Imitation of Christ

I discovered this unassuming little book in my local library about a week ago, marked with the appealing and familiar title "The Imitation of Christ", by the saint Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471). So I began reading. What a consuming work! What devotion a man can have to God! Its truth written so simply, yet so passionately, it draws one into intimate understanding of the relationship the author has with Christ, and his amazing joy and longing for the Kingdom of God.

There is one bit I'd like to share, on the nature of God's transforming love.

From "The Imitation of Christ" - Book 3 On Inward Consolation, Chapter 5 On the Wonderful Effect of Divine Love

Love is a mighty power, a great and complete good; Love alone lightens every burden, and makes the rough places smooth. It bears every hardship as though it were nothing, and renders all bitterness sweet and acceptable. The love of Jesus is noble, and inspires us to great deeds; it moves us always to desire perfection. Love aspires to high things, and is held back by nothing base. Love longs to be free, a stranger to every worldly desire, lest its inner vision become dimmed, and lest worldly self-interest hinder it or ill-fortune cast it down. Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller or better in heaven or earth; for love is born of God (1 John 4:7), and can rest only in God, above all created things.

Love flies, runs, and leaps for joy; it is free and unrestrained. Love gives all for all, resting in One who is highest above all things, from whom every good flows and proceeds. Love does not regard the gifts, but turns to the Giver of all good gifts. Love knows no limits, but ardently transcends all bounds. Love feels no burden, takes no account of toil, attempts things beyond its strength; love sees nothing as impossible, for it feels able to achieve all things. Love therefore does great things; it is strange and effective; while he who lacks love faints and fails.

Love is watchful, and while resting, never sleeps; weary, it is never exhausted; imprisoned, it is never in bonds; alarmed, it is never afraid; like a living flame and a burning torch, it surges upward and surely surmounts every obstacle. Whoever loves God knows well the sound of His voice. A loud cry in the ears of God is that burning love of the soul which exclaims, "My God and my love, You are all mine, and I am yours."

Thanks and praise to our God, who is love! I found a site at which can be found the whole book, for anyone who wants to read bits online.

God bless!