The gifts under the tree: anticipation's role in hope

For those of us who exchange gifts at Christmas, you may already have presents under the tree. We take some trouble to hide the specifics of the gifts. They may be covered in wrapping paper. They may be placed in gift bags. They may be hidden in a stocking or an envelope. They're definitely hidden. 

But if we're so keen to hide them -- if hiding them were the whole point -- why would we make such an effort so everyone knows they're there? The stockings are hung in plain sight. The gifts are on open display, "concealed" by very-visible wrappings. What is the point of displaying the fact that we're hiding something? 

There's a tension about Christmas between waiting for the "right time" to receive the gifts and the anticipation of knowing the time is close and that it includes good things for us. We see that there are gifts, not knowing the contents. Seeing them is an encouragement to know that someone has thought of us and planned good for us. It builds hope to know that there is a set day, not too far in the future, when a good thing will happen. It's a human connection, to see the evidence of someone's loving thought, something specially for us. 

God has done that with us in the times we have to wait. For the ancient Israelites, there were prophecies -- promises -- of a King to come, with a herald before him calling in the desert. For Elizabeth and Zechariah, there was the promise of a child who would fulfill the prophecy of the forerunner. For Mary, there was the the promise of a son. For us, we remember that first Christmas, as our Christmas celebration approaches each year. And as the long years pass, we remember there is another Day to come where we will see him face to face. 

It's important to have something we can see here and now, while we wait. 

The Holy Spirit and the bedrock virtues: faith, hope, and love

In Scripture, we hear less about the Holy Spirit than we hear through the Holy Spirit. If we consider the Father as the God we cannot see, and Christ as God with us, then the Spirit can be considered God within us. There we see Christ most clearly, and through Christ we see the Father; but the Spirit is scarcely seen. At times in the New Testament when someone is said to be filled with the Holy Spirit, the Spirit-filled person is generally not speaking about the Spirit, but about Christ. The Spirit is less of a focus, and we often learn of the Spirit only by pausing on verses where the Spirit is pointing us toward God, or a presence in our lives. 

We learn that the Spirit knows the mind of God, reveals the things of God, and speaks through the prophets. And we learn that the greatest gifts of the Spirit are faith, hope, and love: the great life-affirming virtues, the virtues fullest of joy and wisdom. 

I'm beginning to see the "gifts of the Spirit" in a different light. I had for many years supposed that "gifts of the Spirit" are things that the Spirit gives us in some sort of relay, where the Father gives us the Spirit, then the Spirit in good time may give us gifts of faith. I wonder now if those gifts are simply an aspect of the Spirit of God. As for faith: if the Spirit of God knows the mind of God, then the Spirit has no doubt about God's goodness or his intentions, so understanding the mind of God gives faith. As for hope: If the Spirit of God knows what God will accomplish, then the Spirit of God is unwavering in hope, so confidence in the knowledge of God gives hope. As for love: if God is love and the Spirit of God knows the heart and mind of God, then of course the Spirit of God is full of love, so sharing the Spirit of God gives us love. 

It seems that the gifts of the Spirit are not a separate thing from the Spirit. If I look for the gifts apart from the Spirit I will come up empty. If I look for the Spirit, there are the gifts too. 

What the Armor of God Tells Us about the Attacks of Evil

Most Christians are familiar with Paul's call to put on the "armor of God" to stand against evil: 

Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, with the belt of truth around your waist, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Above all, take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)

Anyone who is preparing for battle is preparing for the expected attacks. Each preparation shows what type of attacks Paul expected in our spiritual battle. So the things we need prepare us for certain attacks: 

• Truth: because we expect attacks in the form of lies and half-truths, omissions and distortions
• Righteousness: not just because we expect wickedness from our enemy, but because we expect a temptation to resort to evil things for a good cause, or expect temptation because of our own weakness
• Good news of peace: because spiritual attacks will disturb our peace and confidence, and can take the form of opening our spirits to look somewhere besides Christ. This leads to Paul's next point
• Faith: because spiritual attacks will sow doubt, especially doubt in the Lord or his compassion or his goodness
• Salvation: because the confidence that God has us in his hands will make many spiritual attacks fail against us
• The Word of God: Jesus showed the Word was sufficient for turning back the attacks of evil. 

Except for the last item, everything Paul lists is general preparation or defensive: belts and shoes, helmets and shields and armor. Only the last, the "Word of God", is the "weapon", the thing that touches our foes. May it change our human foes into allies. Because, as Paul said, "we do not fight against flesh and blood" that is, humans; the real battle is a spiritual one. 

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and broader horizons

Today we celebrate Christ the King Sunday, and our readings included recognizing Jesus as "ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5). It is always a comfort to me that earthly rulers are not the ultimate authority; it may even be a comfort to the earthly leaders that they have a leader of their own (see David and Solomon). 

Momentarily, I felt left behind that the kings and rulers have someone as a backstop, someone who fulfills their tasks at a level above them. Then I reflected how often Jesus is compared to people in other roles. He is named Good Shepherd -- over the shepherds and all the rest of us. He was first "Fisher of men" over his disciples who were fishermen, who in turn become like him as fishers of men. He was Master of the Banquet in Cana. Physician over the physicians, and for us all. He is Great high priest over the priests, even over the high priest. He is Judge over the judges. He is Teacher over the teachers -- and himself the truth that they seek. And along those lines, whenever any of us need a father figure, God is our Father. 

When any of us is out of our depth, we have someone to turn to. And whenever we have a worthy job, we are in some ways like him. May his kingdom come, his will be done on earth as in heaven. 

Essential Bible Verses for Dealing with Difficult People

I have been struggling with my attitude towards someone lately, and wanted to collect some scriptures to help me with that. 

1. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with all. (Romans 12:18)
2. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
3. Judge not, so that you will not be judged.  (Matthew 7:1)
4. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:6)
5. See that no one repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (1 Thessalonians 5:15)
6. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
7. Do not repay evil for evil or slander for slander, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)
8. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; knowing that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient. (2 Timothy 2:23-24)
9.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
10. Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)

   So many good candidates for this list. 

The temptation to measure God's love by personal convenience

I find a temptation to measure God's love by personal convenience. The thought tends to lurk unspoken, since when said out loud it's clearly an ungrounded thought. And yet it's a real one, so I'll take a moment to look at it. 

There's that quiet assumption in my mind: I measure temperature with a thermometer, weight with a scale, and God's love by whether my life is going to my plan, or by my comfort and convenience, or by prosperity. When I look at "How much do my plans meet with success?", does that really measure God's love more than my planning ability? Or does it measure events I could not foresee? 

The Bible relates the life journeys of those that I am sure God loved, and they were not easy lives. We see Abraham called to leave his homeland, Joseph in prison, Moses on the run, the Hebrews wandering in the wilderness for a generation, Daniel imprisoned, Paul shipwrecked. Even Christ, executed. And so many others I haven't named. 

So I have to remember that comfort is not a measure of God's love. Desiring an easy life may say more about me than about God, and what it says is not necessarily flattering. 

How do I recognize love? Love listens. Love hears. Love is present. Love is there for us. And especially that presence: when I think of God's omnipresence, I might remember why it matters. Omnipresence is part of the fabric of God's love: Nothing can separate us from the love of God. In scripture, Paul named a long series of things that cannot separate us from the love of God, and he would know: he had experienced many of those hardships that he named. 

On this day, may I stop trying to measure God's love against my smallness, and choose to trust God's love. 

