The Burning Bush 2

"But that which makes understanding so difficult is precisely this: that he becomes nothing and yet is not annihilated, that he owes him everything and yet becomes boldly confident; that he understands the truth, but the truth makes him free, that he grasps the guilt of untruth, and then again bold confidence triumphs in truth." -Climaus (Fragments II.B.i)

Moses described the burning of the bush as a marvelous sight. The fire was burning all around the bush and yet it was not consumed by the fire. Surely this is what it is like to be before God - to exist in the procreative love of God. Here a person is surrounded by God's jealousy and righteousness, but instead of annihilation he becomes himself for the first time. This is what Paul calls, "A profound mystery".

In the world people make themselves out to be everything, and yet they are nothing. Their claims possess all the facts and objectivity that science and rationality have to offer, but they are total liars. As Jesus said 'the pagans lord power over one another', but they are all slaves. This too is a great fire, the fury people hide against their neighbor and their own selves. And they are burnt up.

The internal difference - a trifle, the least thing of all to the world - is complete devotion toward God, and devotion to one's neighbor as oneself. This is the only happy devotion.