The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXXIII: “The Inconstancy of our Heart, and of Directing our Final Intention to God” (second entry)

Kempis closes this chapter with the words above. A recurring theme: be single-minded in intention of looking to Christ without any earthly thing causing us to lose sight of Him.

|Today’s Gospel reading: Mt 16:24-28

This passage is sandwiched between Jesus’ first prediction of His passion, death, and resurrection and the Transfiguration. Thus it seems fitting that He speaks of suffering (carrying the cross), death (losing one’s life), and glory (Jesus coming again in splendor to repay each person based on his conduct). This time is coming soon, the Lord says.

|Reflection

Keeping one’s eyes on the prize means keeping one’s eyes on the cross. Another paradox of Christianity. Ignominy leads to glory. Jesus promised a cross so we should not be surprised when it comes the way of a Christian. No cross, no crown. No Good Friday, no Easter Sunday. Easy? Hardly. Necessary? Definitely. Thus, Kempis is particularly wise in his nearly continuous emphasis on detachment which also includes detachment even from health and well-being. We don’t need to look for these things in a masochistic way. What we must endeavor to do is, when the little and big trials come our way, to accept them docilely for the forgiveness of sins and the redemption of souls all the while asking the benevolent Father for an increase in faith, hope, and love. The sincere and faithful follower will not be denied in this life or the next.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXXIII: “The Inconstancy of our Heart, and of Directing our Final Intention to God” (first entry)

In a nutshell, this short chapter simply says that feelings come and go but the wise person is above all these changes and focused on his desired end: eternal life.

|Today’s Gospel reading: Mt 18:15-20

Jesus presents how to handle a particularly difficult matter: what to do when someone close to you sins against you. The correct course of action is to first try to work it out between the aggrieved (who initiates the process) and the offender one-on-one. If this fails, the one offended is to take one or two others with him as he attempts to settle the matter. If the situation has still not been resolved, then it is to be taken it to the Church. Finally, if all attempts fail, the unrepentant person who has committed the offense is to be shunned. Then Christ gives the apostles the power of binding and loosing of sins. Lastly, He tells them (and us) that when two persons agree on a prayer intention it will be granted and where two or three are together in His name, Jesus is in the midst of them.

|Reflection

Kempis provides a prerequisite to Jesus’ instructions toward the end of today’s Gospel. The “single eye” of the intention of the pray-er(s) must be toward Christ. In the Our Father we pray, “thy will be done.” So, at bottom, whatever we ask for must be placed in full trust into God’s hands so that we can accept the disposition of the Divine Will “unshaken.” Having a prayer partner/spiritual director to be a steadying influence when we are being tossed about by life’s waves is wise advice from our Lord.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXXII: “Denying Ourselves and the Renunciation of all Cupidity” (third entry)

Kempis, in this closing section of the chapter, has Christ conclude by saying that what is “contemptible” to men is “true and heavenly wisdom” that teaches humility. That which advances one’s interest in the world, “greatly esteemed” by far too many on this planet, often resulting in sinful pride, should be put away in order to attain the wisdom of God.

|Today’s responsorial psalm: Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103. 111,131

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter of the Book of Psalms. It covers a lot of ground, but its main theme is praise of God. We see that highlighted with today’s excerpts. In the verse highlighted here, we have the psalmist glory in the law of the Lord, those precepts meant to be followed in order to have right relationships with God and neighbor. Other verses chosen for today, similarly, express the greatness of the Lord’s decrees, promises, and commands.

|Reflection

Isn’t it true that the wisdom of God is considered foolish to so many persons (see the proper order here and here)? Wisdom, that we find explicitly in divine revelation, especially in the inerrant Holy Bible, in the commandments of the Old Testament (think the Ten Commandments) and the New (think the Beatitudes), is very uncomfortable for, and even contemptible to, the worldly who want nothing to do with a demanding deity. “The law of your mouth” is Jesus, the Word of God. He is more precious than any amount of gold and silver because, while they rot (see Jas 5:1-3), Christ, who lives never more to die, paves the narrow path for us to leading to eternal bliss.

All we take with us at the end of this life is our soul. May it gleam like electrum after a life of detachment from its elements when our Savior greets us.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXXII: “Denying Ourselves and the Renunciation of all Cupidity” (second entry)

Kempis’s Christ calls the words above a “short and perfect saying” and goes on to say that “when you shall have put it into practice, you will understand all things.” The disciple agrees about its perfection, but realizes that achieving it is a long and difficult process.

|Today’s Gospel reading: Jn 12:24-26

Appropriately, the Gospel for today’s feast of the deacon and martyr St. Lawrence speaks of death unto new life. The grain of wheat that dies in the earth is a seed that brings forth much good fruit. Total dedication to Jesus requires renouncing base things to follow Him so that He will always be with us and so that the Father will honor us. The reward: eternal life.

|Reflection

“Forsake all.” “Hate” this life. We might think these thoughts when things are going very badly for us, but most persons cling to life even in the most dire circumstances and wish for happiness and contentment here on earth. So why so much emphasis in The Imitation of Christ and the Gospels — seemingly — on the detestability of created things? Didn’t God make everything good (read Gen 1 again).