All Saints: Clouds of witnesses and role models

Today at church we celebrated the festival of All Saints. I see those who have gone before us as an encouragement. In the letter to the Hebrews, we're urged to be mindful of the "great cloud of witnesses" as we complete our earthly tasks. And I draw encouragement from the example of what is possible, as lived in the lives of many who have gone before. So in honor of God's people throughout history, here are some who have inspired me: 

1. Naomi - Mother-in-law of Ruth, who was an ancestor of King David. Naomi's love, kindness, and warmth created a home and converted a soul. 
2. Solomon - King of Israel, son of David and Bathsheba .When he dreamed that God offered him anything he might ask, he asked for the wisdom to be a good ruler of such a great people. 
3. Mary of Bethany - Sister of Martha and Lazarus. She famously sat at Jesus' feet and listened rather than busying herself; Jesus stood by her decision and said she had chosen what is better. 
4. Athanasius - Author of several books including On the Incarnation of the Word of God. His clarity in explaining Christ's work, and his passion for showing why it is good news, make his masterpiece writing nearly as inspiring as the canonical gospels. 
5. Eusebius the Historian - Following in the footsteps of Luke, he aimed to be careful in record-keeping and so preserved many fascinating references and faith-building connections. He is an inspiration for me in carrying history by the use of primary sources. 
6. Saint Francis - This man had an innocence so fresh that it would be easy to dismiss as naive, though his spirit had a beauty and generosity that continues in enduring appeal. 
7. Saint Clare - Her single-minded devotion to loving and serving God first earned her the respect of St Francis, and later earned her place among those who led their generation in serving God. 
8. J.S. Bach - an evangelist with a keyboard, he was a prolific composer who is well-known for his beautiful and powerful songs. He would often close his compositions with the initials SDG (Soli Deo Gloria): to God alone be the glory. 
9. G.F. Handel - Another prolific composer, he is most famous for his powerful, electrifying, and hauntingly beautiful composition Messiah, with its well-known finale Hallelujah Chorus. As I've mentioned before, I would rate his Hallelujah as the best Bible study ever written on the Book of Revelation. 
10. Therese of Lisieux - a nun who died young, she attracted many with her humble, accessible humility and her warm, generous spirituality. Her autobiography, recorded in obedience to her mother superior while she was dying, is one of my inspirations. 
11. Theresa of Calcutta - a modern saint whose intense love and devotion shined a light of compassion into the devastatingly poor slums of Calcutta. 
12. J.R.R. Tolkien - not officially a saint on anyone's list except possibly my own, Tolkien's imagination re-envisioned a world in which culture, beauty, and the natural world thrive side-by-side. His work is layered deeply with Christian themes such as the wisdom of hope, the necessity of forgiveness, and the desirability of good. 

Essential Bible verses for posting on social media

These Bible verses about speech are helpful to me for social media: 

1. The first to present his case seems right until another comes forward and questions him. (Proverbs 18:17)
2. A gentle answers turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)
3. These six things the LORD hates, and seven are an abomination to him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginings, feet that run swiftly to mischief, a false witness who speaks lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)
4. Dear brothers and sisters: be swift to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. For the wrath of man does not bring about the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
5. Speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)
6. Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but that which is good for the purpose of building up, that it may serve to bring grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
7. In your anger do not sin: do not let the sun go down upon your anger. (Ephesians 4:26)
8. Do not repay evil with evil. Be careful to do what is right. (Romans 12:17)
9. Love one another as I have loved you, that you also love each other. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for each other. (John 13:34-35)
10. When he [the devil] speaks a lie, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44)
11. A good man brings good out of the good treasured in his heart, and an evil one out of the evil brings forth evil: for out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45)
12. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who persecute you. (Luke 6:28)

Essential Bible Verses On Prayer

These passages of the Bible focus on God hearing our prayers: 

1. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him greatly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. (Genesis 17:20)
   
   
2. And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows. (Exodus 3:7)
   
   
3. And the LORD said to him, "I have heard your prayer and your request that you have made before me: I have hallowed this house, which you have built, to put my name there for ever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.(1 Kings 9:3)
   
   
4. Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up unto the house of the LORD. (2 Kings 20:5)
   
   
5. Because your heart was tender, and you have humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against those who live there, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have rent your clothes and wept before me; I also have heard you, says the LORD.(2 Kings 22:19)
   
   
6. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him, I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. (2 Chronicles 7:12)
   
   
7. Thus says the LORD: In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. And I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate inheritance. (Isaiah 49:8)

These passages speak of God hearing our prayers: prayers of parents for children, prayers of relief for suffering, prayers for places of worship, prayers for healing, prayers for forgiveness, prayers for grace. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.25 (Part 3) - Stronger growth in the spirit

How do so many other religious orders live? They are confined in the discipleship of the cloister: seldom going out, removed from the world, eating as the poorest, dressing rough, working much, talking little, watching long, rising early, prolonging their prayers, reading frequently, and in every way keeping discipline. Observe the monastic orders, the Carthusians and the Benedictines and the Cistercians, and the monks and nuns of different religions, rising up every night to sing to God. It would be shameful to sleep in and be lazy in such a holy work, where so many of the religious orders begin to rejoice in God.

Oh, if nothing else tied up our time, we could praise the Lord our God with our whole heart and voice! Oh, if you never needed to eat or drink or sleep, but could always praise God and give yourself to spiritual strength alone, you would be much happier than with the necessity of being servant to your body. I wish that these were not necessities, but only the spiritual refreshments of the soul, which sadly we taste too seldom.

When a man comes to this point that he seeks comfort from no creature, then for him God begins to be perfectly wise, then also he will be content in whatever circumstances. Then he will not rejoice over having plenty nor be sad over having little, but commits himself wholly and trustingly to God, who is all in all to him, to whom nothing is born or dies, but all things live to Him and wholly serve Him.

Remember always how things end, and how time lost does not return. Without heartfelt dedication and diligence you will never acquire virtues. If you begin to turn lukewarm, things will begin to go ill with you. But if you give yourself to enthusiasm you will find great peace, and you will feel lighter in your labor because of the grace of God and the love of virtue. A man who treasures virtue is ready for all things. It is harder work to resist sins and passions than to do manual labor. Whoever does not avoid small faults will slowly fall into greater ones. You will always be glad in the evening if you spent the day productively. Be mindful of your own progress, regardless of what others choose: do not neglect yourself. The progress you make will match the power of your effort. Amen.

(End of Book I)

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.25 (third part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.25 (Part 2) - Stronger growth in the spirit

We do not all have the same vices to conquer, the same evil desires to put to death. The one who is diligent -- even if he has more vices -- will have stronger success than someone who has fewer faults but less dedication to the pursuit of virtue. Two things in particular are helpful to greatly amending ourselves: withdrawing forcefully from the sin to which we are naturally most inclined, and pursuing fervently that good in which we are most lacking. Mark especially those faults you find most frequently in others, and study how to subdue them in yourself. 

You will make progress wherever you may be if you see or hear good examples and kindle your spirit to follow them. But if you see* anything blameworthy, be careful that you are not doing the same thing, or if sometime you have done it, quickly learn how to correct yourself. As your eye takes note of* others, so they are also taking note of you. How joyful and refreshing it is to see devoted and enthusiastic brothers in the faith who are self-controlled and sinless. How sad and distressful to see them walking disorderly, not walking the walk to which they are called. How hurtful it is to neglect the purpose of their calling, and to turn their inclinations to things which are not in keeping with their calling.

Be mindful of what you have seized as your purpose, and keep the image of the Crucified before yourself. You might well feel shame as you look on the life of Jesus Christ, because you have not yet made any great effort to conform yourself more to Him, though you have counted yourself as following God's way for a long time. Someone who is religious, who exercises himself seriously and devotedly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, will find there all things that are useful and necessary. Neither is there any need to seek something better beyond Jesus. Oh! if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and completely we should have been instructed. 

A devoted religious person bears all things well, and receives all the commands given. The one who neglects his faith, who is lukewarm, has trouble upon trouble and suffers anguish from all sides: first because he is without inward consolation, and then because he is forbidden to seek that outward consolation. The one who claims a religious life but lives outside of that devotion risks serious ruin. Someone who is seeking that easier, more lenient path is always going to be in distress, because one thing or another will displease him.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.25 (second part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

* Here, again, it seems likely that the Latin text was mis-transcribed at some points (and again, f for s). Particularly, the online Latin text has "confideraverit" and "confiderat" where a more likely reading would be "consideraverit" and "considerat". I've translated accordingly. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.25 - The earnest amendment of our whole life

Be vigilant and diligent in God’s service, and spend some time considering what drew you to the spiritual life rather than the worldly one. Wasn't it a desire to live for God and become more spiritual? So be eager to improve, because you will receive your reward soon enough, and neither fear nor sorrow will trespass on your peace. A little bit of work now, and great rest -- better said, everlasting joy -- is what you'll find. If you remain faithful and fervent in what you do, no doubt God will be faithful and generous in rewarding. Holding fast to a good hope is your duty: hope that you will attain victory, though without falling into complacency which leads to indifference or arrogance. 

