Week 26 : Imitate Christ, Christian Mens Breakfast

Week 26 Discussion Notes:¹

1. This week’s Latin lesson is “Elige paupertatem” (Prefer Poverty). Kemplis wrote in THE LITTLE KEMPIS, “Prefer poverty and simplicity; then you will be content with a little, and not so easily complain.” Can you think of any instance in modern society in which this saying woud have meaning? (Day 176)
2. In Chapter 22, Kempis urges contentment with what God has provided, however meager. Speaking of God, Kempis wrote, “You are to be praised in all things. You know what is good for each of us; and why one should receive less and another more is not for us to judge, but for You Who have marked every man’s merits.” (Day 177)
3. More Latin from THE LITTLE KEMPIS: “Magnus qui minimus. (Great is He That is Least). It is a great gift of God to be poor in this world for Christ, and to hold the lowest seat. Swelling pride seeks the highest seat. The devil always entices to the highest seats, to pursue honors, and to hold others in contempt but the devil soon retreats after his brief season of authority. Consider the smallest favors of great worth, and you will be worthy to receive the greatest.” (Day 178)
4. Kempis wrote in chapter 23, their are four things that bring great peace:
   (i) Do the will of others rather than your own.
   (ii) Always choose to have less rather than more.
   (iii) Look always for the last place and seek to be beneath all others.
   (vi) Always wish and pray that the will of God be fully carried out in you.
   How many items on this list do you agree with? (Day 180)

The Christian Mens Breakfast group meets this Saturday and (almost) every other Saturday at a local restaurant in Davie, FL. Call Tom Truex, or use the CONTACT tab at K-Line.ORG to get more information.

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

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 22 : Remember the Innumerable Gifts of God (June 26, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 23 : Four Things Which Bring Great Peace (June 29, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

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

Footnotes: