Compassion Quote by Thomas Merton
““My opinion is that it is a very extraordinary thing for anyone to be upset by such a topic. Why should anyone be shattered by the though of hell? It is not compulsory for anyone to go there. Those who do, do so by their own choice, and against the will of God, and they can only get into hell by defying and resisting all the work of Providence and grace. It is their own will that takes them there, not God's. In damning them He is only ratifying their own decision--a decision which He has left entirely to their own choice. Nor will He ever hold our weakness alone responsible for our damnation. Our weakness should not terrify us: it is the source of our strength. Libenter gloriabor in infirmitatibus meis ut inhabitet in me virtus Christi. Power is made perfect in infirmity, and our very helplessness is all the more potent a claim on that Divine Mercy Who calls to Himself the poor, the little ones, the heavily burdened.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Freedom of the Will” by Thomas Merton, 1965
Human suffering is a choice, and weakness can become a source of divine strength
In simple terms: Our choices shape destiny; weakness can be strength
Key Takeaway
Embrace responsibility for choices and find strength in vulnerability
Themes
free will
theology
suffering
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
divine mercy
grace
human agency
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you see weakness as a source of power?
- How does personal choice affect moral responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all have equal agency, ignoring systemic constraints
