Be Not So Proud
by Franz Jägerstätter
Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
Anno Domini 2020, August 15
Frans on his motorcycle in 1932. From left to right, Aloisia Sommerauer (Franz's cousin/foster-sister), Rosalia Jägerstätter (Franz's mother), Heinrich Jägerstätter (Franz's stepfather).
Be not so proud, you rich man;
you too will die someday.
Give up the evil class struggle,
for God’s Son was also not rich on earth.
Ah, how painful our days often are
during our short street-car rides
on which we travel unequal distances
until the day when the train de-rails.
Now I ask you, you proud man,
whether riches personally satisfy you
as long as God gives you health
and no suffering presses upon you.
Health and intelligence would be the most wonderful gifts;
also being attractive and having money
are right when one has them.
But all of these wonderful gifts do not bring you your hoped for good fortune
if love is lacking in your heart;
for it is a masterpiece.
Also, peace and love do not continue for long
if you do not believe in your God
and eternal life.
*Written on the back of an advertisement on October 3, 1932.
*From Erna Putz, ed., Franz Jägerstätter: Letters and Writings from Prison (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009), pp. 143-144. Available for purchase at Eighth Day Books.
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