Apr. 14: Book II. par. 101-110

[Nemo]

Equipment for the Journey of Faith

106. It is clear what the traveler's equipment figuratively stands for: It commands us explicitly to recognize that our present life is transient. Already at birth we are driven by the very nature of things toward our departure, for which we must carefully prepare our hands, feet, and the rest.
107. So that the thorns of this life (the thorns would be sins) may not hurt our naked and unprotected feet, let us cover them with shoes. The shoes are the self-controlled and austere life which breaks and crushes the points of the thorns and prevents sin from slipping inside unnoticed.
108. The tunic flowing down over the feet and reaching to the soles would be a hindrance to anyone who would diligently finish the divine course. The tunic accordingly would be seen as the full enjoyment of the pursuits of this life, which the prudent reason, like a traveler's belt, draws in as tightly as possible. The place around which the belt passes shows that it is to be understood as prudence. The staff for repelling animals is the message of hope, by which we support the weariness of the soul and ward off what threatens us.

[Ruth]

I especially like this image of the staff: the message of hope. I always see so many difficulties everywhere! It makes one tired. But just reading this sentence helps me see that maybe this very anxiety is something threatening that can be warded off with this staff of hope.