THE IMITATION OF CHRIST, BOOK III, ON THE INTERIOR LIFE OF THE DISCIPLE, WITH EDITS AND FICTIONAL NARRATIVE

By Thomas a Kempis and Timothy E. Moore

The Imitation of Christ, a masterpiece of practical spiritual exercises, by Thomas a'Kempis, is second only to the Bible as the most widely read book in Christendom. Book III of The Imitation engages the mature Christian into a conversation with The Beloved: Christ Himself. Jesus looks o

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tim Moore
• Release date: Aug 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781087977393

Thomas a Kempis

Thomas à Kempis, (1380 – 1471) was a late medieval German-Dutch monk who wrote The Imitation of Christ, one of the most popular and best known books on devotion. Born in Kempen to a blacksmith father and schoolteacher mother, Thomas attended a Latin school in the Netherlands from the age of 12 to 19. While there he became a member of the spiritual movement Modern Devotion, founded by Geert Groote. In 1406, he entered the monastery of Mount St Agnes in 1406, where he copied the bible four times, wrote four booklets and instructed novices. Thomas More called “The Imitation Of Christ” one of three books everybody ought to own.

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PROLOGUE

I WILL LISTEN TO WHAT THE LORD GOD SHALL SAY WITHIN ME.

I will listen to what the Lord God shall say within me.

(Ps 86:6)

Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within it, and receives the word of consolation from His mouth.

Blessed are the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whispers of God, and do not turn aside to the whisperings of this world.

Blessed are the ears that do not listen to the voice that sounds without, but to that which teaches truth inwardly.

Blessed are the eyes which are closed to things without, but are fixed upon things within.

Blessed are those who search inward things and study to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises to receive heavenly mysteries.

Blessed are they who long to have leisure time for God and free themselves from every hindrance of the world.

Think on these things, O my soul, and shut the doors of my carnal desires so that I may hear what the Lord God will say to me.

These things your Beloved says to us, I am your salvation, I am your peace and your life. Keep close to Me, and you shall find peace.

Put away your transitory things; seek those things that are eternal. For what are temporal things but deceits? And how shall created things help you if you are forsaken by the Creator (Matt 16:26)? Therefore, put other things away, and give yourself to the Creator, to be well pleasing and faithful to Him, that you may be able to attain true blessedness.

1

THE INWARD VOICE OF CHRIST SPEAKS TO THE FAITHFUL SOUL.

Chapter Focus : In Book III, we lay aside our distracting passions and sensualities, taking the cotton wadding from our ears. We intentionally sit at the feet of our Lord as His Disciples. Silent and open to His words, we open our hearts to Him. We do not need to say anything. Book III is a continual exchange with The Beloved, the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We learn to follow Him as the wood of our cross wears away our rough edges: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (Jn 10:27). So following is as important as listening or talking.

When our kids come home for a visit, we don’t hesitate to set down our coffee to hug them as we greet them at the station. At their arrival, we drop everything, rush out to greet them, help with bags, grandkids, and dogs, and whisper-kiss or shout, Welcome Home! As we listen for the train whistle or for the car to pull up, we can hardly concentrate on whatever we are working on. Likewise, Thomas tells us to set aside our passionate emotions and sensual pleasures and instead seek out God’s love, presence, and grace.

In Book II, Thomas took us deep into our very selves to find the Kingdom of God, the friendship and love of Jesus, and there to come to terms with our cross. We are now on the journey with Him. It is here that He speaks to us - whispers to us as an intimate. When we are open to listening for His Beloved Voice, we begin to hear Him.

In Chapter 1, our ears are happy at hearing His Voice, at first an echo, then a whisper, as if we are awakening from a deep sleep. Our eyes rejoice because our focus is on Him, and we look away from worldly things: like seeing a familiar face after a long trip away from home. But here, Thomas directs our attention to all our baggage, and helps us to tune into God’s channel. Chapter 1 sets the stage for the conversation, anticipating the Guest of Guests. In Chapter 2, we’ll extend our spiritual antennae as a way to listen to God’s message more clearly, more intentionally. Stay tuned because in Chapter 3, Jesus, the Beloved, will respond.

I can’t wait to hear what He says.

Chapter 1, In Short.

1. Listen to what God says to you inwardly.

2. Put everything else away, and give yourself to the Creator.

Scripture Memory Prayer: I am your salvation. (Psalm 35:3).

Question: What do you need to set aside so you can hear God?

