Ancient Anglican

Throughout the book, á Kempis tells us that we will always have difficulties and always fall short.  His intention, however, is not to dissuade us from seeking Christ, but rather to let us know that our difficulties and failures are common to all so that we should not lose heart. 

Throughout his meditations, á Kempis keeps returning to the theme of having an intimate friendship with Jesus.  An aspect of that friendship is the art of knowing how to converse with him. 

The first step towards Christ is not to worry about the state of someone else’s soul but ours.  If we only attend to ourselves and our own shortcomings, we will lack the energy to correct others and will be unable to judge others too harshly. 

in being illuminated inwardly by Christ the prophecy of Jerimiah becomes fulfilled “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.” Hebrews 8:8-13.

These virtues are not additional rules and burdens that we are compelled to undertake, for as Paul says “against these things, there is no law”; rather these are desires and features of a transformed heart that actively seeks the kingdom of God which is within us all. 

The overall theme of these chapters (and the book) is to be prepared.  Nothing should focus the soul and the mind as death and the threat of punishment. 

In these final chapters of Book 1, á Kempis focuses on the final stages of purgation: remorse, misery, death, and judgment. (It’s Good Friday all over again.)

In these meditation, Kempis gives his his insights into the virtues of discipline, perseverance, service, training, and silence. He commits us to look at the example of the saints who have displayed those virtues that we should emulate them.

Whenever we wish damnation on others, we attack Christ himself, annul his Passion, and so compel him to undergo it again.  Ultimately, when we lose patience with others and curse them we bring that same curse upon ourselves

The commandment to keep from judging others, is not one we can volunatry keep, as if we could simply will ourselves not to judge; but rather it is the fruit of a humble heart turned towards God and with love towards your neighbor. 

As you read through chapter 12, think about whether trials and hardships themselves are Good or Evil.  If they come from God, then they are the former but if God merely sends us the means with which to handle the trials, but not the trials themselves, then they are the latter.

There is a difference, therefore, between obedience grounded in love and obedience predicated upon power.  As you read through this meditation, think about whether obedience is a necessary good within a spiritual or ecclesiastical context.  Should we all be obedient to someone?