Saturday, November 22, 2008

Saturday Special


Welcome to the weekend! This Saturday's special is a selection from one of my favorite books, The Imitation of Christ. For those of you unfamiliar with this classic work, you are in for a treat. Few writers in my experience can pack as much spiritual punch in so few sentences as this 14th century monk. Enjoy!

"What doth it profit thee to enter into deep discussion concerning the
Holy Trinity, if thou lack humility, and be thus displeasing to the Trinity? For verily it is not deep words that make a man holy and upright; it is a good life which maketh a man dear to God. I had rather feel contrition than be skilful in the definition thereof. If thou knewest the whole Bible, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what should all this profit thee without the love and grace of God? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, save to love God, and Him only to serve. That is the highest wisdom, to cast the world behind us, and to reach forward to the heavenly kingdom."

-- Thomas a Kempis from The Imitation of Christ

2 comments:

Kathleen said...

This is beautiful. Thanks for the reminder that knowledge of all things theological--no matter how grand--is empty without a humble, simple heart of faith.

John Roper said...

You're welcome, and thanks for the comment. I always enjoy them.

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