Key Quote: Therefore, put everything else away, and give yourself to the Creator, to be well pleasing and faithful to Him, that you may be able to attain true blessedness.

The Text of Chapter 1: The Inward Voice of Christ to the Faithful Soul.

The Disciple: I will listen to what the Lord God shall say within me (Ps 85:9). Happy is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within, and receives the word of consolation from His mouth. Happy are the ears which receive the echoes of the soft whisper of God and turn not aside to the whisperings of this world. Truly happy are the ears which do not listen to the voice that sounds from without but to that which teaches truth inwardly. Happy are the eyes closed to outward things but fixed upon things within.

Happy are they who search inward and study to prepare themselves more and more by daily exercises to receive heavenly mysteries. Happy are they who long to have leisure for God and free themselves from every hindrance of the world. Think on these things, O my soul, and shut the doors of your carnal desires so that you may hear what the Lord God will say within you.

2. Thus says your Beloved, I am your salvation, I am your peace and your life (Ps 35:3). Keep yourself with Me, and you shall find peace. Put away your transitory things and seek eternal things, for all temporal things are only deceits. For how shall created things help you if the Creator forsakes you? Therefore put everything else away, and give yourself to the Creator, to be well pleasing and faithful to Him, so that you may attain true blessedness.

2

WHAT THE TRUTH SAYS INWARDLY WITHOUT NOISE OF WORDS.

Chapter Focus: As I was driving to an appointment the other day, I tuned the radio just in time to catch the end of an instrumental from one of my favorite operas, but I couldn’t think of its name. I kept waiting for the announcer to come on to tell me which rendition it was from, but she never did, and I thought, I’ll look at it later. Of course, the program fuzzed out just as the announcer came on, so I was frustrated. And, of course, I completely forgot about looking up the playlist for the station when I got home, distracted by putting away the groceries. Have you ever been so distracted that you missed the critical part of a lecture or presentation? I have. In today’s world of smartphones and digital signage, I have to focus - setting aside my toys to pay attention. Even when I prepare to attend Mass, I have to quiet myself enough to hear what God has to say; which has caused me to meditate on this: Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening. (1 Sam 3:10). In this bible passage of 1 Samuel, note that Samuel was close to the Ark of the Lord. Note also that the Word spoken to Samuel was not one of comfort but of God moving among His people, precisely a word of correction directed to Eli’s family. Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phineas, were temple priests. I want to spend a minute on them, in contrast to young Samuel.

I wonder if Eli and his sons could not hear God’s call because they got caught up in their own distractions: Eli was asleep when he was supposed to be in prayer; Hophni and Phineas got themselves entangled in everything from blasphemy to philandering, and ended up exploiting God’s people. They ignored their father’s rebuke. And why should they pay attention to old Eli when he tacitly condones their sin by eating the meat they stole from the temple (See 1 Sam 2)? They were not tuned in to God’s channel. It was not only fuzzy, but not even on the list of their favorites. So, as in their case, extreme distraction can morph into sin.

The sad thing is that God was ready to visit His people through Eli, Hophni, and Phineas. But they were so distracted by sin that they could not hear God’s call or simply ignored it. Yet Samuel heard. It’s not that God isn’t trying to talk to Eli and his sons, but their channel is not tuned into His Spirit. There’s too much static. Too much distance. Too much interference. But this is not so with Samuel. Samuel was ready, and God’s Spirit fell in love with the purity of Samuel’s heart, the clarity of his channel.

As Samuel grows in the Lord, he learns that the words of the prophets, beautiful and righteous though they are, are mere words without God’s breath. Accordingly, it is essential to look for God’s word in exterior things, such as Scripture and good teaching, but to also seek God in His motions of grace which move in our life. These motions help us move the dial to listen for His truth within our minds, hearts, and souls.

Back to my story, as Donna and I walked the dog, I started whistling another stanza of the forgotten song from the radio. Oh, said Donna, that’s from Carmen, isn’t it? That’s one of your favorite operas.

Yes, of course! I shouted. Who can forget such a song?

Now, stay tuned. God’s playlist is loading.

Chapter 2, In Short.

1. Lord, speak to me; I am listening.

2. Prophets can utter words, but only God ignites the Spirit in those words.

3. Please speak to me, O Lord my God - or else I will die and bring forth no fruit.

Scripture Memory Prayer: Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9).

Question: Are you tuned in and listening for God’s voice?

Key Quote: I am Your servant.

The Text of Chapter 2: What the Truth Says Inwardly Without Noise of Words.

