We Catholics are very much given to the Instant Answer. Fiction doesn't have any. It leaves us, like Job, with a renewed sense of mystery. St. Gregory wrote that every time the sacred text describes a fact, it reveals a mystery. That is what the fiction writer, on his lesser level, hopes to do.

We Catholics are very much given to the Instant Answer. Fiction doesn't have any. It leaves us, like Job, with a renewed sense of mystery. St. Gregory wrote that every time the sacred text describes a fact, it reveals a mystery. That is what the fiction writer, on his lesser level, hopes to do.

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The quote underscores a profound distinction between immediate understanding and the deeper appreciation of mystery. As Catholics, the tendency might be to seek quick answers or definitive explanations for spiritual truths and doctrines. Yet, the author suggests that this eagerness for instant answers can diminish the richness of faith, which often invites us into a lifelong journey of contemplation and wonder. Theology and sacred texts often present us with facts — events, commandments, historical truths — but beneath these facts lie mysteries that defy complete comprehension. St. Gregory emphasizes that each description in sacred texts unveils a mystery, not merely a static fact. This invites believers to accept that some truths require humility, patience, and a sense of awe. The comparison to fiction is particularly illuminating; fiction does not claim to provide definitive answers but aims to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and reveal layered truths through stories and symbolism. An accomplished fiction writer hopes to inspire a sense of mystery within the reader, recognizing that not everything can be fully unraveled or explained, yet the experience itself offers insight. The acknowledgment of mystery is vital because it keeps faith and curiosity alive. It guards against the arrogance of knowing everything and encourages openness to divine mystery and the unknown. Such a perspective enriches spiritual life, fostering humility and reverence for the divine. Ultimately, this quote highlights that embracing mystery isn't a sign of weak faith but a profound acknowledgment of its depths—mirroring the silent, contemplative posture of Job himself, who confronts suffering and unknowability with humility and trust.**

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June 27, 2025

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