“Thus I stretch out my arms to my Saviour, who, after being foretold for four thousand years, came on earth to die and suffer for me at the time and in the circumstances foretold. By his grace I peaceably await death, in the hope of being eternally united to him, and meanwhile I live joyfully, whether in the blessings which he is pleased to bestow on me or in the affliction he sends me for my own good and taught me how to endure by his example.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Blaise Pascal, the speaker expresses a deep sense of faith and trust in their Savior, Jesus Christ. The speaker reflects on the foretelling of Jesus' coming and his purpose on earth, which was to die and suffer for humanity. By embracing this belief, the speaker finds peace in the face of death, trusting in the eternal union with their Savior. The quote also highlights the idea of finding joy in both blessings and afflictions, following Jesus' example of endurance. Overall, the quote conveys a profound sense of faith, hope, and gratitude towards their Savior.
Finding Peace and Purpose in Faith
Blaise Pascal's words highlight the timeless significance of finding peace and purpose through faith. In today's fast-paced and uncertain world, his message serves as a reminder of the comfort and strength that can be found in believing in something greater than ourselves. Pascal's unwavering trust in his Saviour, despite the challenges he faced, showcases the enduring relevance of faith in navigating life's ups and downs.
Reflection on Trusting in God's Plan
"Thus I stretch out my arms to my Saviour, who, after being foretold for four thousand years, came on earth to die and suffer for me at the time and in the circumstances foretold. By his grace I peaceably await death, in the hope of being eternally united to him, and meanwhile I live joyfully, whether in the blessings which he is pleased to bestow on me or in the affliction he sends me for my own good and taught me how to endure by his example.” - Blaise Pascal"
Reflection Questions
Pascal's words on his faith and relationship with his Savior are powerful and reflective. Here are some questions to explore and deepen your own thoughts on the quote:
- How does Pascal's perspective on waiting for death with grace and hope resonate with you?
- In what ways can you apply Pascal's teachings on enduring affliction and finding joy in both blessings and challenges in your own life?
- How does Pascal's focus on being eternally united with his Savior influence your own thoughts on spirituality and the afterlife?
- Reflect on a time when you found strength and peace in faith during a difficult situation. How did this experience shape your beliefs and actions?
- Thinking about Pascal's emphasis on living joyfully in all circumstances, what steps can you take to cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment in your daily life?
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“I ask you neither for health nor for sickness, for life nor for death; but that you may dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for your glory ... You alone know what is expedient for me; you are the sovereign master, do with me according to your will. Give to me, or take away from me, only conform my will to yours. I know but one thing, Lord, that it is good to follow you, and bad to offend you. Apart from that, I know not what is good or bad in anything. I know not which is most profitable to me, health or sickness, wealth or poverty, nor anything else in the world. That discernment is beyond the power of men or angels, and is hidden among the secrets of your providence, which I adore, but do not seek to fathom.”
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“When I consider the brief span of my life absorbed into the eternity which precedes and will succeed it—memoria hospitis unius diei praetereuntis (remembrance of a guest who tarried but a day)—the small space I occupy and which I see swallowed up in the infinite immensity of spaces of which I know nothing and which know nothing of me, I take fright and am amazed to see myself here rather than there: there is no reason for me to be here rather than there, now rather than then. Who put me here? By whose command and act were this place and time allotted to me?”
“As I write down my thought it sometimes escapes me, but that reminds me of my weakness, which I am always forgetting, and teaches me as much as my forgotten thought, for I care only about knowing that I am nothing.”
“What is the self?A man goes to the window to see the people passing by; if I pass by, can I say he went there to see me? No, for he is not thinking of me in particular. But what about a person who loves someone for the sake of her beauty; does he love her? No, for smallpox, which will destroy beauty without destroying the person, will put an end to his love for her.And if someone loves me for my judgement or my memory, do they love me? me, myself? No, for I could lose these qualities without losing my self. Where then is this self, if it is neither in the body nor the soul? And how can one love the body or the soul except for the sake of such qualities, which are not what makes up the self, since they are perishable? Would we love the substance of a person's soul, in the abstract, whatever qualities might be in it? That is not possible, and it would be wrong. Therefore we never love anyone, but only qualities.Let us then stop scoffing at those who win honour through their appointments and offices, for we never love anyone except for borrowed qualities.”