Paul and Pascal

パウロとパスカル

Paulo and Pascal. Though they lived in completely different eras and backgrounds, there's something about them that reminds me of the same light.

I think that's because it portrays humans not as "observers," but as "those who get caught up in the situation."

People seem to judge the world with their own eyes.

But in reality, we are living our lives "involved in something" on a much deeper level.

Paul called it “being seized by Christ,”

Pascal said, "Man is made to believe."

Faith is not a choice of will, but a structure of existence.

People cannot live without believing.

It seems like they are choosing what to believe,

In fact, we are caught up in the very act of believing.

Paul was “fallen by the light” on the way to Damascus.

That wasn't something I witnessed; it was something I got caught up in.

Pascal's "experience with fire" is similar.

He, at the peak of his rationality, was suddenly enveloped in an indescribable light.

Neither of them "observed" the light.

The side of light captured them.

Humans are creatures who have faith.

Instead of finding God on your own,

Only when you are caught up in the light coming from God's side,

The world opens up, the heart opens, and life begins.

Paul and Pascal testified to this in their respective eras.

Humans are not "those who see," but "those who are seen."

Not "those who choose," but "those who are chosen."

I believe faith is a story that begins from the side of light.