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His eyes went again to the crucifix above his head…

“His eyes went again to the crucifix above his head, reflected in the mirror. The strained arms, the arched spine. All that effort to open the gates of heaven for us and we (he thought) probably spend our first hours among the heavenly hosts settling old scores with relatives.” quote by Alice McDermott
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““His eyes went again to the crucifix above his head, reflected in the mirror. The strained arms, the arched spine. All that effort to open the gates of heaven for us and we (he thought) probably spend our first hours among the heavenly hosts settling old scores with relatives.””

Alice McDermott

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A man reflects on religious sacrifice and the paradox of seeking divine favor while harboring personal grudges.

In simple terms: Seeking heaven while holding grudges.

Key Takeaway

Examine hidden motives behind your prayers.

Themes

faith contradiction human nature

Mood

contemplative melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • spiritual crisis
  • family conflict

Key Concepts

theology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What grudges affect your spiritual practice?
  • How do you reconcile sacrifice with resentment?
A Different Perspective

Faith can be conflicted by personal grievances.

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