There was a certain man who was anxious, going back and forth between hope and fear. At one point he was overwhelmed with grief and cast himself down in prayer before the altar in a church, and meditated within himself, saying, “Oh! if I only knew if I should persevere to the end.” He heard within him a voice from God, “And if you did know it, what would you do? Do now what you would do then, and you shall be very secure.” And quickly he was comforted and strengthened. He committed himself to God's will, and all that anxiety stopped. He didn't need to obsess curiously about his own fate and what would come of him, but turned his mind instead to what was the good and perfect will of God for the start and completion of every good work.

Hope in the Lord and do good, says the Prophet; dwell in the land and you will feed on its riches. The one thing that holds back so many from progress, from amending their lives, is the dread of difficulty. The ones who excel in virtue are the ones who are willing to do the hard work, to conquer those things within themselves which are most grievous and contrary to them. That's where a man makes the most progress and deserves greater grace, where he most overcomes himself and conquers his own spirit.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.25 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.24 (Part 2) - The Last Day sheds light on this world

Then it will be seen that the wise man in this world was the one who learned to be a fool and despised for Christ. Then every tribulation endured with patience will be a triumph, while every sin will stop the sinner's mouth. Then will all the faithful rejoice, and the religious recognize their merit. Then the physically afflicted will rejoice more than if their flesh had been constantly nourished by delights. Then the humbly clothed will shine in beauty, and fine clothes will lose their shine. Then the poor's small home will be praised more than the gilded palace. Then patience that endures will have more might than all the power of the the world. Then simple obedience will be more highly exalted than all worldly cunning.

Then a pure, simple conscience will be gladder than learned philosophy. Then contempt of riches will weigh more than all the treasure of the children of this world. Then you will take more comfort in devoted prayer than in fine food. Then you will rejoice more in silence than storytelling. Then holy actions will be far stronger than a stream of pretty words. Then a lawful life and heartfelt repentance will be worth more than all the pleasure in the world. Learn now to suffer a little, so that then you are freed from heavier ones. Test it here, try it now, what you are able to endure. If now you are able to bear so little, how will you be able to endure eternal torments? If so little suffering makes you so very impatient, what will happen in a literal hell? See certainly that you will not be able to have both joys, to live for delight here in this world, and to reign with Christ in the hereafter. 

If up to this day you had always lived in honor and pleasure, what gain would all that be if you died unexpectedly? All things then are pointless, except to love God and to serve Him solely*. For the one who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God. But whoever still delights in sin, no wonder if he fears death and judgment. It is good that if love does not call you back from evil, at least the fear of judgment should cause you to check yourself. Whoever puts off even the fear of God cannot continue long in good, but quickly runs toward the traps set by the devil.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.24 (second part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

* Here the online Latin text that I'm using has "et illi foli servire", which makes no sense and I am taking as a transcription problem. I'm reading it as "et illi soli servire". Both the meaning and the typical writing style suggest to prefer "soli servire" instead of "foli servire", and s / f is a common transcription issue in some older texts, depending on the languages and penmanship. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.24 (Part 1) - The judgment and punishment of the wicked

Editorial comment: Now and then in translating this, my perspective is strongly different from the author's. Where he sees us facing justice where we each bear our burden alone, I see Christ in that picture with forgiveness and mercy, and will voice some amazement that he makes no mention of that. I'll skip the Lutheran comments about purgatory; they would be predictable and therefore hardly necessary. He anticipates Dante in some imaginative turns. Take from this section what you will; there are still some useful thoughts in it.

---

Always keep an eye on how things will end. You will stand before a strict judge. Nothing is hidden from him. He won't be bribed. He doesn't take excuses. Whatever is justice, that is his judgment. O most miserable and foolish, what will you answer to God, who knows every evil done? You sometimes fear the face of an angry man. Can't you foresee yourself on the day of judgment? The day when no one can be excused or defended by someone else, but each shall bear his burden himself alone? Not then but now is the time when your labor can bear fruit, when your tears are acceptable, your groans are heard, your sorrow is satisfying to God and cleansing to your soul.

There is a great and healthy purification for the patient man -- who when he is injured, is more grieved by the other's malice than by his own injury; who willingly prays for those who are against him, and forgives from the heart; who does not delay in asking forgiveness from others; who is more easily moved to pity than anger; who frequently denies himself and in all things strives for his flesh to be subject to his spirit. It is better to purify ourselves from sins, to cut off our vices now, than to save those sins and vices for later, from which we must be purified hereafter. Truly, we are fooling ourselves with that unhealthy love we have towards the flesh.

Let me ask you, what will that fire of judgment devour, except for your sins? The more you spare yourself and chase after the flesh, the harder you are making it for yourself, and the more fuel for the fire. In whatever way a man has sinned, he shall be punished more seriously. There shall the idle(?) be purified with burning spurs, and the gluttons be tormented with unbearable hunger and thirst. There shall the lovers of luxury and pleasure be covered with burning pitch and stinking brimstone. And like mad dogs, the envious will howl. 

There won't be a single sin that doesn't have its own punishment. There the cocky will be confused, and the greedy will be held back by poverty. There, one hour will be a more severe punishment than a hundred years on earth of the bitterest penance. In that place there is no rest for the lost or comfort for the condemned. Here, sometimes there is rest from labors and enjoyment of the comfort of friends. Now is the time to be concerned about your vices and sorrowful for your sins, so that on the day of judgment you may be immediately secure among the blessed. In that day the righteous will stand in great steadiness against them, who have caused affliction and distress. Then will he stand up to judge, who now humbly submits himself to the judgments of men. Then the poor and humble will have great confidence, while fear on every side will overtake the proud. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.24 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.23 (Part 2) Meditation on Mortality

You, most dear in the Lord, you might free yourself from much danger and fear, if the fear of death were the only one in your mind! Apply yourself now to live so that the hour of death brings no fear, but rather joy. Learn now to die to the world, so that already you begin to live with Christ. Learn now to despise other things so that you may freely go to Christ. Keep your body in penitence, and you will be able to have a sure confidence.

Fool, do you think that you shall live long, when you are not sure of a single day? How many have been deceived, and have been drawn from the body unexpectedly! How often have you heard people speak of death: that one died violently, another drowned, another fell and broke his neck, another choked, another died while at play. They'll say someone died in a fire, someone died being stabbed, another from disease, another by a robber. For all, the end is death, and human life is gone as fast as a shadow. 

Who will keep your memory after your death, and who will pray for you? Most dear in the Lord, now is the time to do all you can for yourself, because you do not know when you will die. Neither do you know what will happen to you after death. While you have time, store up immortal treasure. Consider your salvation, and think of nothing else. Only for the things of God, spend your care. Make yourself friends by venerating the saints, imitating their works, so that when this life fails, they will receive you into your eternal home. 

Carry yourself as a pilgrim and guest on this earth, to whom the concerns of this world are nothing. Keep your heart free, upright, and uplifted towards God, for here have we no enduring city. To Him your prayers and groans are daily directed with tears, that your spirit may deserve after death to pass happily to the Lord.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.23 (second part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.23 (Part 1) Meditation on mortality

Very quickly a certain thing will happen to you; watch how it will be. Today a man exists, and tomorrow he does not appear. And when he is no longer before our eyes, he passes out of our minds. Oh the dullness and hardness of the human heart, which solely sees the present, and does not ponder the future. In every action, in every thought, hold yourself as if you would die immediately. If you had a good conscience, you would not fear death much. It would be better to be careful of sin than to flee from death. If today you are not ready, how do you think you will be tomorrow? Tomorrow is an uncertain day, and how do you know that you'll have a tomorrow?

What does it gain to live long when we improve little? Long life does not always improve, but often increases our faults even more. I wish that for one day we could live well in the world. Many people count up the years since their conversion, but often cannot count the fruit of a changed life. If it is a fearful thing to die, it may be more dangerous to live long. Blessed are they who keep the hour of death always before their eyes, and prepare each day for the end. If you have seen someone die, consider that you will pass away the same way.

In the morning, consider that you may not reach the evening. When evening is done, do not promise yourself tomorrow. Stay ready, and live in such a way that death never finds you unprepared. Many die suddenly and unexpectedly. "In an hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man comes." When that last hour comes, you will begin to feel very differently about your whole life to that point, and will grieve much that you were so negligent and careless.

