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.
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.21-25, pt.2 Read More »
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.)
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.21-25, pt.1 Read More »
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.
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.17-20, pt.1 Read More »
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
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.13-16, pt.2 Read More »
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.
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.13-16, pt.1 Read More »
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.
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.10-12, pt.2 Read More »
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?
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.10-12, pt.1 Read More »
One of the great themes in The Imitation is that of simplicity. Within Chapter 5, á Kempis writes of needing to have simplicity in interpreting Scripture – “for we should look for profit in the writings rather than subtle expressions.”
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.5-9, pt.2 Read More »
Within these chapters, á Kempis emphasizes our humility, not as an end unto itself, but as the means of emptying ourselves so that we can, as Peter writes, become partakes of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.5-9, pt.1 Read More »
In our readings through the Imitation of Christ, our questions will not be what was á Kempis’s purpose or intention in regard to a particular passage; rather we want to look at how that particular passage speaks to you personally and ultimately transforms you.
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.1-4, pt.2 Read More »
