--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What a risk, Reuben thought. I could…" description: "\"“What a risk, Reuben thought. I could easily hit him over the head and rob the church of its gold candlesticks. He wondered how often Jim had done this..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c77/anne-rice-238_body-of-christ_what-a-risk-reuben-thought-i-could-easil_1684556.jpg" --- # What a risk, Reuben thought. I could easily hit him over… ![“What a risk, Reuben thought. I could easily hit him over the head and rob the church of its gold candlesticks. He wondered how often Jim had done this kind of thing, or why Jim's life was such a round of sacrifice and exhausting work, how it was Jim could ladle up soup and corned beef hash every…” quote by Anne Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c77/anne-rice-238_body-of-christ_what-a-risk-reuben-thought-i-could-easil_1684556.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c77/anne-rice-238_body-of-christ_what-a-risk-reuben-thought-i-could-easil_1684556.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c77/anne-rice-238_body-of-christ_what-a-risk-reuben-thought-i-could-easil_1684556.jpg) > ““What a risk, Reuben thought. I could easily hit him over the head and rob the church of its gold candlesticks. He wondered how often Jim had done this kind of thing, or why Jim's life was such a round of sacrifice and exhausting work, how it was Jim could ladle up soup and corned beef hash every day for people who so often let him down, or go through the same ritual every morning at the altar, as if it really was a miracle when he consecrated the bread and wine and gave out "the Body of Christ" in tiny white wafers.”” [Anne Rice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-rice/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Jim’s routine sacrifices are a paradox of devotion and exhaustion, highlighting the weight of spiritual service. **In simple terms:** Service can be both noble and draining. Key Takeaway Recognize limits of self‑sacrifice. Themes faith service burden Mood melancholic contemplative Type literary thematic When to use this quote - religious rituals - daily chores - helping others Key Concepts spiritual duty personal sacrifice routine Questions to Reflect On - What motivates Jim’s continual sacrifice? - How can one balance duty with self‑care? 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