planets revolved around the sun. We all begin by seeing ourselves as a tiny earth around which all the suns must turn. Faith teaches us to leave this error and to behave like brothers and sisters, joining together with all the others in the round dance of love around the one center that is God. Only if God exists, only if he becomes the center of my life, is this love my neighbor as myself possible. But if he exists, if he becomes my center, then it is also possible to reach this inward freedom of love."
- Pope Benedict XVI
*emphases, mine
I like this quote very much. I especially like his reference to Copernicus. We had a joint Ascension Day service this evening with the adjoining benefice to us and their priest preached very well. He mentioned the dreadful news of war and strife (in the Holy Land especially) that we hear every day. We had listened to Psalm 47 and referring to that he said that only by all nations subduing themselves to God in love can we hope to live in peace and harmony. How we can ever get certain world leaders to believe that loving their neighbours as themselves and giving up land-grabbing and power-struggles is beyond me! Happy Ascension Day, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Clare! Such a wonderful feast. I'm glad you had a memorable service, too. Our leaders are never going to become good; they have too much power, as you say. I really thought this comparison with Copernicus and the way we are view the world at birth - it's a very interesting idea.
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