Category: Thomas A. Kempis

  • HOW ONE SHOULD FEEL AND SPEAK ON EVERY DESIRABLE THING

    Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, this is the way you must speak on every occasion: “Lord, if it be pleasing to You, so be it. If it be to Your honor, Lord, be it done in Your name. Lord, if You see that it is expedient and profitable for me, then…

  • CONSIDER THE HIDDEN JUDGMENTS OF GOD LEST YOU BECOME PROUD OF YOUR OWN DEEDS

    The Imitation of Christ THE DISCIPLE YOU thunder forth Your judgments over me, Lord. You shake all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is very much afraid. I stand in awe as I consider that the heavens are not pure in Your sight. If You found wickedness in the angels and did…

  • THE OBEDIENCE OF ONE HUMBLY SUBJECT TO THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS CHRIST

    The Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, he who attempts to escape obeying withdraws himself from grace. Likewise he who seeks private benefits for himself loses those which are common to all. He who does not submit himself freely and willingly to his superior, shows that his flesh is not yet perfectly…

  • AQUIRING PATIENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CONCUPISCENCE

    The Imitation of Christ THE DISCIPLE PATIENCE, O Lord God, is very necessary for me, I see, because there are many adversities in this life. No matter what plans I make for my own peace, my life cannot be free from struggle and sorrow. THE VOICE OF CHRIST My child, you are right, yet My…

  • THE LONGINGS OF OUR HEARTS MUST BE EXAMINED AND MODERATED

    The Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, it is necessary for you to learn many things which you have not yet learned well. THE DISCIPLE What are they, Lord? THE VOICE OF CHRIST That you conform your desires entirely according to My good pleasure, and be not a lover of self but…

  • TO DESPISE THE WORLD AND SERVE GOD IS SWEET

    The Imitation of Christ THE DISCIPLE NOW again I will speak, Lord, and will not be silent. I will speak to the hearing of my God, my Lord, and my King Who is in heaven. How great, O Lord, is the multitude of Your mercies which You have stored up for those who love You.…

  • ALL THINGS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO GOD AS THEIR LAST END

    The Imitation of Christ THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, I must be your supreme and last end, if you truly desire to be blessed. With this intention your affections, which are too often perversely inclined to self and to creatures, will be purified. For if you seek yourself in anything, you immediately fail interiorly…

  • SELF-ABASEMENT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD

    The Imitation of Christ THE DISCIPLE I WILL speak to my Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. If I consider myself anything more than this, behold You stand against me, and my sins bear witness to the truth which I cannot contradict. If I abase myself, however, if I humble myself to nothingness,…

  • GRACE MUST BE HIDDEN UNDER THE MANTLE OF HUMILITY

    The Imitation of Christ THE SEVENTH CHAPTER THE VOICE OF CHRIST IT IS better and safer for you to conceal the grace of devotion, not to be elated by it, not to speak or think much of it, and instead to humble yourself and fear lest it is being given to one unworthy of it.…

  • THE PROVING OF A TRUE LOVER

    The Imitation of Christ THE SIXTH CHAPTER THE VOICE OF CHRIST MY CHILD, you are not yet a brave and wise lover. THE DISCIPLE Why, Lord? THE VOICE OF CHRIST Because, on account of a slight difficulty you give up what you have undertaken and are too eager to seek consolation. The brave lover stands…