This is a series of personally impactful excerpts from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis Book 1, Chapter 1 - followed by a brief prayer of reflection. I began this for my own reference but thought it may be helpful to others as well. As always, I encourage you to read the whole work yourself if you feel so inclined!
Book 1, Chapter 1: On following Christ our Model
"'No one who follows me will ever walk in darkness' (Jn 8:12)"
If you want to see clearly and avoid blindness of heart, it is His virtues you must imitate. Make it your aim to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ. (pg.15)
Those who fully understand Christ's words must labor to make their lives conform to His. (pg.15)
Lofty words neither save you nor make you a saint; only a virtuous life makes you dear to God.(pp.15-16)
Nothing matters except to love God and to serve Him only.(pg.16)
The height of wisdom is to set your goal on heaven by despising the world.(pg.16)
Be determined to detach your heart from the love of visible things, allowing it to center on the unseen.(pg.16)
Light of the World,
You have said that no one who follows you will ever walk in darkness. I know in my humble, lowly state that I will never be perfect as you are - but today I resolve to attempt to follow you by working to imitate your virtuous life. By centering my life around that which is unseen, I pray that you show me how to love God and to serve Him only. My goal is heaven and eternity in union with you in the Most Holy Trinity. I place myself as clay in your hands - mold my heart and detach it from the love of worldly things. Instead, make it a heart that beats only for love of you.
Amen.
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