Monthly Archives: October 2013

The First Chapter: The Great Reverence With Which We Should Receive Christ

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The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
BOOK FOUR: AN INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION
The First Chapter: The Great Reverence With Which We Should Receive Christ

The Disciple

THESE are all Your words, O Christ, eternal Truth, though they were not all spoken at one time nor written together in one place. And because they are Yours and true, I must accept them all with faith and gratitude. They are Yours and You have spoken them; they are mine also because You have spoken them for my salvation. Gladly I accept them from Your lips that they may be the more deeply impressed in my heart.

Words of such tenderness, so full of sweetness and love, encourage me; but my sins frighten me and an unclean conscience thunders at me when approaching such great mysteries as these. The sweetness of Your words invites me, but the multitude of my vices oppresses me. Continue reading →

Week 44 : Imitate Christ, Weekly Study Guide

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Week 44 Discussion Notes:1

  1. Week 44 begins with Book Four of The Imitation of Christ: “An Invitation to Holy Communion.” Some readers may be surprised that Goodwin (a nineteenth century Bishop in the Church of England) could not find very much to offend Protestants in the treatment which Thomas à Kempis (a medieval Roman Catholic monk) gives the subject of the Eucharist. (Day 301)
  2. The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church provides guidance for preparation for Communion. How do you prepare to receive Holy Communion? (Day 302)
  3. In chapter 1, Kempis argues that many people take Communion lightly, because it is offered so often. Do you agree? Is the solution to offer Holy Communion less frequently? (Day 304)
  4. Rev. Dibdin preached that the act of Holy Communion is primarily about our communion with Jesus Christ. All other trappings of the sacrament–the clergy, the bread, and the wine–are really of secondary importance. (Day 305).
  5. What is Transubstantiation? (Day 307)

These study notes are for a year long study of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis. The text for this Bible Study is Imitate Christ, by T. Alan Truex. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

The discussion for this week will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.2

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Book 4 , Chapter 1 : The Great Reverence With Which We Should Receive Christ (October 30, 2013)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Challoner’s Reflections3 on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

  1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide ↩
  2. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide. ↩
  3. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER I.

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Challoner’s Reflection on The Imitation of Christ1
BOOK FOUR: AN INVITATION TO HOLY COMMUNION
CHAPTER I.: The Great Reverence With Which We Should Receive Christ

All that the Old Law presented; all of it that was grand, most imposing, and most holy, was but a slight shadow of the mysteries of the Man-God. David celebrates with pomp the return of the Ark of the covenant to Jerusalem; but that Ark was empty, it did not contain in it the Saviour of the human race. Solomon builds a magnificent temple; he dedicates it solemnly in presence of the people, bowed down in awe–countless victims are immolated; but those victims, what are they? Vile animals, the blood of which cannot satisfy the Divine Justice. The world was waiting in expectation of the salvation that had been announced to it, when behold, at the moment predicted, were accomplished the promises perceived and saluted from afar by the Patriarchs, during their pilgrimage on the earth. The desired of all nations (Aggeus, 2:8), the Lord, the Angel of the Testament (Malachi 3:1Open Link in New Window), the Lord, the just one (Jeremiah x13:6), shall come to his temple (Malachi 3:1Open Link in New Window), and the true sacrifice of propitiation replaces for ever the figurative sacrifices. In the depths of the tabernacle, under the veil of the sanctuary, reposes the ever-living Host; the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. He says to us: I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall not hunger; and he that believeth in me shall never thirst. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath everlasting life; and 1 will raise him up in the last day (John. 6:35, 55).

Continue reading →

  1. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

The Fifty-Ninth Chapter: All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone

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The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
BOOK THREE: INTERNAL CONSOLATION
The Fifty-Ninth Chapter: All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone

The Disciple

WHAT, Lord, is the trust which I have in this life, or what is my greatest comfort among all the things that appear under heaven? Is it not You, O Lord, my God, Whose mercies are without number? Where have I ever fared well but for You? Or how could things go badly when You were present? I had rather be poor for Your sake than rich without You. I prefer rather to wander on the earth with You than to possess heaven without You. Where You are there is heaven, and where You are not are death and hell. You are my desire and therefore I must cry after You and sigh and pray. In none can I fully trust to help me in my necessities, but in You alone, my God. You are my hope. You are my confidence. You are my consoler, most faithful in every need.

All seek their own interests. You, however, place my salvation and my profit first, and turn all things to my good. Even though exposing me to various temptations and hardships, You Who are accustomed to prove Your loved ones in a thousand ways, order all this for my good. You ought not to be loved or praised less in this trial than if You had filled me with heavenly consolations. Continue reading →

Week 43 : Imitate Christ, Weekly Study Guide

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Week 43 Discussion Notes:1

  1. Kempis wrote in INSTRUCTIONS FOR RELIGIOUS, “When you become too curious, or covet what you do not possess, you risk your soul. For the sake of Christ, be satisfied with plain clothing and simple food. Don’t chase after the shiny new things this world offers. Christ loves a pure heart, not what fancy or expensive clothes you wear.” But, isn’t this just the kind of talk that scares people away from wanting to be Christian? (Day 295)
  2. In chapter 58, Kempis cautioned us to not over-analyze those things which are known only to the God of the Universe. How do you reconcile this advice with the natural desire to discover what is unknown? (Days 295 through 297)
  3. One of Satan’s tricks to to try to make us question God’s judgment. Should we follow God, even when we do not understand Him. (Days 296 & 297)
  4. Kempis wrote in Chapter 59 that we can trust ALL of our hopes and troubles to God. Would you rather substitue the word “MOST” for “ALL?” (Day 299)

