The readings from de Montfort have changed from scripture to passages from “The Imitation of Christ.” I tried reading the “Imitation” many years ago with the hope that it would provide inspiration and tangible recommendations for spiritual growth. Perhaps it is a reflection of where I was at the time but I found it nearly impossible to get through. The writing seemed heavy and dark and more of a downer than anything inspirational or uplifting.
What a difference the passage of time can make!
Maybe Thomas a Kempis is better taken in small doses but, in the context of the first part of the preparation, the “Imitation” does a very good job of accomplishing de Montfort’s objective of “emptying oneself of the spirit of the world in penance and mortification.” Here are some phrases that made an impression:
- But I who am more inclined to go back, than to go forward…
- He who would be too secure in time of peace will often be found too much dejected in time of war.
- When you have conceived the spirit of fervor, you should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.
- But true glory and holy exultation is to glory in Thee, and not in one’s self;
- Let Thy Name be praised, not mine; let Thy work be magnified, not mine;
There seems more wisdom and true humility here than the dreary palette of suffering and self-degradation that I perceived in my younger middle-aged days. I can see better the merit of true humility rather than humility that will be recognized and praised. It is consistent with the “give in secret” and “pray in secret” instructions from the gospel from the first few days. And I keep reflecting on the triumph of poverty and humility implicit in the “Magnificat” which is one of the daily prayers of the consecration preparation. I tended to view the Magnificat as kind of “self-promotional” (Blessed Mother, forgive me!) but now see it as the prayer of self-renunciation and assertion of utter dependence on God that it actually is.
Apparently, I am still capable of learning! How refreshing…and humbling.
Anectodal Afterthought: Prior to the holidays, I called my nun acquaintance at the Dominican Monastery to see if I could set up an appointment to say hello and catch up. Sister told me that the nuns were in the midst of a retreat and then would be unavailable, even to family, until after Christmas. I figured I would catch up with her some time this month.
Yesterday, I was in the chapel reviewing the day’s consecration readings when I felt called to light a devotional candle. They sisters request a $3 donation for the quite large candles and I picked up a donation envelope before I left. I also figured that I would include a note to Sister in the envelope just to touch base.
This afternoon at about 4PM, I decided to take a few minutes to prepare the envelope and write the note. I was just completing the note when my cell phone rang. I figured it would be my wife with some instructions for after-work errands but I did not recognize the number being displayed. I answered the phone and, to my utter amazement, it was Sister! She was calling to see if I wanted to meet this coming Sunday.
Now, I ask you, what are the odds? I’m writing and she’s calling at that very moment. When she identified herself I literally burst out laughing. Even she got a kick out of the coincidence.
There’s something happening here. What it is ain’t exactly clear. But these little affirmations truly keep me going!
(By the way, Terry, it keeps saying “Error on page” and I had trouble getting the comment page, in case you want to look into that. Perhaps it has prevented others from commenting recently, too.)
Also, what it is IS exactly clear –as you know, affirmation ain’t no coincidence! I love that she called you just then!
I tried reading “Imitation of Christ” long ago, too. And more recently. And more recently still. I’m sure Mr. aKempis is going to smack me upside the head someday for this, but I am still of the opinion that it was written by a monk, for monks. Here’s how I read him: I take a piece of duct tape, and I put it over my mouth. Next, I put blinders on me so I will focus on what he’s saying. Then, I duct tape my hands to my side so I can’t close the book and go do something frivolous. I have the cat turn the pages for me with a pencil eraser. You can see how hard mortification and genuine humility are on me.
I’m only slightly exaggerating, lol. I am so happy that you are finding meat in this humble and loyal servant’s book. And our lovely Mother has already changed something else in you – how you read her Magnificat.
This is the kind of healing or easing we need, and we don’t know it until it happens.. but it is spiritual healing, and/or greater spiritual love, that is our sign in these times.
LOL! Thanks Carol. The imagery of the rigid self-disciplinary practices necessary for your reading the “Imitation” is priceless. And I know exactly what you mean. The fact that I wanted to grow spiritually by imitating Christ and couldn’t get through 3 chapters of The Imitation of Christ made me feel that all my efforts would result in some pretty poor imitations! I’ll keep relying on deMontfort to edit aKempis for me and dole him out accordingly.
You know, there’s a great wisdom in what you’re saying. I’d never really thought it could be best to just take this or that saint in small doses, but it may well be so. There are others whom I run from (including St. deMontfort! and St. Thomas A!), and yet when extracted from this or that chapter, I see the beauty of one of their statements..
Just so you know, I initially saw the Magnificat as you initially did! Indeed, that has changed for me, too, now.
I’m glad you’re sharing here!
I love your anecdote too, Terry. These are the kinds of things I find happening continually, and they generally make me laugh with delight too, or walk around in wide-eyed amazement for a few days.
Just as a note, for anyone who really and truly finds The Imitation of Christ too difficult to get through, there’s a wonderful “contemporary version” by William Griffin which helped me alot a few years ago; very humourous as well.
Thanks Gabrielle. I am really glad to hear you say this because I am noticing a lot of pleasant little (and not so little) occurrences and coincidences. Not the least of these is the amazing improvement in my digestive issues during the past 2 weeks.
I’ll check out Griffin’s imitation of the Imitation.