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Handout #141 |
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The Devotio Moderna: The Imitation of Christ |
| Whoever desires to
understand and take delight in the words of Christ must strive to conform
his whole life to him. Of what use is it to discourse learnedly on the
Trinity, if you lack humility and therefore displease the Trinity? Lofty
words do not make a man just or holy; but a good life makes him dear to
God.
If you knew the whole Bible by heart, and all the teachings of the philosophers, how would this help you without the grace and love of God? 'Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity, except to love God and serve him alone. And this is supreme wisdom to despise the world, and draw daily nearer to the kingdom of heaven (I,1). A humble countryman who serves God is more pleasing to him than a conceited intellectual who knows the course of the stars, but neglects his own soul ... Restrain an inordinate desire for knowledge, in which is found much anxiety and deception ... If it seems to you that you know a great deal and have wide experience in many fields, yet remember that there are many matters of which you are ignorant. A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the highest and most valuable of all lessons (1, 2). No motive, even that of affection for anyone, can justify the doing of evil. But to help someone in need, a good word may sometimes be left, or a better undertaken in its place (I, 15). 'The kingdom of God is within you', says Our Lord. Turn to the Lord with all your heart, forsake this sorry "world, and your soul shall find rest. Learn to turn from worldly things, and give yourself to spiritual things, and you will see the kingdom of God come within you (II, 1). My son, you cannot always burn with zeal for virtue, nor remain constantly in high contemplation; the weakness of sinful human nature "ill at times compel you to descend to lesser things, and bear with sorrow dens of this present life.(III,51) |