Tonight we are continuing with meditations 21-25 of Book III of The Imitation of Christ. In chapter 23, Jesus lays down four things that bring peace:
- To do another’s will (“Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count other betters than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interest of others.” Phil 2:3-4)
- Always prefer to have less than more (“’Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth . . . but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven’” Matt 6:19-20)
- Always seek the lower place (“’When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor . . . but when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place.’” Luke 14:8-10)
- Always wish and pray that God’s will may be entirely fulfilled in you. (“‘Father, if thou art willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.’” Luke 22:42)
If you have the opportunity today, ruminate over these four points. Allow them to roll over in your mind and point you into the way of peace.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is a gourmet hot dog bar. Discussion about 6:45. Hope to see you here.
Out of the depths have I called to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice; *
Psalm 130
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
If you, Lord, were to note what is done amiss, *
O Lord, who could stand?
For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, wait for the Lord, *
for with the Lord there is mercy;
With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.