The Disciple: Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening (1 Sam 3:9). I am Your servant. O give me understanding that I may know Your testimony. Incline my heart to the words of Your Mouth (Ps 119:125). Let Your speech distill as the dew. In olden days, the children of Israel spoke to Moses. Speak to us, and we will hear, but do not let the Lord speak to us, or we will die . (Ex 20:19)

I do not pray this way, O Lord, not this way do I pray. Still, instead, I pray as with Samuel the prophet, I plead with You humbly and earnestly, Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening . (1 Sam 3:9). Let not Moses speak to me, nor any prophet, but rather only You should speak. You, Who inspired and illuminated all the prophets. For You alone can perfectly fill me with knowledge, while without You, these prophets will teach me nothing.

2. Your prophets can indeed utter words, but they do not give Your Spirit. They speak with great beauty, but when You are silent, they do not set my heart afire. They give us Scriptures, but You make known the sense of those Scriptures. They bring us mysteries, but You reveal the significant things. They utter commandments, but You help in the fulfilling of them. They show the way, but You give me strength for the journey. They act only outwardly, but You instruct and enlighten my heart. They water, but You give the increase. They cry with words, but You give understanding to the hearer.

3. Therefore, do not let Moses speak to me, but only You, O Lord my God, my Eternal Truth. Otherwise, I will die and bring forth no fruit, being outwardly admonished but not inflamed within. Lest the word is only heard but not followed, known but not loved, believed but not obeyed, rise up against me in judgment.

Speak then, Lord, for Your servant is listening (ibid). You have the words of eternal life. (Jn 6:68). Speak to me for some comfort to my soul, for the amendment of my whole life, and for the praise, glory, and eternal honor of Your Name.

3

HEARING THE WORDS OF GOD WITH HUMILITY, AND HOW MANY IGNORE THESE WORDS.

Chapter Focus: Christ shows us an embarrassing truth: that we will work hard to obtain earthly glory and riches, which are never guaranteed, but are ho-hum about laying up treasure in Heaven.

Christ boldly proclaims, What I have promised I will give. What I have said I will fulfill if only a Disciple remains faithful in My love to the end. And He accomplishes His Word in us to full effect (Is 55:11). It's not bragging if it is accomplished.

Part of the promise runs to how our Lord visits through trials or consolation. He wants us to grow through self-recognition of our faults or goading us toward more grace-oriented actions. And those who hear His word but reject it will face judgment.

Thomas ends Chapter 3 with the Disciple's response: a prayer of humble devotion. Remember, Thomas was a monk during the late Middle Ages, and such people at such times had extreme forms of physical sacrifice: from severe fasting to hair shirts to self-flagellation. Many monks would remain silent for days. Thomas even confesses that keeping his mouth shut is a weakness for him (me too!). Thomas confesses that he can never come close to understanding God’s mercy and goodness and pleads for divine mercy and grace. This Divine Grace comes to him through visitations, praying for the things Jesus brings to all faithful Disciples.

Thomas prays for a double portion of holiness, humility, and grace. May we do likewise. Amen.

Chapter 3, In Short.

1. Hear and receive Christ’s sweet words in silence with deep humility and love.

2. Blessed are you that God guides and instructs, granting rest in times of adversity.

3. Many are deaf and hardened against God’s voice, even though He speaks to us.

4. What God has promised God will give, even while we are fickle.

5. God visits His elect in two ways: by temptation and comfort.

6. Pray for a Spirit of Devotion: Lord, who am I that I should dare to speak to You?

7. Lord, teach me to do Your will, teach me to walk humbly and upright.

Scripture Memory Prayer: The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63).

Question: How do you bear life’s challenges without God’s mercy and grace?

Key Quote: What I have promised I will give.

The Text of Chapter 3: Hearing the Words of God with Humility, and How Many Ignore these Words.

The Voice of the Beloved: "My Child, hear My words, for My words are most sweet, surpassing the knowledge of the philosophers and the wise of this world. My words are spirit and life and are not to be weighed by common understanding (Jn 6:63). My words are not to be measured for vain acceptance but to be heard in silence and to be received with all humility, deep love, and affection."

2. The Disciple: And I said, Blessed is the Disciple whom You guide, O Lord, and instruct in Your law, that You may give rest in times of adversity, and not leave us desolate in the earth (Ps 94:12-13).

