Fr. Gregory Pine discusses the life and death of St. Theresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), highlighting her remarkable conversion and tragic end. He explores her compassion and philosophy of love in a transit camp and her understanding of womanhood. The speaker reflects on the profound Christian mystery and announces upcoming events.
St. Edith Stein's exceptional character was revealed through her patience, courage, and selflessness in the face of great hardship during the German persecution of Jews in World War II.
St. Edith Stein's strength and virtue manifested even in the worst circumstances, serving as an example for Christians to adopt a posture of generosity and solicitude, reflecting Christ's sacrifice and communicating it to future generations.
Deep dives
St. Edith Stein's Strength in the Midst of Difficulties
St. Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross, exemplifies the way people handle difficulties. Regardless of the magnitude of the hardship, her response reflects patience, magnanimity, courage, gentleness, and compassion. Difficulty can either reveal cracks in one's character or showcase their grandeur. St. Edith Stein's exceptional character became apparent towards the end of her life, as she faced the German persecution of Jews during World War II. Despite knowing her Jewish background endangered the nuns she lived with, she maintained composure and selflessness. In the Westerbork transit camp, she comforted and cared for others, displaying a maternal instinct and showing her deep faith. Her strength of character derived from her knowledge of the cross and living cruciform, like Christ's generosity and solicitude.
The Noble Response to Impending Death
As St. Edith Stein arrived at Auschwitz, she stood out among the prisoners for not appearing crazed. Her solid and steadfast demeanor stemmed from her rootedness in Christ and the knowledge of the cross. Despite being stripped, she remained firm and resolute. From her final moments, we witness her nobility, magnanimity, and excellence of character. St. Edith Stein's strength and virtue manifested even in the worst of circumstances. Her life serves as an example for fellow Christians to adopt a similar posture, beholding Christ's generous and solicitous gestures, like caring for his mother, St. John, his torturers, and the good thief. Through Christ's sacrifice, he provides for our spiritual needs, inviting his saints to partake in this generosity and communicate it to future generations.
St. Edith Stein: An Icon of Christian Mystery
St. Edith Stein, or St. Teresa Benedict of the Cross, embodies the deep and profound Christian mystery that instills hope and grants access to divine life. She demonstrates the freedom and joy derived from entering into this mystery. Through her life and character, we witness Christ's grace and virtue, which he abundantly shared in his sacred humanity. St. Edith Stein's exemplary response to difficulties mirrors the strength and enduring love of Christ. Her profound faith and her capacity for generosity and solicitude serve as an icon of this Christian mystery, inviting others to recognize, receive, and embody it in their own lives.