“What is it that makes a person great, admirable among
creatures, well pleasing in God’s eyes? What is it that makes a person strong,
stronger than the whole world; or so weak as to be weaker than a child? What is
it that makes a person firm, firmer than a cliff; or so soft as to be softer
than wax? It is love. What is older than everything? It is love. What is it
that outlives everything? It is love. What is it that cannot be taken away but
itself takes it all? It is love. What is it that cannot be given but itself
gives all? It is love. What is it that stands fast when everything falters? It
is love. What is it that comforts when other comforts fail? It is love. What is
it that remains when everything is changed? It is love. What is it that abides
when what is imperfect is done away with? It is love. What is it that bears witness
when prophecy is dumb? It is love. What is it that does not cease when visions come
to an end? It is love. What is it that makes everything clear when the dark
saying has been spoken? It is love. What is it that bestows a blessing on the
excess of the gift? It is love. What is it that gives pith to the angel’s
words? It is love. What is it that makes the widow’s mite more than enough? It
is love. What is it that makes the speech of the simple person wise? It is
love. What is it that never alters, even if all things alter? It is love.”—Danish
theologian Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855),
Spiritual Writings: Gift, Creation, Love—Selections from the Upbuilding Discourses, edited and
translated by George Pattison (2010)
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