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Imitation of Christ,
by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 10
That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God
Now, will I speak
again, O Lord, and will not be silent, I will say in the hearing of my God
and my King Who is on high: Oh, how great is the abundance of Thy sweetness,
O Lord, which Thou hast hidden for those that fear Thee! But what art Thou,
for those who love Thee? What, to those who serve Thee with their whole heart?
Unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of Thy contemplation, which Thou bestowest
on those who love Thee. In this most of all hast Thou showed me the sweetness
of Thy love, that when I had no being, Thou didst make me; and when I was
straying far from Thee, Thou brought me back again, that I might serve Thee:
and Thou hast commanded me to serve Thee. O Fountain of everlasting love,
what shall I say of Thee? How can I forget Thee, Who hast vouchsafed to remember
me even after I was corrupted and lost? Beyond all hope Thou showest mercy
to Thy servant; and beyond all desert, hast Thou manifested Thy grace and
friendship. What return shall I make to Thee for this favor? For it is granted
to all who forsake these things, to renounce the world, and to assume the
monastic life. Is it much that I should serve Thee, Whom the whole creation
is bound to serve? It ought not to seem much to me to serve Thee; but this
does rather appear great and wonderful to me, that Thou vouchsafest to receive
one so wretched and unworthy as Thy servant. It is a great honor, a great
glory, to serve Thee, and to despise all things for Thee, for they who willingly
subject themselves to Thy holy service, shall have great grace. They shall
experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, Who for the love
of Thee, have cast aside all carnal delight.
Prayers
for the 12-Day Preparatory Period |
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