Analogy of Physical and Spiritual Birth

VI

teachings, through which mankind is meant to be guided toward true perfection original: "Vollkommenheit"; in this context, the spiritual maturity or completion of the soul in its relationship with God, have only one—only that one language completely unique to them: "the simple and striking language of power!" As if from God, said Paul, we speak before God in Christ A reference to 2 Corinthians 2:17: "For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.". This language is very soon recognized by that seeker of truth who does not wish merely to "know" but rather to "become"—who considers all knowledge as nothing if it does not become a state of being within him, if it does not make him truly wise, if it does not—make him blessed. "If God were your Father," Jesus said to the Jews, "why then do you not recognize my language? For you cannot hear my word!" A reference to John 8:42–43.

"You cannot hear my word." This sad phenomenon is perhaps quite especially characteristic of our times. What Jesus Christ said, many have sought to weaken and misinterpret; and many have most irre-