How happy and wise is someone who strives now to live his life as he wishes to be found in death! To give the soul great confidence in the face of death, have a perfect contempt of the world, a fervent desire to excel in virtues, a love of discipline, the job of repentance, readiness, self-denial, and submission to any adversity for love of Christ. You can do so many good works while you have your health, but when infirmity overtakes you, I don't know what you can do then. Few are made better through infirmity: likewise those who make many pilgrimages rarely return more holy.

Do not rely on your friends and neighbors, and do not defer your wellbeing to the future, for people will forget you more quickly than you think. It is better for you to take the time now to provide for yourself, and to prepare good for the future, rather than hope for the help of others. If you do not make good provision for yourself now, who do you suppose will make good provision for you later? Now the time is most precious. Sadly you take your time and spend it uselessly, when you could lay up treasure for eternal life. There will come a day or hour when you long to make yourself better, and I do not know whether you will have it. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.23 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.22 (Part 2) The misery of the human condition

Brother, do not lose confidence in progressing to spiritual things. While there is still time, while the hour is not past, why procrastinate on your purpose? Get up. Start right now. Say it: “Now is the time for action, now is the time to fight, now is the moment for movement.” When you're going through a bad time, when you're struggling, that's the time to earn your progress. You will pass through fire and water before you rest and refresh. It will take vigor to overcome vice. So long as we carry our frail human body, being without sin is impossible, and neither can we be without weariness and trouble. Gladly we would rest from all misery; but because through sin we have lost innocence, we have also lost true happiness. So we must be patient, looking to God for mercy until this iniquity has passed away, and death has been cut off from life.

O how great is human frailty, which is always vulnerable to vice! Today you confess your sins, and tomorrow you commit the same sins again. Now you propose caution, and an hour later it's as if you had never proposed it. We have earned humility, even if we have not learned humility, since we are so fragile and unstable. And we can quickly lose our spiritual gains by negligence, which we worked so hard to attain with the help of God's grace.

What will happen to us in the end, if so early we become lukewarm? Woe to us if we choose to rest, as if there were already peace and security, while there has not yet appeared one single sign of true holiness in us. It would be better to train like beginners, to gain better habits, so there might be hope of future improvement and greater spiritual progress.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.22 (second part). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.22 (Part 1) The misery of the human condition

You are miserable wherever you go, no matter where you turn, unless you turn to God. Why does it bother you that things don't go according to your personal wishes and desires? Can you name one person who has everything the way he wants? Not me, not you, not anybody on this earth. There is nobody in this world who is free from trouble or anguish, not even a king, not even the Pope. Do you know who has things better? It's the one who is strong to suffer something for God.

There are a lot of foolish and weak people who say, “Look what a good life that man has, how rich and how respected, how powerful he is at the top.” But pay attention to the heavenly good, and you will see that all these worldly goods are nothing: they are unreliable; they are burdens; whoever has them has cares and fears. Human happiness is not from having material abundance; a moderate portion is enough. Our life on earth has suffering. The more a man desires to be spiritual, the more bitter the prevailing material life becomes to him, because he has a better sense and sight of human corruption. For to eat, to drink, to watch, to sleep, to rest, to work, and to be subject to the other necessities of nature, is truly an unhappy affliction to a devout man, who would rather be released and free from all sin.

The inner man is heavily burdened with physical necessities in this world. So the prophet devoutly prays to be freed from them, saying, "From my needs, O Lord, deliver me." It is sad that so many do not understand the suffering and shortness of life. And some embrace life in such a way that, even if working or begging they have barely enough to get by, still if they could live here always, they would care nothing for the Kingdom of God.

Oh insane and unfaithful in heart, so deeply involved in the things of the earth, knowing nothing but the things of the flesh. In the end they will feel the weight of how worthless were the things that they loved. The holy ones of God and all devoted friends of Christ did not serve the things which pleased the flesh, or the things which flourished only for a time. All their hope and intent strained after lasting good. Their whole desire was on things that are lasting and unseen, so that they were not dragged down by love of what they see. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.22 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.21 (Part 2) Contrition of heart

Know yourself as someone unworthy of divine consolation, and more worthy of much tribulation. When a man feels the sting of his own sins, then all the world is burdensome and bitter to him. A good man will find plenty of reason for mourning and weeping, for no matter whether he thinks of himself or his neighbor, he knows that no man alive is without troubles. And the more thoroughly he considers himself, the more thoroughly he grieves. The most justified reason we have for grief and sorrow are our sins and vices, which have us so tangled up that it is rare for heavenly things to fill our minds. 

If you thought more of your death than of stretching the length of your life, without a doubt you would put your heart into improving yourself. And if you seriously thought about hell or even purgatory, I believe you would willingly endure pain and hard work in this world, and would not be turned aside by hardship. But because these things do not reach the heart, and we still love flattery, we remain spiritually cold and lazy.

Often it is because we lack strength of spirit that the poor body complains so easily. Pray, then, humbly to the Lord that he give you a contrite spirit. Say with the prophet, "Feed me, O Lord, with bread of tears, and give me tears to drink in great measure."

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.21 (second part). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.21 (Part 1) Contrition of heart

If you desire progress, keep yourself in the fear of God, rather than being excessively free. With self-discipline, restrain all your senses; do not senselessly give yourself to frivolous pleasures. Give yourself to contrition of heart and you will find devotion. Contrition opens up many good things, which moral corruption will quickly lose. It is strange that anyone can rejoice whole-heartedly in this life who seriously thinks about his exile and all the dangers to his soul.

In our light-hearted way, we pay no attention to our own shortcomings and are not bothered by them. How often we laugh when we have good cause to weep! There is no true freedom or good conscience apart from the fear of God. It will work out well for the one who can throw off obstacles and distractions, and wholeheartedly apply himself to holy contrition. It will work out well for the one who disowns from himself anything that may stain his soul or burden his conscience. Strive manfully; habit is overcome by habit. If you know how to leave others alone, they will gladly leave you alone to do as you wish.

Do not meddle with the affairs of others, or entangle yourself with the business of the great. Keep an eye on your own affairs first, and give advice to yourself before you give advice to your friends. If you do not have a good reputation among people, don't let that bother you; let your concern be that you were seeking more reputation than is fitting for a servant of God who is devoted to the faith. It is generally more useful and safer for a man not to have many comforts in this life, especially comforts of the flesh. We lack divine comforts -- or feel them rarely -- through our own fault, because we do not seek contrition of our heart, and do not let go of the comforts that are worthless and worldly.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.21 (first part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.20 (Part 2) - Loving solitude and silence

No one is worthy of heavenly consolation without diligently exercising in holy contrition. If you want to feel compunction in the heart, go into your closet and shut out the noise of the world, as it is written, Commune with your own heart in your own room and be still (from Psalm 4:4, Vulgate). In private you will find what you often lose in public. Privacy, if continued, grows sweet; if neglected, it's boring. If in the beginning of contemplation you're fully present and guard it well, then with time it will become a dear friend, and a most pleasant consolation.

In silence and quiet there is gain for the devoted soul, learning the hidden things of the Scriptures. There he finds a fountain of tears with which to wash and cleanse the soul at night, that the soul may grow more familiar to its Maker, distancing itself from worldly noise. Whoever withdraws from his acquaintance and friends, God draws near with his holy angels. It is better to be on the sidelines and care for the soul, than to neglect the soul and work wonders. It is praiseworthy for a religious man to go out rarely, to avoid being seen, and not to see others. 

Why do you desire to see what it is not permissible to have? The world passes away and its worldly desires. These desires of sensuality draw you out to wander. But when an hour is past, what did it bring but a weight on your conscience and a distraction to your heart? A delightful departure brings a sorrowful return, and a merry evening makes a sad morning. So all carnal joys look harmless at first, but in the end it comes back to bite you. 

What can you see anywhere that can last long in this world? You think maybe you'll reach satisfaction, but you'll be unable to attain it. If you could see everything that there is, what would be the point in what you've seen? Lift your eyes to God on high, and pray for your sins and your neglect. Let go of things which are doing you no good anyway, and focus your mind where God has directed. Close your door, and call on Jesus as the one you love. Stay with him in private; you will not find so much peace anywhere else. If you hadn't gone out and heard the latest gossip and rumors, it would have been better for your peace of mind. Because sometimes it delights you to hear news, you have to endure a troubled heart. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.20 (second part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.20 (Part I) - Loving solitude and silence

Loving solitude and silence

Find that free time for your meditation, and frequently think of God's goodness to you. Let go of the curiosity questions; prefer to ponder what strengthens you against evil, rather than what occupies your mind. If you withdraw from excess talk and idle gatherings, and from listening to news and rumors, you will find plenty of time suitable for good meditation. The greatest saints used to avoid the company of men when they could, choosing to live in secret before God.

