what did Henry mean by "It is in defeat that we become Christian."?

Henry believes that people only become gentle and Christian in defeat. Humbleness and enlightenment come from the meek and not the strong (Blessed be the meek for that shall inherit the earth...) I also think that this statement has something to do with Catherine. Henry feels defeated not being able to be with her and hence vulnerable. It is this vulnerability and defeat that he equates to being a Christian.