To put it in the most general of terms, The Imitation of Christ, along with The Practice of the Presence of God, are about the importance of cultivating a deeply personal relationship with Christ. As we celebrate the Incarnation of God's Only Begotten Son at Christmastime, it makes sense to point out that the Lord came in the flesh precisely to make such a relationship possible for all.
Rooted as it is in the Eucharist, which is the most intense personal encounter with Christ imaginable, knowing Christ more and more, through life's peaks and valleys, is the anchor of faith.
We may enjoy abundance of peace if we refrain from busying ourselves with the sayings and doings of others, and things which concern not ourselves. How can he abide long time in peace who occupieth himself with other men’s matters, and with things without himself, and meanwhile payeth little or rare heed to the self within? Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall have abundance of peace (Imitation of Christ, Book I, Chap. XI, 1)To a very great extent, social media immerses one in what Thomas à Kempis urges us to avoid.
Peace to you as you embark on another year. Remember, God is with you.
The Rosary. I recently began an Eastern Orthodox flavor of this called The Prayer Rule of the Theotokos! Got a 150-knot prayer rope for it, for the same number of prayers (“Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Mary, full of grace, the Lird is with You…” along with a other prayers specific to each of the 15 decades (?). I find doing 50 at a time challenging, three times a week. Quite a journey for a Pentecostal preacher’s kid who, at 71, feels little more than a babe within the Ancient Faith. It is a prayer rule that brings peace I would never have suspected.
ReplyDeletePraying that way can be challenging. As you now know, sticking with it is the key.
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