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)