New (New) Socratic Dialogue. (Finite and Eternal being)
By -IC o sea, me

Edith Stain
Simone Weil

Assisi

Setting: The quaint town of Assisi, Italy. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with historic stone buildings, their facades gently weathered by time. A gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers from nearby gardens. Birds sing from hidden alcoves, their melodies harmonizing with distant church bells.

In a quiet corner of a serene courtyard, shaded by an ancient olive tree, a stone bench sits next to a softly bubbling fountain. The water’s surface reflects the azure sky, occasionally disturbed by the delicate touch of a falling leaf or petal.

Seated on the bench are Edith Stein and Simone Weil. Both women are deep in thought, their faces illuminated by the soft, golden glow of the setting sun. Their conversation is a gentle ebb and flow, much like the fountain beside them. The ambiance is one of peace and contemplation, the perfect backdrop for a profound philosophical exchange.

Surrounding them, the world seems to move at a slower pace, as if respecting the gravity of their conversation. Passersby tread softly, their footsteps barely audible. Occasionally, a local stops to cross themselves at a nearby shrine, adding to the spiritual atmosphere.

As the sun dips lower, casting long shadows across the courtyard, the two philosophers continue their dialogue, their words echoing the timeless questions that have occupied human thought for centuries

Edith Stein: Simone, have you pondered over the distinction between the infinite being and the eternal being? To me, the infinite being pertains to infinity in terms of magnitude and possibility, while the eternal being encompasses the idea of something that transcends time, having no beginning or end.

Simone Weil: True, Edith. For me, eternity refers to an existence outside of time, a constant that doesn’t change. Whereas infinity suggests an unlimited potential, an endless expansion. Although both ideas touch upon divinity, they seem to do so in distinct ways.

Edith Stein: Precisely. When we consider God, isn’t He both infinite in His being and possibilities, as well as eternal in His existence?

Simone Weil: Undoubtedly. But if we reflect on the human experience, our understanding of infinity is limited, as we are always bound by time. On the other hand, we can experience glimpses of eternity, moments where time seems to stand still.

Edith Stein: That’s profound. We might say that, while infinity extends in all directions and possibilities, eternity is at the core of every moment. It’s the fixed point amidst an infinite sea of possibilities.

Simone Weil: Indeed. Infinity might be overwhelming, but eternity provides an anchor point. In our lives, perhaps we seek that eternal point of connection with the divine, a moment of transcendence where time loses its meaning.

Edith Stein: Exactly. And whereas infinity suggests a God who is beyond our comprehension, eternity suggests a God who is intimately connected with every moment of our existence.

Simone Weil: So, could we say that while infinity speaks of God’s magnitude, eternity speaks of His constant presence in our lives?

Edith Stein: Yes, that sums up our reflection perfectly. The duality between infinity and eternity helps us understand the many dimensions of divinity and our relationship with it.

Simone Weil: And, in turn, it challenges us to live in that balance, recognizing our smallness in the face of infinity, but also our eternal significance in the fabric of existence.

Setting: Assisi, a serene town bearing the weight of history and echoing the whispers of saints. Amidst its stone structures, the town has been a silent witness to countless conversations of theology and philosophy. It’s a period of uneasy calm, the air thick with anticipation of the impending global turmoil. The town’s serenity juxtaposes with the looming shadow of the wars that threaten to engulf Europe.

In a secluded part of a garden, flanked by blooming rose bushes and the distant murmur of prayers from a chapel, sit Edith Stein and Simone Weil. Their presence in this peaceful enclave is a brief respite from the turbulence of the world outside. The imminent catastrophe weighs on their minds, adding depth and urgency to their dialogue.

Simone Weil: Edith, while we’ve talked about the infinite and eternal, I’m drawn to the juxtaposition of the finite and the eternal. We humans, with our limited time on this Earth, how do we reconcile our fleeting existence with the concept of eternity?

Edith Stein: Simone, our finite nature indeed stands in stark contrast to the eternal. But perhaps it’s through our recognition of our own finitude that we can truly grasp the profound nature of the eternal. Every fleeting moment, every ephemeral joy or sorrow, gains significance when viewed in the light of eternity.

Simone Weil: But in times such as these, when the world teeters on the brink of chaos, how can we find solace in the eternal? When our very existence is threatened, how do we find meaning?

Edith Stein: It’s in these very moments of crisis that our search for meaning becomes most vital. The external world may be chaotic, but the eternal remains unchanging. By anchoring ourselves to the eternal truths, we can navigate the tempests of life.

Simone Weil: And perhaps it’s our very finitude that makes our choices, actions, and sacrifices so meaningful. Knowing that our time is limited, we are compelled to live with purpose, to seek the eternal in the finite.

Edith Stein: Precisely. Our mortality, while a limitation, also serves as a poignant reminder of the value of every moment. And in the face of impending catastrophe, it’s this intersection of the finite and the eternal that gives our lives profound significance.

Simone Weil: As we stand on the edge of this abyss, perhaps our role is to bear witness to the eternal truths, even as the world around us crumbles. To live our lives as a testament to the eternal, even in the face of the finite.

Edith Stein: Yes, Simone. And in doing so, we become beacons of hope, guiding others towards the eternal light amidst the encroaching darkness.

