"الصليب هو النار المشتعلة التي تُشعِل شعلة حبنا، لكن يجب علينا الاقتراب بما فيه الكفاية لكي تسقط شراراته علينا."

The essence of this quote is that the cross, as a symbol of sacrifice and love, is what ignites our own capacity to love. However, for our love to truly catch fire, we need to be close enough to feel its impact.

To unpack this a bit, think about the cross not just as a religious symbol, but as a representation of the ultimate act of love and selflessness. It’s like the central source of a huge campfire. If you’re standing too far away, you won’t feel its warmth. You need to step closer to let its sparks touch you and ignite your own heart.

Historically, this quote likely draws on Christian theology, where the cross is central to the story of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. The imagery of fire and sparks is used to convey the idea that love and inspiration are not passive; they require proximity and openness. It’s not enough to just acknowledge the cross from a distance—you need to engage with it personally.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Think about Mother Teresa. She’s someone who got close to the "fire" of the cross. She wasn't just inspired by the idea of love and sacrifice; she embodied it. She moved to the slums of Calcutta and lived among the poorest of the poor. She didn’t just talk about love—she let the sparks of the cross kindle her own flame of compassion. Her actions became a living testament to the kind of transformative love that the cross symbolizes.

So, how can we apply this wisdom to our lives? Start by getting close to what inspires you. If the cross is a meaningful symbol for you, spend time reflecting on it deeply. Maybe volunteer your time to help others, even in small ways. Or think about what selflessness means in your daily interactions. It’s about making a conscious effort to move closer to the source of inspiration until you’re close enough for its sparks to ignite something within you.

Imagine you’re at a family gathering, and there’s an elderly relative who always seems to be sitting alone. You might feel awkward or unsure about what to say. But think about this quote. By taking the step to sit with them and engage, you’re getting close to the "fire." Your small action—sharing a laugh or just listening—can spark moments of connection and love. Over time, these small sparks can ignite a larger flame of compassion and understanding in your family dynamics.

In our hurried lives, it's easy to stay at a distance, to keep our interactions superficial. But if we really want to experience and spread love, we need to get close to the source of it. We need to let ourselves be vulnerable, to get near enough to feel the warmth and let the sparks fall on us. It’s in those moments that our own capacity to love can be truly kindled.

So next time you’re faced with an opportunity to show kindness or to deepen a connection, get close. Don't just stand at a distance and admire the idea of love—step into it, feel its warmth, and let it set your own heart ablaze.