The Beggar: Three Thoughts

1. I read this quotation on Renaissance Humanist Philosophy today and was amazed:

"Here, one felt no weight of the supernatural pressing on the human mind, demanding homage and allegiance. Humanity—with all its distinct capabilities, talents, worries, problems, possibilities—was the center of interest. It has been said that medieval thinkers philosophized on their knees, but, bolstered by the new studies, they dared to stand up and to rise to full stature" - Cambridge Dictionary of Philosophy

I was fascinated by that phrase that medievals thought on their knees.

2. It reminds me of another quotation I read from Monsignor Giussani: "Existence expresses itself, as ultimate ideal, in begging. The real protagonist of history is the beggar: Christ who begs for man's heart, and man's heart that begs for Christ."

My heart is begging for Christ today, and I am about ready to get to my knees and repent tomorrow.

3. My friend Margaret told me a story about an Eastern European Archbishop who was quite ill, and during a revolt, a group of youth burst into his palace in the middle of the night, demanding to see him. The aging archbishop was brought to them despite his assistants' protest, and the youths told him that God was Dead. The archbishop then handed them some money, which confused them. He clarified by saying 'I have always felt sorry for orphans'.