Now, certainly we have here exaggeration for effect. Jesus Himself enjoyed the good things of this world to the point that some called Him “a glutton and a drunkard” (see Lk 7:34). When we are struck with confusion at such implications, we should remember the first beatitude: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3). Both sides of the equation tie in to that on which we are focusing today. “Poor in spirit” simply means detachment from created things. We can and should give glory to God for the beauty in creation, but we are to prefer nothing to God Himself and we must not let the least little thing hinder us from what should be our only and ultimate goal (the second part of this beatitude: unending union with God who desires the same thing — see 1 Tim 2:3-4). Like St. Lawrence, we are to deem the current life of little value and gladly give it up for the sake of the Kingdom, even if it means extreme hardship for us for keeping the Faith. Is it easy to do this? the concupiscence that we inherited due to Original Sin makes it difficult — the lure of sensual pleasure is strong. Like Kempis’s disciple, we recognize this to be a constant battle. There will be advances and fall back, like most any skirmishes. Yet we must persevere in prayer, penance, fasting, alms-giving, and the sacraments (Confession and Eucharist). Fighting the good fight to the end leads to final victory that can never be taken away from us.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXXII: “Denying Ourselves and the Renunciation of all Cupidity” (first entry)

Christ continues to emphasize the importance of self-denial so that one will “understand all things.” The disciple concurs but recognizes the difficulty of attaining it (“this is not the work of one day, nor child’s sport”). Christ urges the disciple to pray for “heavenly wisdom” to overcome worldly affections.

|Today’s first reading: 1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a

Elijah, running for his life after receiving a death sentence from Jezebel, first hopes to die after an exhausting day on the lam, but receives heavenly sustenance. Then he pours out his heart to the Lord, discouraged by the killing of other prophets and the bounty on his head. God tells Elijah to go to the mouth of the cave in which he is hiding to await the Lord’s coming. Many fantastic occurrences present themselves before the Lord becomes present in “a still, small voice.”

|Reflection

Elijah needed heavenly wisdom in his despair. What was next for him? The answers he sought came not in some ostentatious way but rather in a whisper. This should encourage us to see the Lord in the little things. In what ways, and through what persons or events, is He speaking to us? Is it through a soft-spoken worldly wise person, a small child whose wonder and innocence spies something we long ago had filtered out, a gathering that did not quite go as expected, or the quiet of an empty church? Our tendency is to look for the explicit sign of the Lord’s message for us. Today’s reading tells us that the Almighty can speak most powerfully through subtlety. We are encouraged to quiet ourselves, remove ourselves for a time from the tumult (as Jesus did in today’s Gospel) and be attentive to the gentle promptings of God. The world is full of distractions. Our Father and His Son ask that we concentrate on them to find the peace that come from embracing true wisdom.

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.

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

The disciple in Kempis, at the beginning of this chapter, implores God for the grace to not allow any created person or thing to be an obstacle for him to focus solely on God. It it in this way that he knows he will find true freedom.

|Today’s Gospel reading: Mt 16:24-28

A short, but profound, excerpt on the conditions of discipleship closes out chapter sixteen of Matthew. Denial of oneself, hardship, maybe even death, will be in store for authentic Christian. The focus must be on Christ, not worldly enticements, so that at the judgment, those who remain faithful will be repaid handsomely. Jesus concludes with a rather mysterious prophecy regarding the timing of His return.

|Reflection

For just as you presented the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness for lawlessness, so now present them as slaves to righteousness for sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. But what profit did you get then from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now that you have been freed from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit that you have leads to sanctification, and its end is eternal life. (Rom 6:19-22)

For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1)

An addict, when feeling honest — or hitting rock bottom — will admit to the slavery of his addiction. But one does not have to be a fall-down drunk or a drug-addled junkie to appreciate the effects of sin in one’s life. Any earthly vice that compels us to behave badly, to shirk our duties, or to put God, family, and friends on the back burner, is a significant problem with devastating consequences if allowed to go unchecked. Do anything for that cigarette? Don’t bother me for anything during my show? Spend hours on social media or the internet wasting time or worse? Indulge in endless combox “debates” and trashing whomever?

Freedom of choice? Or no freedom because these are not choices but obsessions?

Nothing on earth can enslave us when our primary focus is on the Lord and His will for us. But becoming “slaves of God”? We should want to be counted in that number. Paul speaks of the “yoke of slavery” of those things that will not gain us salvation. Rather, let us turn to Jesus whose “yoke is easy, and…burden light” (Mt 11:30).

