Category: Thomas A. Kempis

  • FEW LOVE THE CROSS OF JESUS

    The Imitation of Christ JESUS has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish…

  • APPRECIATING GOD’S GRACE

    The Imitation of Christ WHY do you look for rest when you were born to work? Resign yourself to patience rather than to comfort, to carrying your cross rather than to enjoyment.What man in the world, if he could always have them, would not readily accept consolation and spiritual joy, benefits which excel all earthly…

  • WANTING NO SHARE IN COMFORT

    The Imitation of Christ IT IS not hard to spurn human consolation when we have the divine. It is, however, a very great thing indeed to be able to live without either divine or human comforting and for the honor of God willingly to endure this exile of heart, not to seek oneself in anything,…

  • THE INTIMATE FRIENDSHIP OF JESUS

    The Imitation of Christ WHEN Jesus is near, all is well and nothing seems difficult. When He is absent, all is hard. When Jesus does not speak within, all other comfort is empty, but if He says only a word, it brings great consolation. Did not Mary Magdalen rise at once from her weeping when…

  • LOVING JESUS ABOVE ALL THINGS

    The Imitation of Christ BLESSED is he who appreciates what it is to love Jesus and who despises himself for the sake of Jesus. Give up all other love for His, since He wishes to be loved alone above all things. Affection for creatures is deceitful and inconstant, but the love of Jesus is true…

  • THE JOY OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE

    The Imitation of Christ THE glory of a good man is the testimony of a good conscience. Therefore, keep your conscience good and you will always enjoy happiness, for a good conscience can bear a great deal and can bring joy even in the midst of adversity. But an evil conscience is ever restive and…

  • OURSELVES

    The Imitation of Christ WE MUST not rely too much upon ourselves, for grace and understanding are often lacking in us. We have but little inborn light, and this we quickly lose through negligence. Often we are not aware that we are so blind in heart. Meanwhile we do wrong, and then do worse in…

  • PURITY OF MIND AND UNITY OF PURPOSE

    The Imitation of Christ A MAN is raised up from the earth by two wings—simplicity and purity. There must be simplicity in his intention and purity in his desires. Simplicity leads to God, purity embraces and enjoys Him. If your heart is free from ill-ordered affection, no good deed will be difficult for you. If…

  • GOODNESS AND PEACE IN MAN

    The Imitation of Christ FIRST keep peace with yourself; then you will be able to bring peace to others. A peaceful man does more good than a learned man. Whereas a passionate man turns even good to evil and is quick to believe evil, the peaceful man, being good himself, turns all things to good.…

  • HUMILITY

    The Imitation of Christ BE NOT troubled about those who are with you or against you, but take care that God be with you in everything you do. Keep your conscience clear and God will protect you, for the malice of man cannot harm one whom God wishes to help. If you know how to…