As someone has said, “Whenever I have gone out among men, I have come back a lesser man.” This is typical when we have spent long in conversation. It is easier to be silent than to speak without being excessive or transgressive. It is easier to keep yourself at home than keep a close watch on yourself when you're out. Someone who tends toward the inner life, which is spiritual, must go with Jesus “apart from the multitude.” No one safely goes out in company except the one who loves the peace of home. No one safely talks except the one who loves to hold his peace. No one safely rules except the one who loves to serve. No one safely commands except the one who has learned to obey. No one safely rejoices except the one who has the testimony of a good conscience within himself. 

The boldness of the Saints was always full of the fear of God. They were not less watchful of themselves or less humble because they shone forth with great virtues and grace. But the boldness of the wicked comes from pride and arrogance, and in the end it turns to hopelessness. Never promise yourself security in this life, no matter how good you may appear in the religious life. 

Often those who have better esteem among men are at greater risk spiritually because of their over-confidence. So it's much more useful that they are not entirely free from temptation and even suffer some reproach, or they may grow over-confident, or be lifted up into arrogance, or comfort themselves too much with externals. Now, a man who never chased a passing pleasure, who never became preoccupied with the world, how good a conscience would that man keep! If someone would whole-heartedly reject all futile anxiety, and focus fully on the healthful and the holy, and build his whole hope upon God, how great peace and rest that man would possess!

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.20 (first part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Essential Bible Verses on Peace

1. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
2. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end. (Isaiah 9:6-7a)
3. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)
4. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
5. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God, and the peace of God which passes understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
6. Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)
7. Whoever would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no deceit. Let him disown evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. (1 Peter 3:11-12)
8. Wisdom's ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:17)
9. The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the bond-service of righteousness will be quietness and security for ever. (Isaiah 32:17)
10. He shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people, and they will turn their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they study war any more. (Isaiah 2:4)

Thomas A Kempis 1.19 (Part 2) - Spiritual exercises

The exercises which are not common to all are not for showing outwardly but are safest in secret, carried out privately. Watch out that you don't become lazy about the common exercises and eager for special ones. When you have fully and faithfully completed your obligations and fulfilled your orders, if you still have more free time, then take up your own interests as your devotion desires. It's not possible for everyone to have the same spiritual exercise, since one thing serves one man better, and another works better for another. And in different seasons, different exercises are needed: some for holy days, some for great feasts. Some serve well in times of temptations and others in times of peace and rest. In times of sadness I like certain meditations, and others when we are joyful in the Lord.

Around the time of the major festivals the good exercises should be renewed, and the prayers of the Saints more fervently sought. We should resolve to move from Feast to Feast as if each were our time to migrate from this world to the eternal feast. So we should prepare ourselves earnestly in times of devotion, and in holy conversation, and keep a close watch on all our observances as if we would soon receive the reward of our labors from God. 

And if we postpone preparing ourselves, let us believe that we are less well prepared and still unworthy of the glory which shall be revealed in us at the appointed time. May we study to prepare ourselves the better for our end. Blessed is that servant, as the Evangelist Luke says, whom, when the Lord returns He finds watching. Truly I tell you, He will make him ruler over all that He has.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.19 (second part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.19 (Part I) - Spiritual exercises

The life of someone religious should be filled with all virtues, so that inwardly he is the same as he outwardly seems to others. There should be much more inside than is seen outside because God is the one who sees our hearts. He is the one we should respect and revere above all, no matter where we are, and like the angels in his sight we should walk in this world. Every day we should renew our purpose, and kindle our hearts to warmth and devotion, as if each day were the first day of our conversion, and say, “Help me, God, in good purpose, and in your holy love, and grant me now today to begin perfectly, because there is nothing I have yet done.”

As goes our purpose, so goes our progress. If we desire good progress, it takes diligence. If someone who resolves strongly still falls short often, what about someone who rarely resolves, and not so strongly? There are so many ways where things depend on circumstances.  A small lapse from our intentions still brings us some loss. The purpose of the upright depends more on the grace of God rather than their own patient endurance; for in Him they always trust, regardless of what they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes; and it is not in a man's power to direct his own steps. 

If a spiritual exercise is sometimes skipped for the sake of some act of good, some fellowship or useful work, it can easily be recovered afterwards. But if a weary mind or neglect causes us to skip then it is a fault, and the omission will be felt. If we try to the best of our abilities, we will still see small shortcomings in many things. Always we should have a firm purpose, and focus especially on the things that give us the most trouble. Both outwardly and inwardly we should reflect on ourselves, and keep ourselves in order, because both will affect our progress. 

If you aren't continually reflecting on yourself, set aside certain times, that is in the morning or evening. In the morning set your purpose, and in the evening reflect on what was done, how you have been that day in word, action, and thought. Review if in these things you may have offended God and those around you. If you are facing something wicked or diabolical then prepare yourself for a serious struggle, and show up as a warrior. Curb any appetite that is out of control starting with food and drink, and from there it will become easier to curb any physical appetite. Never be completely without something to do; you could be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or doing something that is useful for the common good. Bodily exercises, however, are to be done with discretion, and are not to be used equally by all.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.19 (first part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.18 - The example of the holy fathers, and their legacy

Consider the Holy Fathers as vivid examples, where we see real perfection and religion shining. Compared to them, everything we do is so little that it amounts to nothing. Now, what is our life when compared to theirs? Those saints and friends of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labor and weariness, in vigils and fasts, in prayer and holy meditations, in persecutions and many insults.

And oh how many troubles -- serious ones -- they suffered. Those Apostles, Martyrs and Confessors, Virgins, and all the others who willingly followed the footsteps of Christ. When it came to their souls they hated them in this world so that they might keep them in eternal life. And what about the hardships of the holy fathers in the desert, who renounced their lives -- what long and serious temptations they suffered! Think how often were they assailed by the enemy, what serious and passionate prayers they offered to God, what strict fasts they undertook, what great enthusiasm and eagerness for spiritual growth. Think how strongly they waged war to tame their vices, how pure and upright was their intention toward God. Throughout the day they worked, and the night they filled with prayer -- though even when they were working they scarcely stopped praying in their minds. 

They spent all their time usefully. Every hour seemed short to devote to God. And through the great sweetness of contemplation, they even forgot the need of bodily refreshment. All riches, reputation, honors, friends, relatives -- they renounced them; they desired nothing from the world. They took the bare necessaries of life; they would rather not be servants of their bodies even in necessity. So they were poor in earthly things, but so rich in grace and virtue. On the outside they were needy, on the inside they were filled with grace and heavenly comforts.

They were strangers to the world, but close to God as kinsmen and friends. To themselves they seemed nothing, to the world they seemed contemptible; but in the sight of God they were precious and chosen. They stood fast in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in love and patience; and so every day they prospered and lived in great favor before God. The saints are given as an example to all religious people to challenge us to accomplish well, rather than how the many lukewarm tempt us to lack of effort.

How great was the enthusiasm of all the oath-taking religious when they first joined the holy institution! They were so devoted to prayer! There was rivalry for holiness! They had such great self-discipline! Their reverence and obedience flourished in all things under the rule of the spiritual master! The traces of them that remain until now testify that they were truly holy and perfect, supplying the world with those who strove so energetically. Now a man is counted great if he is not a transgressor, and if he is able to endure with patience. 

The temperature of our times is one of negligence, that we so quickly decline from the former love, and it is tiresome to be alive because of fatigue and lukewarmness. May the growth of virtue not become dormant in you, since you have seen so many examples of those who are devoted. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.18

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.17 - The religious life

Thomas A Kempis 1.17 - The religious life

It is necessary to learn to break away from your own will in many things, if you want to remain in peace and harmony with others. It is not easy to live in a religious community or congregation, and to live there without complaint, and to remain faithful even until death. Blessed is the one who has lived a good life there, and completed it happily. If you want to stand your ground and prosper there, carry yourself as an exile and a pilgrim on this earth. You must become a fool for the sake of Christ, if you want to lead a religious life.

