Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis Book 1: Admonitions For Spiritual Life Chapter 25 On the Fervent Amendment of Our Whole Life Be alert and diligent in the service of God, thinking often why you were born and why you have left the world. Was it not that you should live only for God and become a spiritual person? Set your heart on striving for perfection, for shortly you will be rewarded for all your labors and after that you will never experience sorrow and dread. 2. Once there was a person who was anxious whether or not he was in the state of grace; one day he fell to his knees before an altar in the church, praying, Oh, if only I knew whether I would persevere to the end of my life! He heard a voice within him answering, What would you do if you did know? Do now what you would do then and you will be secure. Immediately he was comforted and commended himself entirely to Gods will and all his doubts ceased. 3. The Prophet David tells us: Trust in the Lord and do good that you may cultivate the land and enjoy its riches (Ps 37:3). One thing holds many back from spiritual advancement and earnest amendment, and that is the fear and dislike of the effort and difficulties involved in the struggle. Yet those attain surpassing virtue who struggle bravely against the very things which they find hardest and most repugnant to them. 4. Two things that you need to make real progress are: you must withdraw yourself from those things to which you are prone by nature and strive for the particular virtue you most need. Especially be on your guard against and correct those faults that most annoy you in other people. 5. Use all occasions for your spiritual gain. If you observe good example, follow it; and if you see bad example, take care not to do the same. 6. Keep in mind your commitment. Place yourself before the image of Christ Crucified and see if you are not ashamed, when looking into His life, that you have done so little to model your life on His. Those who will meditate devoutly on the life and passion of our Lord will find there all that is necessary for them and will not have to look further. If Jesus crucified were often in our hearts, how quickly we would learn all things we need to know! 7, Religious persons put up with and accept willingly whatever they are commanded to do; but the neglectful and lukewarm are always in difficulty for they lack interior comfort and cannot seek it outside. 8. Consider the strict life others lead who are bound by the rules of the cloister. They seldom go out, eat sparingly, work hard, speak little, rise early, pray much, and discipline themselves. Arent you ashamed, then, of being so lazy and lukewarm! 9. What a beautiful life it would be if we had nothing else to do but lift our hearts and voices to praise our Lord! 10. When people reach that state where they seek consolation from no creature, then they begin to taste the sweetness of God and to be content with whatever happens. 11. Always remember your end and that time lost can never be regained. Without applying yourself diligently, you will never acquire virtue. The moment you begin to be lukewarm, your trouble begins. Those who are fervent and loving will always be ready to do Gods Will. It is harder to resist vices and passions than to toil in bodily labors. If you do not shun little faults, you will gradually fall into greater ones. Whatever your obligation to others, do not neglect your own soul. The more restraints you put on yourself, the more spiritual progress you will make and the greater your attachment to the will of God. XO Good night. We are in a spiritual war. Please pray and stay close to Jesus. Love Jesus with all of your heart, soul, mind, body and strength. Pray, Pray, Pray. Read the Scriptures.
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 03:41:50 +0000
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