Thomas a Kempis (circa 1379 – 1471) was a German-Dutch canon regular of the late medieval period and the author of The Imitation of Christ, one of the most popular and best known Christian devotional books. While attending school in Deventer, Thomas encountered the Brethren of the Common Life, followers of Gerard Groote’s Modern Devotion. In 1406 he entered Mount St. Agnes, founded by disciples of Groote in order to provide a way of life more in keeping with monastic way. While there he became a prolific copyist and writer. He was made sub-prior of the monastery in 1429.
Quotes by Thomas a Kempis…
The hour is not past. Why will you put off your resolution? Arise, begin this very moment, and say, “Now is the time to do. Now is the time to fight. Now is the proper time for amendment.”
The more a man has unity and simplicity in himself, the more things and the deeper things he understands, and that without labor, because he receives the light and understanding from above.
Many are secretly seeking their own ends in what they do, yet know it not. They seem to live in good peace of mind so long as things go well with them, and according to their desires, but if their desires be frustrated, immediately they are shaken and displeased.
God is able to do more than man can understand.
Our dependance upon God ought to be so entire and absolute that we should never think it necessary, in any kind of distress to seek out human consolations.
If we would put some slight stress on ourselves at the beginning, then afterwards we should be able to do all things with ease and joy.
The man of inner life is easily aware of himself, since he is never totally absorbed in outward affairs. Therefore, his exterior occupations and necessary activities do not distract him, and he adjusts himself to things as they come. The man whose inner life is well-ordered, is not bothered by strange and troublesome ways of others. A man is blocked and distracted by such things only as he permits himself to be.
The humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than the deepest search after science.
If you wish to grow in your spiritual life, you must not allow yourself to be caught up in the workings of the world. You must find time alone, away from the noise and confusion, away from the allure of power and wealth.