The clothing and the outward appearance of being religious aren't that important; it is the change of character and the willingness to kill off our passions that truly make a religious man. The one who seeks something else besides purely God and the health of his soul, will find only trouble and sorrow. It's not possible to stay peaceably without relying on being the least, and servant of all.

You have come to serve, not to rule. Know your vocation: peacemaking and labor, not relaxation and small-talk. This life tests men as gold in the furnace. No one can stand here unless with all his heart for God's sake he will become humble. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.17

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.16 - Patience with others' faults

In some things, it is truly rare for a man to be able to improve himself or others, so he should endure patiently until God orders otherwise. Think how it may be better for your patience, because untested merits are unproven. You should then plead that God, who is worthy, may come to your aid in such trials so that you can endure them well and kindly. 

If someone who is warned once or twice does not listen, don't keep arguing, but let go and give it to God, that His will may be done and His honor be shown in all his servants. He knows well how to turn evil into good. Commit yourself and learn to be patient in tolerating others' faults and whatever weaknesses they may have, because you too have plenty of faults that must be tolerated by others. If you cannot make yourself into the person you want to be, how would you be able to turn someone else into what you wish? We are eager to see others made perfect, and yet we don't amend our own faults. 

We want others to be corrected strictly, but we will not be corrected ourselves or be denied what we ask. We want laws passed to restrain others, but will not tolerate being restrained ourselves in any way. It's clear enough that we rarely think of our neighbors in the same way as ourselves. If we were all perfect, then what would we have to suffer from others for God?

But now God has ordained, so let us learn, to bear one another’s burdens because none is without defect, none without a burden, none sufficient for himself, none wise enough by himself; so we bear with each other, comfort each other, as well has helping and warning each other. Adversity is an occasion to prove our strengths. For such occasions do not make a man weak, but they reveal it.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.16

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.13 (part 2) - Schooled by life

The beginning of temptation is instability of the soul, and a lack of confidence in God. Like a ship without a rudder is driven by the waves, so a man who is unmoored from his purpose is carried along by various temptations. As fire tests iron, so temptation tests the upright man. Often we do not know what strength we have; but temptation reveals what we are. Carefully watch the beginnings of temptation, when it's easiest to defeat the enemy, if the door of the mind is closed to him, when he is confronted as soon as he has knocked. As someone said, 

Stop the problem at the gate,
Harder to cure the longer you wait.

The first thing that comes to the mind is a simple suggestion, then the strong imagination, afterwards pleasure, evil affection, and assent. And slowly the enemy enters completely, since he was not resisted from the start. And however much a man delays resisting, every day he makes himself weaker, and the enemy against him stronger. 

Some suffer the worst temptations in the beginning of their conversion, some at the end, and some for nearly their whole life. Some are tempted lightly, according to the divine decree of wisdom and justice, who weighs the state and merit of man, and orders all things for the wellbeing of his chosen ones. 

So we should not lose hope when we are tempted, but earnestly ask God, who is worthy, to help us in all our troubles; that he will, as St. Paul says, with the temptation he provides a way that we can bear it. Let's humble ourselves then under the hand of God in all temptation and trouble, for the humble in spirit he will save and lift up. 

In temptations and troubles a man is tested as to what progress he has made, and in those temptations his greater merit shows, his strength and virtue is clearer. It is no great thing if a man is devoted and faithful when he has no deep struggles; but if he can bear patiently in times of adversity, then is there great hope. Some are guarded from great temptations, but are often defeated in everyday life so that they are humbled, never trusting themselves in great things, as they are weak in small things.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.13 (second part). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

The Holy Spirit in the Four Gospels

I have found myself wondering how much we understand the Holy Spirit, and so beginning at Pentecost this year have started a study of that. This week I am looking at what we learn of the Holy Spirit from the Gospels. 

In Matthew, the Holy Spirit is shown first as the cause of Mary's conception of Jesus. Next we see the Holy Spirit in connection with John the Baptist. John says that one who will come after him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit, and then we see the Spirit of God descending on Jesus at his baptism. Then  Jesus states that he casts out demons by the Spirit of God. That in turn leads directly to the warning about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The application of the term blasphemy shows the Holy Spirit is regarded as divine. And at the end of the gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So we see a spirit that is a creative and cleansing power, poured out first on Jesus and then through him to the apostles and others. 

While in general Mark has fewer references to the Holy Spirit than Matthew, he does include some references that Matthew does not. He mentions that King David spoke by the Holy Spirit, touching on the wisdom and discernment so often associated with the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament. And he mentions that when the apostles are put on trial for their faith, they should not premeditate their responses but say what the Holy Spirit would give them in the moment. Again, this is in keeping with the "spirit of wisdom" familiar from the Old Testament. 

In Luke, the first mention of the Holy Spirit comes from the angel Gabriel, who speaks of John the Baptist (not yet conceived) being filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb. As with Matthew, Luke also mentions the Holy Spirit as the cause of Mary's conception of Jesus. We see Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, speak by the Holy Spirit; so do Zechariah and later, at the Temple, Simeon. Simeon had also received a promise revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would live to see the Messiah. Again, as with other gospels, we see the Holy Spirit at Jesus' baptism. Likewise we see the warning against blasphemy, and the encouragement that the Holy Spirit would teach them what to say when they were brought to trial. In Luke, again we see the Holy Spirit's connections to baptism and to creative power, along with connections to words of empowerment, prophecy, and wisdom. 

In John, we again see the connection to baptism, but from there the Gospel of John adds some references we have not seen in other places. We hear that the Holy Spirit was not yet given to the apostles during Jesus' ministry "because Jesus was not yet glorified." We see Jesus saying that the apostles would receive the Holy Spirit to teach them all things and to bring to their memories what he had taught them. Finally, we see Jesus breathing on them and saying to receive the Holy Spirit. 

The Spirit of God: Old Testament references

Today Christians in the Western traditions celebrate Pentecost, when God poured his Spirit on the disciples in Jerusalem, visibly seen as tongues of flame. John the Baptist had prophesied that after him comes someone who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The earliest Christians were all Jewish by faith, covenant, culture, and family. While this Pentecost started a larger understanding of the Spirit of God, I wanted to see what the earliest Christians would have understood from the Old Testament about the Holy Spirit. 

By far the most common reference I found to the Spirit of God in the Old Testament involves the spirit wisdom. This reaches as far back as providing Joseph wisdom for providing for Egypt through the long famine (Genesis 41:38). The God's spirit of wisdom and understanding -- at times also a spirit of knowledge -- was referenced for workmanship and craftsmanship, leadership, and justice. God's spirit is referenced for might and protection against enemies in battle. It also leads to righteousness, aids in grace, and guides prayer. The Spirit brings peace and restoration, creation and renewal, and especially renewal of heart and the human spirit. The spirit of God is a spirit of blessing. 

The appearance of fire in connection with the spirit at this Pentecost is not entirely new. Some Old Testament passages speak of the Spirit of God in connection with fire. Sometimes the fire is connected with justice or purification, and sometimes with inner light to search the soul (Isaiah 4:4, Proverbs 20:27)

The Spirit of the Lord was said to have spoken through the prophets, and through them brought good news to the poor. This includes the well-known prophecy where the Spirit of the Lord causes one to speak good news to the meek, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom to the captives and release to the prisoners. 

In the prophet Isaiah's description of the Spirit of God, he calls it the spirit of wisdom and understanding, of counsel and might, of knowledge and fear of the Lord, and that the one with the spirit of the Lord has joy in the presence of the Lord. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.13 (part 1) - The root of temptation lies within us

So long as we live in the world, being without trouble and temptation is impossible. So it is written in Job, Troubled is the life of man on earth. So each of us should be concerned about his own temptations and be vigilant in prayer, so that the devil finds no place deceive; who never sleeps, but circles around seeking his prey. No one is so holy and perfect that he never has temptations, and to be fully free of them is not possible. 

However, there are temptations that are very useful, even though they afflict us seriously; for through them we are humbled, purified, and instructed. All the saints passed and progressed through many trials and temptations. Those who did not endure were held back by them and failed. There is no station in life so sacred, no place so secret, that there are no temptations and adversities.

There is no man completely free from temptations, no matter how long he has lived, because the cause of temptation is within us. We are born with disordered desires. As soon as one trial or temptation fades, another takes its place, and there is always something that we need to endure patiently. This is because we have lost the good of happiness. Many seek to flee from temptations and fall more seriously into them. We cannot win the fight by running away, but by patience and true humility we become stronger than all our enemies.