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

This chapter urges the reader to focus on God above all things. The key is detachment from created things, even very learned works, when they distract us, or worse, lead us away from, Truth Himself.

|Today’s second reading: 2 Pt 1:16-19

We hear from Peter because he recalls to his readers the Transfiguration he personally witnessed on this its feast day. The vicar of Christ declares that he is not conveying some clever story but rather what he witnessed on the mountain one day: the honor, glory, and majesty bestowed on Jesus by God the Father. He wants to share the message of the Father with us: “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” He omits the last three words that Matthew records, “listen to him.” The prophetic message Peter and the apostles convey comes from their Master and the Holy Spirit and so all should listen and be enlightened.

|Reflection

Learning is wonderful. We should not stop learning until we are no longer able to take in information. But, we must realize that the pinnacle of learning is the Bible. It is the ultimate preparation for eternal life. How can we “listen to him,” or even know Him, if we do not read about Him in His inspired word. So, while we may well need to keep up with resources regarding our chosen profession or avocation, we must not neglect the Word of God, “the prophetic message that is altogether reliable” and “that learning which comes from above.” Now, here, I would strongly recommend a Catholic Bible with solid, orthodox commentary (the notes from learned persons who are in conversation with God). But, before even getting to the commentary, just meditate on the passage you have chosen (“be attentive to it”). Then enhance this time of contemplation with (other) deep insights from the commentator and Father, Doctors, and great figures of the Church. Find recommendations and resources here.

Our Lord, the Word of Truth, wants to be our “lamp shining in a dark place.”

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXX: “Of Asking the Divine Assistance, and of Confidence of Receiving Grace” (third entry)

Here, Jesus speaks of temptations that afflict, fears that frighten, and worries about what the future may bring. True faith is manifested in patience and courage bringing consolation. I am reminded of the Scripture, “Fear is useless; what is needed is trust” (Lk 8:50, Mk 5:36).

|Today’s Gospel reading: Mt 15:21-28

The Gentile woman who seeks out Jesus to exorcise her daughter is the moving tale we are graced with today. Jesus travels to her region where news of His wondrous deeds apparently preceded Him. She begs Him for help and He ignores her. She does not give up, annoying the disciples to the point that they ask Jesus to send her away. She persists, with Jesus finally responding to her, but only to say that He has come for Israelites only, calling her like “dogs.” Yet still she persists, and Jesus credits her faith, telling her that she has received what she wished for her daughter.

|Reflection

In addition to patience and courage, the Canaanite woman exhibited the quality that Kempis has emphasized most throughout his book: humility. True, she would not give up, and certainly she was bold in her initial request and persistence, but in the end it was her meekness that won over Jesus. We should long to hear addressed to us the words the Lord spoke to the woman: “great is your faith.” Also, we should be reminded of another Gentile, made famous in the Gospels, the centurion seeking healing for his son/servant: “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Mt 8:10). It is worth contemplating that two of Christ’s most adamant declarations of faith are to outsiders and “sinners” (as the Pharisees would have it). No persons (including us) are beyond the reach of God, regardless of their origin, status, or past deeds. We would do well to not only imitate this woman and the centurion, but to remember — and pray for — all

[t]hose who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience – [since] those too may achieve eternal salvation. (Lumen Gentium 16 as cited in CCC 847)

Let us pray that “consolation will come…in due season” for mankind as all are prompted to turn to the one and only Savior of the world.

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, Book III Chapter XXX: “Of Asking the Divine Assistance, and of Confidence of Receiving Grace” (second entry)

These words that Kempis puts on Christ’s lips come immediately after He chastises the disciple for seeking consolations and external delights. What is reinforced here is that it is in Jesus that we find true consolation and the delight of mind and heart that cannot be attained elsewhere. Deliverance from trial and tribulation can only be secured in prayerful trust in the One who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.

|Today’s first reading: Jer 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22

Today we hear the opening words of the “Book of Consolation” in Jeremiah. Likely written at the time of the siege of Jerusalem by Babylon (587 B.C.) or shortly thereafter, Jeremiah finally brings some comfort to a people whom he has long warned of devastation and who are now experiencing it. The city will be rebuilt, the Temple restored. God has rebuked His wayward people but will never abandon them.

|Reflection

When we put together the two quotes in the headline we learn something very important about our God: no matter what we do or how far we stray, God is always with us desiring our return to Him so that He can restore us and make us better than ever before. The Chosen People constantly were drawn away from Yahweh by following the gods of foreign lands. We are tempted to fall away from Christ due to the pull of temporary worldly consolations and delights. Kempis often speaks of mortification in order to keep our focus on God. This is good advice. Fasting and abstaining of our own accord from even good things helps to prepare us for those times when we are deprived of comfort, consolation, health, and so on. It keeps our focus on what is really important: eternal life with the Lord.