These study notes are for a year long study of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis. The text for this Bible Study is Imitate Christ, by T. Alan Truex. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

The discussion for this week will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.2

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Book 3 , Chapter 58 : High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized (October 23, 2013)
  2. Book 3 , Chapter 59 : All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone (October 26, 2013)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Challoner’s Reflections3 on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

  1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide ↩
  2. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide. ↩
  3. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER LIX.

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Challoner’s Reflection on The Imitation of Christ1
BOOK THREE: INTERNAL CONSULTATION
CHAPTER LIX.: All Hope and Trust Are to Be Fixed In God Alone

When interior or exterior trials, troubles, or contradictions afflict us, let us have recourse to God, who can alone aid us and remedy our distresses; let us with confidence pray to Him to assist us, to strengthen us, to comfort us. No temptation, no trial, no tribulation can come on us without his permission; nor will he permit us to be tried beyond our strength. Whatever trials He may be pleased to allot to us in this life, are given to us for our sanctification; we should therefore thank him for them, cheerfully undergo them, raise our hearts and eyes to Him, and rely confidently on the promise of Him who has said, Come to me all you that are heavy burdened, and I will refresh you.

Continue reading →

  1. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized

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The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
BOOK THREE: INTERNAL CONSOLATION
The Fifty-Eighth Chapter: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized

The Voice of Christ

MY CHILD, beware of discussing high matters and God’s hidden judgments–why this person is so forsaken and why that one is favored with so great a grace, or why one man is so afflicted and another so highly exalted. Such things are beyond all human understanding and no reason or disputation can fathom the judgments of God.

When the enemy puts such suggestions in your mind, therefore, or when some curious persons raise questions about them, answer with the prophet: “Thou art just, O Lord, and righteous are Thy judgments”; [42] and this: “The judgments of the Lord are true and wholly righteous.” [43] My judgments are to be feared, not discussed, because they are incomprehensible to the understanding of men. Continue reading →

COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER LVril.

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Challoner’s Reflection on The Imitation of Christ1
BOOK THREE: INTERNAL CONSULTATION
CHAPTER LVril.: High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God Are Not to Be Scrutinized

It is a great misfortune that men have so great a yearning to trouble themselves with thousands of vain questions, whilst they scarcely give a thought to the most important truths. They wish to know all things, with the exception of the one indispensable thing. Their pride is satisfied in speculations almost always dangerous, or at least useless towards their salvation. In endeavouring to penetrate impenetrable mysteries, their thoughts wander astray, and find only error at the very moment when they think that they are drawing from God his secrets. Such are the fruits of the labours with which they consume themselves under the sun.

Continue reading →

  1. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩

The Fifty-Seventh Chapter: A Man Should Not Be Too Downcast When He Falls Into Defects

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The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
BOOK THREE: INTERNAL CONSOLATION
The Fifty-Seventh Chapter: A Man Should Not Be Too Downcast When He Falls Into Defects

The Voice of Christ

MY CHILD, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to Me than much consolation and devotion when things are going well.

Why are you saddened by some little thing said against you? Even if it had been more you ought not to have been affected. But now let it pass. It is not the first, nor is it anything new, and if you live long it will not be the last. Continue reading →

Week 42 : Imitate Christ, Weekly Study Guide

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Week 42 Discussion Notes:1

  1. In Chapter 56, Kempis discusses Jesus’ promise, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6Open Link in New Window) Many people who don’t follow Jesus Christ will tell you THEY know the way, the truth — and even have a life — without Christ. What’s our response to be? (Days 288 & 289)
  2. Kempis wrote in Chapter 56, from Christ’s point of view, “If you wish to reign with Me, carry the Cross with Me. For only the servants of the Cross find the life of blessedness and of true light.” Does Kempis mean there is value in suffering? If so, do you agree? (Day 290)
  3. Are you a fair weather Christian? That is, do you remain firm in your walk with Christ during good times; but fall into doubt and despair when the trouble is unexpected or lasts for a long time? (Day 291)
  4. In the God ordained institution of marriage, a man and a woman grow closer in their relationship by both the good things and the bad things in this life. How is our relationship with God the same? (Day 293)

These study notes are for a year long study of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis. The text for this Bible Study is Imitate Christ, by T. Alan Truex. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

The discussion for this week will focus on the Chapters listed below, from The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis.2

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Book 3 , Chapter 56 : We Ought to Deny Ourselves and Imitate Christ Through Bearing the Cross (October 16, 2013)
  2. Book 3 , Chapter 57 : A Man Should Not Be Too Downcast When He Falls Into Defects (October 19, 2013)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

  1. Challoner’s Reflections3 on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

  1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide ↩
  2. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide. ↩
  3. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ↩