Tag: Thomas à Kempis

Week 23 Discussion Notes:¹

1. Ponder the words of Kempis in Chapter 14: “Nor shall he who has placed all his hope in God be moved by the tongues of flatterers. For behold, even they who speak are nothing; they will pass away with the sound of their words, but the truth of the Lord remains forever.” (Day 146)
2. In section 411 of THE LITTLE KEMPIS, we read, “Some people consider it a great thing for anyone to maintain perpetual silence. This is indeed great; but to be silent and to talk as one should, is greater. He who lives secluded and alone, can adopt silence as much as he chooses; but he who lives with the people, should live not only for himself, but be sociable with others.” What is the harm in talking? Is there a time to speak and a time to be silent? (Day 157)
3. In Chapter 15, Kempis offers advice as to when to speak: “[T]his is the way you must speak on every occasion: ‘Lord, if it be pleasing to You, so be it. If it be to Your honor, Lord, be it done in Your name. Lord, if You see that it is expedient and profitable for me, then grant that I may use it to Your honor. But if You know that it will be harmful to me, and of no good benefit to the welfare of my soul, then take this desire away from me.'” (Day 158)
4. Is “true comfort to sought in God alone?” (Day 160)

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 14 : Consider the Hidden Judgments of God Lest You Become Proud of Your Own Good Deeds (June 5, 2012)
2. Book 3 , Chapter 15 : How One Should Feel and Speak on Every Desirable Thing (June 7, 2012)
3. Book 3 , Chapter 16 : True Comfort Is to Be Sought in God Alone (June 9, 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 22 Discussion Notes:¹

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.²

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 Reflections³ on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes:

Week 21 Discussion Notes:¹

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.²

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 Reflections³ on The Imitation of Christ for each of the above chapters.

Footnotes: