This chapter, at first, was somewhat difficult to synthesize, because I've never been in a "religious" community. However, after reading through the meditation several times, what Thomas is pointing to is not simply a monastic community, but a community of devout believers, wherever they may be. While one of the reasons Thomas a'Kempis wrote "The Imitation of Christ" was for those entering religious life, it has direct application to those of us outside the monastery walls. In some sense, the previous chapters all lead up to this one: entering into a devout life (not just a life-style). In the next few chapters, good Thomas will take us deeper into the monastery and guide us into a prayer life via the example of the Church Fathers. So this chapter is a short introduction to a more devout life. As always, the secret weapon is humility and focus on pursuit of God's Love. After the meditation, you will get a reward.
CHAPTER 17 On a Religious (Devout) Life
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| A Devoted Community: the Apostles |
Learn to be humble in all things if you want to get along with others, for it is to your benefit. It is not easy to live in a religious community, and to live there without complaint, and to remain faithful even unto death. Blessed are those who have lived a good life in such a community, and brought it to a happy end. Persevere in this humility and you will acquire it as you should, by regarding yourself as an exile and a pilgrim upon this earth. If you are to lead a devout, religious life, be counted as a fool for Christ (1 Cor 1:19; 1 Cor 4:10, 1 Cor 3:19; 1 Cor 1:21).
2. Religious clothing such as the habit and tonsure, and outward appearances matter little; it is change of character and entire humility of affections which make a truly devout person. When you seek those things other than the health of your soul and God Himself, you will only find tribulation and sorrow. You cannot remain long in peace, when you do not strive to be least of all and servant of all.
3. You are called to endure and to labor, not to a life of ease and wasteful gossip. In a life of devotion, you are meant to be tried as gold in a furnace. No one can last long, unless with all your heart you will humble yourself for the sake of God's love.
And here is your prize: Reward for Fidelity. 2 Tim 4:6-8
"For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance."
Until next time, thank you for reading and praying along with me.
tim
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