Lectio et Oratio

What is the one model we need for the whole of our spiritual lives?

Christ Crucified. We read about how Christ on the Cross shows us the perfect example of every good and holy kind of action. As we try to figure out how to live, we must keep our eyes on the Lord of glory, nailed to the Cross. Chapter 25 is the final chapter in book 1. The general theme of this chapter is our need for zeal. Zeal is an effect of divine love. Zeal makes us eager to get rid of hinderances to holiness. What are we zealous for? What should be our main concern? Doing God's will in all its manifestations so as to grow in spiritual perfection, Christian holiness.

What will matter to us at the moment of death when we face judgment?

Our love for God. In this chapter, Thomas a Kempis tries to persuade us to think of our life in light of eternity. He wants us to consider what follows death, namely, judgement. We will have to give an account of our entire life. We will not be able to take anything from this world with us except the good deeds we have done out of charity. In addition to encouraging us to ponder this judgement, Thomas a Kempis wants us to understand that the punishments of hell are worse than anything in this life.

What should we ponder each day?

Our death. In chapter 23, Thomas a Kempis tries to persuade us of the advantages of thinking about the day of our death. He tries to show how short this life is. He shows how foolish it is to assume we will live a long life. He wants us to value this life for its main purpose: preparing us for eternity.

What should we think about this life?

A gift from God and A Misery due to sin. In chapter 22, The Imitation paints a very clear picture of our fallen condition. The main objective is to encourage us to stand strong in the face of disappointments. Every life, even the life of the most famous people, has difficulties. Then we must also consider all the sufferings caused by our sins. Truly this life cannot be all there is. Truly this life will not make us fully happy. Let us beg the Lord for the grace to run the race that is set before us.

Besides wanting to be close to God, what other inward disposition should we pray for, especially in Holy Week?

Holy Sorrow. In chapter 21, Thomas a Kempis places before us our need to pray for the fear of the Lord. Why? The fear of the Lord, the Psalms teach, is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of the Lord is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Fear of the Lord has different degrees. But building on our faith in God's goodness, fear makes us feel REVERENCE towards God. Fear makes us afraid of sinning because we do not want to be separated from His love. From this fear of the Lord, we grow to hate our sins and all the ways we block out His mercy. This holy hatred leads us to a holy sorrow, a true sadness at sin.

What are some of the best means of growing in intimacy with our Creator?

Learning to love solitude. In this episode's reading, Thomas a Kempis stresses the need to love being along with Jesus. Once again he is first and foremost talking to monks and priests. But he lays down principles that are crucial for all those who want to live in greater familiarity with the Lord. What is clear is that this chapter is the fruit of experience. When he speaks of the remorse and regret for forgetting about God"s will and just trying to have a good time, his words suggest that Thomas a Kempis is writing from what he knows first hand. He is passing on to us what he had learned about the best use of one"s time.

Can people in the world profit from knowing how a monk should live? 

Yes! We read about advice for the daily life of a monk. But really the advice is very general advice that almost all people can follow. What is especially useful is his suggestions for what to do every morning (resolutions) and evening (taking account of the day's behaviour). We should never forget that lay people for centuries have been reading and profiting from this masterpiece.

To whom can we look for human inspiration?

The saints who have gone before us! We read an exhortation to order the example of the ancient holy men who followed Christ so bravely and prayerfully. St Philip Neri, for example, was called, "man of primitive times." Why? He longed to have contact with the saints of the early Church. He longed to love God the way they did. So can we!

Why should one become a monk?

To seek God and to save one's soul. This episode's reading describes what life in a monastery or community is like. The description might not appear at first to be useful for people in the world. But there are many lessons for everyone in this reading. What is the way to true peace in this world? Self-abasement out of love of Jesus.

What is the Lord's frequent ways of helping us grow in patience?

The faults of other people. We will receive instruction on the best way to react to the mistakes and sins of those around us. The Imitation gives us reasons to welcome the faults of others in terms of our own spiritual growth. The book then tackles a couple of our favourite objections to putting up with others. The Imitation helps us see our inconsistencies and hypocrisy in how demanding we can be of others.