The one who resists the outward part of the temptations but does not pull up the root, that one will find that temptations return more quickly and rage more fiercely. By small steps, through patience and endurance, with God's help you will conquer better than with your own hardness and self-willed persistence. Often accept council and consolation in temptation, and with someone who is tempted do not act harshly, but comfort and strengthen him as you would have done to yourself. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.13 (first part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.15 - Works of charity / love

There is no worldly good, there is no person, for which we should do anything that is evil. To serve those in need, a good work must sometimes be postponed or be changed for a better one. In this, a good work is not destroyed, but transformed into something better. If a work does not come from the heart, the external work does not benefit anyone, but if anything is done from the heart, however small and disregarded it might be, it brings forth good fruit. God considers more from what an action comes, rather than how much he does. 

He does much who loves much. He does much who does a good thing. He does well who serves to the community rather than his own interest. Often something looks like generosity which is more worldly, because worldly inclinations, self-will, hope of repayment, and feelings of the will are rarely absent.

He who has true and perfect love does not seek his own in any matter, but desires only God's glory in everything that is done. He envies none, because he desires no selfish joy, nor does he want to rejoice in himself, but in God above all he wishes to find his blessing. He attributes good to none but God alone, from whom all things come, and in whom finally all the Holy Ones rest in joyful satisfaction. Oh, he who has a spark of true charity would sense that all earthly things are empty.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.15. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.14 - Judging others is reckless

Judging others is reckless

Look out for what you are doing yourself, and watch out that you are not judging what others do. In judging others a man's efforts are blocked, often wrong, and generally sinful. Turn to yourself for judging and critiquing, and that effort always brings a good result. As things seem to our heart, so we judge them; we easily lose true judgment because of our own personal feeling. If God were always the pure object of our desire, we would not be so easily troubled by the resistance of our feelings. 

There is always some secret thought within us, or even joining it from without, that pulls us off course. Many secretly seek their own goals in things, without realizing it. They seem to have good peace of mind so long as things go the way they want. But because of different feelings and opinions, there often arise disagreements between friends, between countrymen, between religious and godly men.

An old custom is difficult to let go, and no one is easily led to see beyond themselves. If your own reason is your greatest resource or your own efforts, more so than the strength of being under Jesus Christ, you will rarely be an enlightened person, because God's will is for us to be wholly under him and to transcend all reason through a burning love. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.14. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

(I haven't forgotten section 1.13, but it is particularly long and will need to wait for another day.)

Thomas A Kempis 1.12 - Adversity is a tool

The usefulness of adversity

It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and obstacles: often they are calling a man back to his heart, knowing that he is in exile, not placing his hope in any worldly thing. It is good that we sometimes endure people speaking against us, with bad and ill feelings toward us, even when we act well and with good intentions. That helps us to be humble, and protects us from glorying in the world's empty wins. Because that is when we seek what is better -- the inner witness of God -- when we are held in contempt, and given no credit for good.

Therefore it's necessary for a man to strengthen himself completely so that he has no need to seek after so many consolations. When a man of good will is troubled or tempted or afflicted with evil thoughts, then he understands God as greatly necessary to him, and he can witness that he can do nothing at all without Him. He mourns and prays over the miseries he suffers. He gets tired of life, even wishes for death to come so that he could go be with Christ. Through these trials he understands better: in this world there can be no security or fulness of peace.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.11. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.11 - Spiritual proficiency

Seeking peace of mind: enthusiasm for spiritual proficiency

So much peace is possible if we decide not to trouble ourselves with what other people said or did which is not our own care. How is it possible for someone to remain peaceful daily, who mixes himself into other peoples' concerns, who seeks things outside himself, who seldom or rarely collects himself internally? Blessed are the simple-hearted, for they shall have much peace.

Why were some of the Saints so perfect and so contemplative? Because they studied how to cut off all earthly desires, and so were able to hold fast with their whole heart to God, and freed themselves to focus. We are too self-absorbed with our own passions, too wrapped up in things that don't last. It's rare for us to entirely conquer even a single vice, and we pay no attention to our daily progress. So we remain cold or lukewarm. 

If we were watchful of ourselves rather than focused on other things, then we too could have divine wisdom, and experience something of heavenly contemplation. The biggest thing that gets in our way is that we are not free from our own passions and desires, nor do we try to enter into the perfect way of the Saints. When even a little adversity occurs, our hearts are divided and we are diverted to human comforts.

If we stand like strong men in battle, then we shall see the help of the Lord from Heaven. For those who strive and struggle, those who hope in his grace, he stands ready to help. He provides us occasions to strive so that we may conquer. If we track our progress in religion by outward observances and forms, our devotion will soon come to an end. But let's put the ax to the root of the problem, our desires that control us, and clearing those away we may possess a peaceful mind. 

If every year we conquered one vice, we would soon be perfect. But on the contrary, we often feel that we were better and purer in the beginning of our conversion than after many years have gone by. Our feeling and progress should increase daily, but now it seems great to keep some small part of that first feeling. If we used that first feeling to attack our vices, then afterwards we could do everything with ease and joy.

It is a hard thing to let go of something we're used to doing, harder still to go contrary to our own will. But if you do not overcome small and easy obstacles, how will you overcome more difficult ones? Resist your inclination from the first, and unlearn a bad custom, or it may lead you little by little into worse difficulties. If you were aware how much peace you would bring to yourself and how much happiness to others by tending to your inner good, I think that you would be more concerned for your spiritual progress. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.11. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.10 - Peers of mind and spirit

Overflowing with words

Watch out for the babble of men; for it really gets in our way to focus on crude things, even if the conversation started out innocently. Quickly we find ourselves getting into the dirt and caught up in something foolish. How often have I wished I had kept quiet, that I had not been out among people. 

But why do we speak so frequently and trade stories amongst ourselves, since we rarely return to silence without some injury to our conscience? We talk so much because we hope our conversations will bring us some mutual comfort, and we hope that a variety of thoughts will relieve our hearts. And we are so glad -- when it comes to things we love, or things we want, or things we dislike -- we are eager to talk and think about them. 

It is usually pointless and purposeless. This outward consolation is no small loss to the inner divine consolation. So we must watch and pray that the time does not pass by uselessly. If it is right and helpful to speak, then speak things which are constructive. Bad habits and careless conduct leave our mouths unguarded. It helps more than a little for our spiritual development to have a devotional contribution of spiritual things, most of all when peers of mind and spirit associate with each other. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.10. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

The Resurrection: "They said nothing because they were afraid"

In the Gospel of Mark the regular reading for Resurrection Sunday ends jarringly: the women had seen the empty tomb, had seen an angel, had heard the message that God raised Jesus from the dead -- and kept it quiet at first. "They said nothing because they were afraid." This morning, hearing that reminded me of modern Christianity. We have good news to announce, and sometimes we say nothing because we are afraid. 

These days speaking out as a Christian often means being mocked, being bullied, being shunned. Even in a culture where so many people share our faith in Jesus' resurrection, mentioning faith is signing up for trouble. The critics are loud and proud, with many determined to exclude Christians from the public square, to exclude us from various jobs and professions. 

For the original witnesses of Jesus' resurrection, why would they be afraid to speak out? Maybe fear of being disbelieved, fear of being ridiculed. Maybe fear of the ruling authorities, who after all had just had their beloved leader executed, and those authorities were not too proud to deal with his followers the same way. Maybe even fear of the unknown, the confusion over the missing body and the angel's message. 

What moved them to speak out, to get past the fear? Well, Jesus' resurrection is really too important not to mention. It changes everyone's thoughts, everyone's plans for what to do with their lives, to know something like that. And it's big enough news that it actually changes the view of the world, of life and death, of forgiveness, of what God's love can accomplish, of whether we matter. 

Nobody took just the women's word for it; the women weren't wrong if they feared disbelief and ridicule. But once the others began to see for themselves, the fear was less and the faith was more, and more people believed. May it be so for us in our day. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.9 - Taking direction, advice, and counsel

It is a great thing to remain obedient, to live under authority, and not to be a law unto ourselves. It is much safer to be under authority than in a place of authority. Many are obedient more from necessity than from love; these find it painful, and complain easily. Nor will they gain freedom of mind unless with all their heart for the sake of God they submit themselves. If you run here or there to another place you will find no peace except in humble subjection to the rule of authority. Imagining other places and changes has disappointed many. 

