How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Page)
Quote #4
The said priest read books to her for the most part of seven or eight years, to the great increase of his knowledge and of his merit, and he suffered many an evil word for her love [...]. (I.58.182)
Kempe shares this memory of mutual learning to show us how God provided her with company and education in the absence of her usual religious companions.
Quote #5
And through looking at the pietà her mind was wholly occupied with the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the compassion of our Lady, St. Mary, by which she was compelled to cry out very loudly and weep very bitterly, as though she would have died. (I.60.186)
Although Kempe's compassion can be awakened in a variety of ways, contemplation of memorial art is a surefire trigger for her. In this case, she is viewing an image of Mary holding the body of her dead son. Even if you can't agree with Kempe's weeping and wailing in public, it's easy to see how this kind of art is emotionally moving.
Quote #6
Then the lady's priest came to her, saying, "Woman, Jesus is long since dead." When her crying had ceased, she said to the priest, "Sir, his death is as fresh to me as if he had died on this same day, and so I think, it ought to be to you and to all Christian people." (I.60.187)
In case you didn't catch it, this moment is actually pretty funny. This priest is clearly annoyed with Kempe's "overreaction" to the recollection of Christ's death, and he shows his exasperation. It points up Kempe's unique experience of religious memories that most people of faith take for granted. Although memorial rituals (such as Mass) exist to help the faithful participate more fully in their religion, Kempe's full immersion into events long past is a whole new level of involvement.