Need a little wisdom?

During Lent, my Alma mater, Augustine Institute, did a weekly discussion on My Imitation of Christ by Thomas è Kempis.  It is such a wonderful little book, dense with wisdom.  So much so, that I couldn't complete it on time because I often had to pause to ponder a particular insight!

Anyway, in Book III, Chapter 30, like the entire book, there is a lot to consider, so I thought I would share some of it with you. The language is a bit archaic, so I'll paraphrase as needed. I am hoping that you will find something that speaks to you, that you might pause on as well, and find some relevance to your life.

In the beginning of this chapter, Jesus is speaking.  He reminds us to come to him "when it is not well" with us, because what prevents us from "heavenly comfort" is that we are "slow in turning thyself to prayer."

The other problem is that before we pray to him, we seek "many comforts and delightest thyself in outward things."

"Nor is there outside of me any powerful help, or profitable counsel, or lasting remedy."

After the storm we are experiencing passes, and we have "recovered our spirit," we will grow strong again in God's mercy, for he is "at hand to repair all, not only to the full, but even with abundance and above measure."

We must "stand firmly and with perseverance."

We must "have patience and be of good courage, comfort will come in its proper season."

"Wait for me, wait, I will come and cure thee."

And here are a couple last tidbits . . .

"What does that solicitude about future accidents bring thee but only sorrow upon sorrow?"

"It is a vain and unprofitable thing to conceive either grief or joy for future things, which perhaps will never happen." 

"When though thinkest I am far from thee, I am often nearest to thee."

"When thou judgest that almost all is lost, then oftentimes it is that thou art in the way of gaining the greatest merit."

"Thou must not judge according to thy present feeling, nor give thyself up in such manner to any trouble, whencesoever [sic] it comes, nor take it so as if all hope were gone of being delivered out of it."

This chapter is very encouraging as it reminds us to persevere in our struggles, to not give up hope, and to always, always count on God, for it is the Lord "who give[s] strength in the day of trouble."  (Nahum 1:7)

May God bless you during this Easter season with continued growth in your faith and confidence in his blessings.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com