True that everyone willingly acts according to his own feelings, and is inclined toward those who feel the same. But if Christ is among us, then it is necessary that we sometimes set aside our feelings for the sake of peace. Who is so wise that he can possibly know all things fully? So do not over-rely on your own sense of things, but be ready to hear sense from others too. If you have a good opinion but for the sake of God you let it go and follow another, you will gain more. 

I have often heard that it is safer to listen and receive counsel than to give it. It may happen that every opinion is good; but to refuse to acquiesce to others when reason or good cause requires it, is a mark of pride or stubbornness.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.9. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.8 - Choosing your companions wisely

Avoiding over-familiarity

Not everyone is such that you should you reveal your heart to them. But with someone who is wise and fears God you may pursue your cause. Seldom seek the company of the young and the strangers, nor flatter the rich, nor willingly keep company with the powerful and influential. Associate with the humble and simple, the devout not the worldly, who are focused on constructive things. Do not be familiar with someone of the opposite sex, but commend all alike to God. Only to God and his angels should your wishes be familiar, and avoid the notice of men.

We have love for all, but do not make close companions of all. Sometimes it happens that someone we don't know shines with a good reputation, and then his presence darkens the eyes of the onlookers. We think to please others by displaying our firm convictions, and find that we displease them more as they see the dishonesty of our behavior. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.8. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.7 - Fleeing from Pride

Flee from misguided hope and pride

It is pointless to put your hope in men or in any created thing. Don't be ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be seen as poor in the world. Do not exalt yourself, but build your hope on God. Do what is in you, and God's presence will bless your willingness for good. Do not trust in your knowledge or in the cleverness of anyone alive, but trust more greatly in the grace of God, who helps the humble, and who humbles the proud.

Do not pride yourself on riches if you have them, nor in friends who are powerful, but in God who provides all things, and above all things desires to give Himself. Do not brag about the strength or beauty of your body, for with only a slight sickness its glory is gone and it becomes a source of disgust. Do not please yourself, and through humility or cleverness do not displease God, who is the source of all the good we have by nature. 

Do not count yourself better than others, or you may appear worse before God, who knows what is in man. Do not pride yourself on good works, for there are different judgments between God and man, and God is often displeased at what pleases man. If you see in yourself goodness, believe that others have more, and keep your humility. It does no harm to place yourself below others; but it is great harm to place yourself above even one. Peace is with the humble, while the heart of the proud often has envy and anger.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.7. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.6 on Temptation: Yielding to passion has no payoff

Of inordinate affections

Whenever a disordered desire comes to a man, he becomes restless. The proud and the greedy are never at rest, while the poor and humble of heart have the abundant protection of peace. The man who is not yet wholly dead to ego is soon tempted, and is overcome in small and low things. Weak in spirit and stronger in flesh, he leans toward the pleasures of the senses, and it is difficult for him to completely escape from earthly desires. And so he resists temptation sadly and grudgingly, and is easily angered at any opposition. 

But if he does pursue those desires, immediately he is weighed down by the condemnation of his conscience. He followed his desire, but it contributed nothing towards the peace that he pursued. It is not serving passion but resisting it that brings true peace of heart. And therefore there is no peace in the heart of a man who is carnal, no peace in the man who is dedicated to outward things, but in a passionately spiritual one.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.6. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

How to read Scripture - Thomas A Kempis 1.5

Truth is in sacred Scripture to be sought, not flaunted. All sacred Scripture ought to be read with the spirit in which it was written. We should seek the usefulness of Scripture rather than precision of speech. So we ought to read books which are devotional and simple, as well as ones which are high and profound. And do not be put off by the authority of the writer, whether he is of little or much learning, but let the love of the pure Truth draw you to read. Do not ask who said it, but focus on what was said. 

Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord remains forever. Without preference for persons God speaks to us in various ways. Our own curiosity often hinders us in the reading Scriptures with our determination to understand and discuss, where we should simply keep going. If you want progress from your reading, read humbly, simply, honestly, without desiring to win a reputation for learning. Ask freely, and listen in silence to the words of holy men; and do not take offense at the hard sayings of the elders, for they are not spoken without a reason.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.5. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.4 - Wisdom in our actions

Wisdom in our actions

It's best not to trust every word or instinct, but carefully and unhurriedly weigh whether things are from God. It's harmful that it's often easier for us to believe and speak evil of others rather than good, because we are weak. But perfect men do not easily believe everything they are told because they know human failings -- rather, weakness for an evil slant, for treacherous words.

It is greater wisdom not to be hasty in action or stubbornly set in our opinions. In this wisdom we do not believe every word we hear, or go straight from hearing to believing to repeating all that we hear, pouring it into each others' ears. Find a wise and sensible man and take his counsel. Ask someone better for instruction rather being led by your own interpretation. A good life makes a man wise toward God, experienced in many things. The more a man is humble in himself and the more obedient towards God, the more in everything he will be wiser and at peace. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.4. 

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis - Imitation 1.3 in Modern English

I've been pleasantly surprised by the interest in a modern English translation of the Imitation of Christ, one that tries to preserve not just the meaning but also some of the rhetorical skill employed in the original. The things I've done so far still fall short of the original, but are a step in the right direction. I may publish a few more of these. 

Truthful Teaching

Happy is whoever learns directly from Truth, not by figures and passing words, but exactly as it is. Our opinion and senses often fail us, and we only see a little. What good is it to have great arguments about hidden and obscure things, about which we will never be judged for not knowing? It is hugely foolish to neglect things that are useful and necessary, and to focus on what is trivial and hurtful! We have eyes, but we do not see.

And what about genus and species? The man to whom the Eternal Word speaks is freed from many opinions. From this One Word all things come, and of that One Word all things speak, and this is the Beginning which also speaks to us. No one without Him understands or decides rightly. The man to whom all things are one, and who draws all things to one, who sees all things in one, has the power to be steadfast, to remain at rest in God. O true God, make me one with you in everlasting love. I get tired of reading and listening to many things; in you is what I want and desire. Let all the teachers keep quiet, let all creation keep silence before you: only you speak to me.

The more a man has unity and simplicity within, the more and higher he understands without effort, because he receives the light of understanding from above. The spirit which is pure, sincere, and steady is not scattered by many works but focuses all his works to the honor of God, and takes a break from his own self-involvement. What gets in your way and bothers you more than your own undisciplined heart? A good and devoted man starts inside himself and sets it straight for what he would do in the world, so he will not be pulled off track by wrong inclinations, but willingly steers them to his right intentions. Does anyone have a harder battle to fight than the one for self-mastery? And this should be our business, that inner victory, to daily grow stronger and progress for the better.

In this life, every perfection has some imperfection attached. All our sight is not without a certain darkness. Humble knowledge of yourself is a surer way to God than the deep knowledge we seek. That is not the fault of knowledge itself, or of knowing anything good or trustworthy or ordained by God. But a good conscience and a holy life is better than all, because many seek to know more rather than to live well, so they often go off course, and rarely or never bear fruit.

If people would be as dedicated to rooting out of vice and cultivating virtue as they are to current questions, there would not be so many evils and scandals among the people, nor so many fallings-out from the fellowship. Be sure that at the Day of Judgment it will not be asked of us what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how faithfully we have lived. Tell me, where are all those Lords and Masters that you knew well while they were still living well and flourishing in their studies? Their positions are now filled by other people, and I do not know if the new people ever think of the ones before them. They seemed to be something in life, but now no one mentions them.

How quickly the glory of the world pass away! If their life and knowledge had agreed together, they would have read and studied well. How many pass away through pointless learning in this world, with no passion for serving God. Because they have a great love of being great rather than humble, therefore they disappeared in their knowledge. He is truly great who has great love.(1) He is truly great who recognizes his own smallness, and does not chase the height of honor. He is truly learned who counts all earthly things as so much b.s.(2), that he may treasure Christ. And he is truly learned, who does the will of God, and lets go of his own will. 

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1 - This sentence isn't in the Latin text I'm using but is in both English translations I've consulted, so I'm wondering about variant texts. Haven't got to the bottom of it yet, so this line is tentative. 

2 - The Latin has the word for "dung" so I figure on "b.s." in modern English.