Book Club::The Imitation of Christ

Hello Ladies. I hope you’re not losing interest in discussing The Imitation of Christ . Let’s get started in Book III, Chapter XI

For I perceive two things to be particularly necessary for me in this life, without which it would be insupportable to me. Whilst I am detained in the prison of this body, I acknowledge myself to stand in need of two things–namely food and light. Unto me, then, thus weak and helpless, thou hast given thy sacred body, and thy word thou hast set as a lamp to my feet. Without these two things I should not be able to live, for the word of God is light of my soul ans thy sacrament the bread of life.
The Imitation of Christ

I read this and I think of how often I pass the opportunity to partake of these two life giving, life sustaining, forms of nourishment.

Now there are days when I cannot make it to Mass…but I can make a Spiritual Communion. And I cannot come up with a very good excuse to miss reading the Word of God each day. I know I may be tired, physically worn out and mentally exhausted; but if I can sit down in front of my computer or grab my phone to check email/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest…I have the time to to read the Scriptures. Even if only five minutes. Even if I read it on my computer or phone…I have the time to read the living and active Word of God.

? Thomas a’Kempis lists Holy Communion and reading the Scriptures as a necessary for life. What would you add to this as a necessary for your spiritual life?

 

 

Vouchsafe O Lord to remain with me, for I will gladly be with thee. This is my whole desire, that my heart be united unto thee.
The Imitation of Christ

What a lovely prayer to say after receiving our Lord: Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in Holy Communion. I always wondered why my sweet mother in law would come back from receiving Holy Communion and put her head in her hands. Unfortunately, I never asked her. But I know why I do it now; I want to be alone with Jesus.

And another beautiful prayer…

Be thou kind to me, O merciful Jesus, sweet and gracious Lord, and grant to me, thy poor needy creature, sometimes at least in this Holy Communion, to feel if it be but a small portion of the love of thy loving heart that my faith may become more strong, my hope in thy goodness may be increased, and that charity once perfectly kindled within me after the tasting of this heavenly manna, may never smoulder.
The Imitation of Christ

I know for myself, I forget to ask God for the more love and more devotion to Him. It’s like in my mind He’s filled my cup and what I get, I get. But that’s not how it works, or at least that’s not how it works in my own home. I may fill my children’s cup, but if they want more, if they need more…they ask for more. And if it’s a good, I give it to them.

Asking for more of God is good and He will grant that request. {Tweet This}

? Do you have any specific prayers or meditations after you receive our Lord in Holy Communion?

God often giveth in one short moment that which He for a long time hath denied. He giveth sometimes in the end that which in the beginning of thy prayer He deferred to grant. If grace were always promptly given ans ever present at will, weak men could not well bear it. Therefore the grace of devotion is to be waited for with good hope and humble patience.
The Imitation of Christ

Have you ever felt empty? I mean just done, finished, that’s it, nothing left to give? I know I have…more than once…more than twice…

 

For the Lord bestoweth His blessings where He findeth the vessels empty.
The Imitation of Christ

Good to know. Maybe if I can keep that thought before me, I will welcome or at least bear patiently the empty times knowing “I’m not just sitting empty…I’m waiting to be filled.” {Tweet This}