Simone Weil: Edith, in times like these, one can’t help but wonder about God’s role in history. Can He intervene in the course of events? Or does He choose to remain a silent observer?

Edith Stein: Simone, that’s a question that theologians have grappled with for centuries. From my understanding, God, in His infinite wisdom, grants us free will. While He possesses the power to intervene, He often allows history to unfold, respecting our freedom to choose.

Simone Weil: But in the face of such monumental suffering, how can we reconcile God’s benevolence with His seeming inaction?

Edith Stein: It’s a profound mystery. Perhaps God’s interventions are not always grand gestures. They might be subtle, working through individuals, inspiring acts of courage, love, and compassion. Our free will allows both great evil and profound goodness. It’s possible that God intervenes by empowering individuals to counteract the darkness with light.

Simone Weil: So, you suggest that rather than directly altering the course of history, God might work through us, instilling hope, strength, and resilience?

Edith Stein: Precisely. Our history is littered with examples of individuals who, inspired by divine guidance, have stood against tyranny, injustice, and despair. Maybe these moments are glimpses of God’s intervention, reminders that He hasn’t abandoned us, even when the world seems to be spiraling out of control.

Simone Weil: It’s a comforting thought, Edith. It places a responsibility upon us to be receptive to God’s subtle nudges, to act as instruments of His will in this turbulent world.

Edith Stein: Indeed, Simone. And perhaps it’s during these testing times that our faith and connection to the divine are truly tested and refined. If God works through us, then every act of kindness, every gesture of compassion, becomes a beacon of His presence in history.

The two philosophers, deeply engrossed in their conversation, continue to navigate the intertwining paths of faith, history, and divine intervention, their dialogue resonating through the hallowed halls of Assisi’s spiritual heritage.
Simone Weil: Edith, if God, being eternal, knows the past, present, and future, then surely He foresaw the impending calamities. Yet, one can’t help but feel a sense of His withdrawal, especially in times when His guidance seems most needed.

Edith Stein: It’s a challenging conundrum, Simone. God’s omniscience doesn’t negate our free will. He might foresee events, but it’s up to us to shape them. His seeming withdrawal might be a space He provides for us to recognize His will or, regrettably, to deny it.

Simone Weil: But how do we discern His will amidst such chaos? Especially when it feels like He has stepped back?

Edith Stein: Socratic thinking would urge us to reflect upon our own nature, our virtues, and our vices. Perhaps in understanding ourselves, we come closer to understanding His will. After all, if He granted us free will, it was with the hope that we would use it to seek truth, goodness, and ultimately, Him.

Simone Weil: So, you’re suggesting that even in His apparent absence, He is profoundly present. By giving us the autonomy to choose, He is inviting us to actively seek out His will, rather than passively receive it.

Edith Stein: Exactly. And while the path might seem arduous, especially when faced with monumental challenges, it’s through this very journey that our relationship with the divine is solidified. Every choice, every act of discernment becomes an act of faith, a step closer to understanding His eternal plan.

Simone Weil: It’s a humbling perspective, Edith. Even as the world stands on the precipice, we are reminded of our intrinsic connection to the divine. And in seeking His will, we might find the strength to navigate the impending storm, drawing from a wellspring of divine wisdom and hope.

Edith Stein: Indeed, Simone. In the vast tapestry of history, each thread, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is woven with purpose. Our task, especially in trying times, is to align our will with His, seeking the greater good even amidst chaos.

Still in Assisi, beneath a moonlit sky, the Basilica’s silhouette stands tall against the horizon. The ethereal light illuminates the town, lending an air of otherworldliness to the surroundings. The quiet beauty contrasts sharply with the weight of the global tensions. As night deepens, the two thinkers continue their conversation, probing deeper into the mysteries of divine will and human choice.

Simone Weil: Perhaps it is His will that we play an active role in shaping our destiny. That we, through our choices, construct either a new earth and heaven or, tragically, our own hell. Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, faced such a monumental choice. He could have rejected the chalice, and in His anguish, He sweated blood. Such was the weight of that decision.

Edith Stein: Simone, you touch upon a profound truth. In Gethsemane, we witness the intersection of divine will and human choice. Jesus, in His humanity, felt the depth of anguish and fear, yet He chose to align His will with the Father’s. It’s a stark reminder that our choices, even when wrought with pain and uncertainty, can bear profound significance.

Simone Weil: And it underscores the gravity of free will. If Jesus, the Son of God, had the freedom to choose, then surely we, too, bear a similar responsibility. Our choices aren’t just personal; they shape the collective destiny of humanity.

Edith Stein: Precisely. Every decision, every act, ripples through time, affecting not just our own journey but also the course of human history. It’s a daunting realization, but also an empowering one. For in our hands lies the potential to manifest a world reflective of divine love or, conversely, one marred by our basest instincts.

Simone Weil: It brings to mind the notion that heaven and hell aren’t just destinations in the afterlife but realities we create here and now. Through our choices, we either usher in a kingdom of compassion, justice, and love or descend into chaos and despair.

Edith Stein: That’s a profound insight, Simone. And perhaps it’s this very understanding that should guide our actions, especially in these tumultuous times. For in recognizing the divine potential within us, and the weight of our free will, we might find the clarity and strength to navigate the challenges ahead.