3. The Voice of the Beloved: "It is I Who taught the prophets from the beginning, and even now I speak to all unceasingly, but many are deaf and hardened against My voice. Many love to listen to the world rather than God, and they follow after the flesh's desires more readily than God's good pleasure.

"The world promises small and temporal things, and such are served with great eagerness. I promise great and eternal things, and yet mortals' hearts are still slow to stir.

Is there anyone who serves and obeys Me in all things with the same care given in serving the world and its rulers? ‘Be ashamed, O Sidon,’ says the sea (Is 23:4). And if you ask why, hear the reason.

"To earn a modest living, people will journey a great distance; yet will scarcely lift a foot from the ground to gain eternal life. Sometimes people will shamefully quarrel over a penny, even when the gain is inconsiderable: They are not afraid to toil day and night for some trifle, some vanity, or some small promise.

4. "Alas! To them, it is irksome to toil even a little for an unchangeable good, a priceless reward, the highest honor, and glory that does not fade away. Be ashamed; therefore, slothful and discontented servant, for you are more ready to labor for death than for life. They rejoice more heartily in vanity than you do in seeking the truth. Sometimes, they are disappointed in their hope, but My promise fails no one nor sends away empty those who trust in Me. What I have promised, I will give. What I have said I would fulfill if only a disciple remains faithful in My love to the end. Therefore I am the rewarder of all good people and a strong approver of all who are godly.

5. Write My words in your heart and consider them diligently, for these words will be helpful to you in times of temptation. What you do not understand when you read, you shall know at the time of your visitation. I want to visit My elect in two ways: by trial and by consolation. And I teach them two lessons daily, the one in chiding their faults, the other in encouraging them to grow in grace. He who hears My words and rejects my words has One Who shall judge him on the last day.

A Disciple’s Prayer for the Spirit of Devotion.

6. O Lord my God, You are all good, and who am I that I should dare to speak to You? I am the very poorest of Your servants, an abject worm, much poorer and more despicable than I know or dare to say. Nevertheless, remember, Lord, I am nothing; I have nothing and can do nothing. You alone are good, just, and holy. You can do all things, are over all things, fill all things, leaving empty only the sinner. Call to mind Your tender mercies, and fill my heart with Your grace, You Who will want that Your work should not return to You void (Is 55:11).

7. How can I bear the miseries of this life unless strengthened by Your mercy and grace? Do not turn Your face away from me. Do not delay Your visitation. Do not withdraw Your comfort from me, lest my soul gasps after You as a thirsty land. (Ps 143:6). Lord, teach me to do Your will, teach me to walk humbly and uprightly before You, for You are my wisdom, Who knows me in truth, and knew me before the world was made and before I was born into the world.

4

WALK BEFORE GOD IN TRUTH AND HUMILITY.

Chapter Focus: Have you ever walked in front of someone, expecting to lead them toward a destination, only to discover that they’ve already journeyed down that path? Like when your Leader is following you and yet guiding you through the dense brush, letting you find the Way? They, having already been on this hunting path, might say, Let’s try this path; that other path is overgrown with poison ivy, or No, don’t go that way, I’ve been down that trail...there’s nothing there, or, There are skunks and snakes that way, better take this longer path…and run!

Chapter 4 is like that: Jesus tells us to walk before Him in Truth and Humility because He knows the Way. But we must learn the path ourselves and pay attention to the signs, the obstacles, the skunks, and snakes. In that Way, we confront the Truth. Sometimes that truth is acknowledging that we secretly relish our sins. In fact, we stink with the depravity of these sins. We itch with the need to scratch that particular depravity. We pretend not to look, but peek through our fingers. We are oh-so human. We are the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve.

Jesus asks tough questions about our favorite sins and secret depravities along the path. Oh, how we cling to these faults: The poison ivy isn’t that bad, we say, and this way is much shorter.That Way isn’t too bad. Climbing over rocks is good extra training. We rationalize. We prevaricate. We justify - until we smell the skunk. By the way, I’m not very good at this - I often end up in the briers, poison ivy, or smelling nasty!

Our Lord tells us to run from our sins. Jesus asks us to pursue purity and eternity with as much zeal as we pursue vanity, lust, and gossip, and … you get the picture. He chides us to recognize our natural sense of fear to avoid sins that may stick to us as stink sticks to a skunk. Better yet, we should denounce the sin - especially our favorites. These sins are paths to avoid, like a bridge out sign on a trail.

Let’s lace up our hiking shoes, and go where He leads us!

Chapter 4, In Short.

1. Walk before Christ in truth, and seek Him continually in the