The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXXI: “Of disregarding all Creatures, that we may find the Creator” (third entry)

It is an interesting image we find above. In this chapter, like so many others in this fine book, Kempis emphasizes the importance of mortification regarding earthly goods. Here, the author encourages the reader to consider a bird’s eye view of creation, separating himself from it, and maybe even encouraging us to consider how small and insignificant these things are in relation to God.

|Today’s responsorial psalm: Ps 9:8-9, 10-11, 12-13

Psalm 9 is all about the psalmist praising God for victory over enemies. In the highlighted verse, those who remain faithful are not forsaken as they continue to seek the Lord and endeavor to follow His will.

|Reflection

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near. (Is 55:6)

This life is a constant journey culminating in eternity. That we try to keep God in view in all of our thoughts, words, and actions, is a noble and necessary task. The Lord, knowing what’s best for us, is our only perfectly trustworthy guide. We should ask often for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we might fulfill the Father’s will and honor His Son by our lives. In particular, we should invoke the Paraclete when big decisions loom or difficult situations arise. Even a simple Sign of the Cross cherishes the Triune God. Or uttering the name Jesus (“God saves”), like the good thief on his cross, is a lofty prayer in itself, especially when the mind is so clouded it can come up with nothing else. God is trustworthy; He will not abandon us.

In honor of St. Dominic, whose memorial we celebrate today, let us recall what was said about him by a good friend of his: “Dominic…always spoke either of God or to God.” In the spirit of today’s post, may it be said of us as well, maybe not in all of our explicit words but rather in the way we express them and in any corresponding thoughts and actions.