Week 22 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

1. In Chapter 12, Kempis writes, “PATIENCE, O Lord God, is very necessary for me, I see, because there are many adversities in this life.” What does patience have to do with overcoming adversities? (Day 149)
2. Kempis urges us to turn away from sin. Have you turned from sin? Or put another way, is sin part of your past, your present, or your future? (Day 149)
3. In The Little Kempis, we are advised to “make a fresh start every day; not be afraid of hard work; and not waste time in idleness.” Do you agree? (Day 150)
4. In Chapter 13, and in Instructions for Religious, Kempis admonishes us to submit to our spiritual leader. How far should we take this advice in giving deference to the leadership of our priest of pastor? (Days 152 and 153)

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.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 12 : Acquiring Patience in the Fight Against Concupiscence (May 29, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 13 : The Obedience of One Humbly Subject to the Example of Jesus Christ (June 1, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

Week 21 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

1. Section 67 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS contains this advice, “You can’t love God perfectly if you don’t forsake the comforts the world offers to you, for the sake of God.” But don’t many of us devote our lives to seeking the comforts this world offers? (Day 141)
2. Kempis expressed in Chapter 10 that he does not consider his renunciation of worldly comforts to be a burden or sacrifice. Rather, in referring to God, he writes, “It is a great honor, a great glory to serve You and to despise all things for [God’s] sake.” Does Kempis’ point of view here have any validity outside a monastery? (Day 142)
3. Kempis tells us in Section 211 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS, “Foolish and thoughtless people seek temporary pleasures. They give these pleasures great importance, although they cannot satisfy the soul, nor grant tranquility.” Is it true that temporary pleasure can’t bring tranquility (peace)? (Day 144)
4. In MOMENTS WITH THE CONSOLING CHRIST, Kempis wrote, “BEHOLD, eating, drinking, clothing, and other necessaries pertaining to the support of the body, are burdensome to a fervent spirit. GRANT that I may use such things with moderation, and not be entangled with any inordinate affection.” As usual, we could question whether, Kempis is too extreme with his assertion. But, in general, popular culture and modern advertising urge us toward excess. Do you find yourself wanting more of what the world claims we need?

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.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 10 : To Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet (May 22, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 11 : The Longings of our Hearts Must Be Examined And Moderated (May 25, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

Week 20 Discussion Notes:[1. References to days are from the Imitate Christ Study Guide]

1. The Little Kempis says, “Humilia te (Humble Yourself). Humble yourself in all things, and before all persons, and you will obtain favor from all. You will be accepted by God and loved by all people.” Is it REALLY your experience that humility makes all people love you? Don’t many people react negatively to humility? (Day 134)
2. Kempis wrote in Chapter 7, “It is better for you to have little than to have much which may become the source of pride.” This is another bit of advice that seemingly works better on paper than in practice. Is Kempis’ advice here intended for another time and place? (Day 135)
3. In Chapter 8, Kempis wrote, “Left to myself, I am nothing but total weakness. But if You look upon me for an instant, I am at once made strong and filled with new joy.” Have you noticed God making such a total transformation in your life? (Day 137)
4. Kempis wrote in Chapter 9, “From Me the small and the great, the poor and the rich draw the water of life as from a living fountain, and they who serve Me willingly and freely shall receive grace upon grace.” (Day 139)

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.[1. The dates listed are the dates the chapters were posted online, which also corresponds to the suggested reading plan in the study guide.]

All items listed below are online at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Book 3 , Chapter 7 : Grace Must Be Hidden Under the Mantle of Humility (May 15, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 8 : Self-Abasement in the Sight of God (May 17, 2012)
3. Book 3 , Chapter 9 : All Things should be Referred to God as their Last End (May 19, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

1. Challoner’s Reflections[2. Right Rev. R. Challoner, D.D., V.A., Imitation of Christ, Dublin: McGlashan and Gill, 1873 ] on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes: