How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph.)
Quote #4
It had been a happy childhood, except that he had been afraid of too many things, and had hated poverty like a crime; he had believed that when he was a priest he would be rich and proud—that was called having a vocation. (2.1.76)
Ouch! Actually, this gets at something important, namely the reason why the priest became a priest in the first place. He feared and hated poverty. He wasn't drawn by the honor of service or the splendor of ritual or the truth of the faith; he wanted an escape from what he most despised. Now if only we could figure a way to get out doing homework…
Quote #5
Again he was touched by an extraordinary affection. He was just one criminal among a herd of criminals ... He had a sense of companionship which he had never experienced in the old days when pious people came kissing his black cotton glove. (2.3.89)
For this priest, at least, being of a higher class was not good for him. It's in a prison with equals that he discovers the Christian love of neighbor. He has to hit rock bottom after sinking into what he most fears before he really gets what the priesthood is all about. Better late than never.
Quote #6
"My sister and I are Lutherans. We don't hold with your Church, father. Too much luxury, it seems to me, while the people starve." (3.1.18)
Coincidentally, it's in the home of the Lehrs that the priest learns that even their relative luxury is too big a temptation for him. Their home is his lion's den—the place where is faith is tested.