Tag: Thomas à Kempis

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:

Week 25 Discussion Notes:¹

1. In THE LITTLE KEMPIS, section 226, Kempis wrote, “It is more difficult to restrain the passions, than to drive away the devil.” Simularly, in chapter 20, he wrote, “Vicious pleasure overcomes the soul that is given to the world.” Is it really so bad to have a good time? (Days 169 & 170)
2. In chapter 20, Kempis says, “when one trouble or temptation leaves, another comes.” Or as Kempis recites in section 235 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS, as long as we live, we must fight the devil. (Days 170 & 171)
3. In Chapter 21, Kempis wrote that resting with God is more important than health, beauty, honor, glory, power, dignity, knowledge, cleverness, riches, arts, joy, gladness, fame praise hope, promise… [and other things, as well]. Do you really place such a value on your relationship with God? (Day 173)
4. In SOLILOQUY OF THE SOUL, Kempis refers to God as “My best beloved and most faithful Friend.” Is calling God Himself one’s “friend” too familiar? (Day 174)

The Christian Mens Breakfast group usually meets every Saturday at a local restaurant in Davie, FL. We are currently on summer break until the first Saturday morning after Labor Day 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 20 : Confessing Our Weakness in the Miseries of Life (June 19, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 21 : Above All Goods and All Gifts We Must Rest in God (June 22, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

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

Footnotes:

Week 24 Discussion Notes:¹

1. Kempis wrote in INSTRUCTIONS FOR RELIGIOUS that God “cares for us all from the beginning to the end of life, and in death. God, who made us, never abandons us, unless we forsake Him.” Is your relationship with God, such that you always feel his presense? Why? (Day 162)
2. In chapter 17, Kempis notes that God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. Is this possible? Does this loss of control frighten you? (Day 163)
3. What did John Paul II mean in CROSSING THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE when he wrote, “God is always on the side of suffering?” (Day 164)
4. Do you agree with Kempis in chapter 165 when he writes that part of the reason Christ suffered on the Cross was so that we could learn to be patient and accept hardship without complaining? (Day 165)

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 17 : All Our Care is to Be Placed in God (June 12, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 18 : Temporal Sufferings Should Be Borne Patiently, After the Example of Christ (June 14, 2012)
3. Book 3 , Chapter 19 : True Patience in Suffering (June 16, 2012)

Also Posted this Week at ImitateChrist.ORG:

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

Footnotes: