Blog Post

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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