Affliction Quote by Fulton J. Sheen
““Conversion can also occur among those who already have the faith. Christians will become real Christians, with less façade and more foundation. Catastrophe will divide them from the world, force them to declare their basic loyalties; it will revive shepherds who shepherd rather than administrate, reverse the proportion of saints and scholars in favor of saints, create more reapers for the harvest, more pillars of fire for the lukewarm; it will make the rich see that real wealth is in the service of the needy; and, above all else, it will make the glory of Christ’s Cross shine out in a love of the brethren for one another as true and loyal sons of God.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Catholic radio broadcast, 1950s
The quote predicts that crises will purify faith, shifting focus from material wealth to service, reviving true Christian values and community love.
In simple terms: Crises will sharpen faith, emphasizing service over wealth.
Key Takeaway
Serve others to find true wealth.
Themes
faith
crisis
service
materialism
community
spiritual renewal
Mood
hopeful
serious
inspirational
Type
religious
motivational
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- charitable work
- personal devotion
- community building
- social activism
Key Concepts
theology
ethics
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure crises lead to positive spiritual renewal?
- What practical steps foster service over materialism?
A Different Perspective
Crises may also cause fear and division, not only purification.
![“May I strike my heart's keys clearly, and may none fail because of slack, uncertain, or fraying strings. May the tears that stream down my face make me more radiant: may my hidden weeping bloom… How we waste our afflictions!... [T]hey're really our wintering foliage, our dark greens of meaning…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c7/rainer-maria-rilke-193_abode_may-i-strike-my-heart-s-keys-clearly-and_52479.jpg)
