Book SummaryThe Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Imitation of Christ

The deep respect and necessary spiritual readiness for partaking in communion.

This section of the text emphasizes the necessity of deep reverence and careful spiritual preparation before engaging in the holy communion. When approaching the reception of this Sacrament, one must do so with a deep sense of awe and respect, recognizing its sacred importance and the remarkable grace it represents. We must also ensure that we prepare our inner being, cleansing our minds and feelings as thoroughly as we can, so that we may receive Christ in a way that honors His arrival.

The ancient patriarchs and saints serve as models, demonstrating the deep respect and modesty essential for participation in the holy ceremony of Communion.

This section delves into the way historical personages consistently demonstrated deep respect and humility in their interactions with the sacred. We must recognize our own shortcomings and the immense generosity bestowed upon us by the Divine, as their actions demonstrate.

The writer reflects on the deep and careful preparations that devout figures such as Moses, Solomon, and David made for their worship and feels that his own preparations to receive the holy Eucharist do not measure up to theirs.

Thomas à Kempis's composition exemplifies the deep commitment and extensive groundwork laid by individuals like Moses, Solomon, and David during their significant engagements with the spiritual domain. Moses, tasked with protecting the tablets inscribed with the commandments, constructed a chest from undying wood and embellished it with the finest gold. Solomon spent seven years constructing a magnificent temple to glorify the name of God. He observed the dedication for eight days, and with immense happiness accompanied by musical celebrations, he meticulously placed the holy container in its designated place. David, remembering the blessings his ancestors received, danced with great energy before the Lord's Ark, composed and sang psalms, and inspired the Israelites to fervently praise God with resounding joy. The author starts to question whether his own arrangements for participating in the Eucharist are sufficient after witnessing such devout rituals. He expresses sorrow over his difficulty in sustaining a mere thirty minutes of sincere prayer, especially when compared to their significant endeavors and lavish sacrifices.

Context

• The use of gold in religious artifacts and music in celebrations highlights the desire to honor God with the finest materials and joyous expressions, symbolizing purity and devotion.
• During the time of Thomas à Kempis, the medieval church placed a strong emphasis on the sacraments and the importance of personal piety. The Eucharist was a central part of religious life, and believers were encouraged to approach it with utmost reverence and preparation.
• The Old Testament rituals, such as those performed by Moses, Solomon, and David, were often grand and communal, involving the entire nation of Israel. In contrast, the New Testament practice of the Eucharist is more personal and introspective, focusing on individual communion with Christ.
• In biblical times, worship involved elaborate rituals and physical symbols, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple, which were central to the Israelites' religious life. These practices were deeply ingrained in the culture and required significant communal and individual commitment.

The author contemplates the deep reverence and mysterious character associated with the Sacrament, esteemed even by heavenly entities, and wonders at the graciousness of the divine that allows humankind, in spite of its transgressions, to participate in this sacred ceremony.

The author contrasts our inherent imperfections and constraints with the revered and divine essence of the Sacrament, which is held in high regard even by heavenly entities. In this holy rite, the creator of all that exists makes Himself known, generously offering His presence to humanity. He reflects on the absence of fervent devotion in his desire for oneness with the divine, a zeal that was profoundly exhibited by patriarchs, prophets, kings, and entire nations in their expressions of worship. He marvels at how God, the sovereign of everything and in need of nothing, chooses to reside within us through the sacred rite.

Context

• The reverence by heavenly entities highlights the belief that the Sacrament is not just a human ritual but a divine mystery that transcends earthly understanding.
• The ceremony symbolizes unity among believers and with Christ, emphasizing the communal aspect of faith and the shared experience of divine grace.
• The divine essence refers to the nature of God, characterized by attributes such as omnipotence, omniscience, and perfect goodness. In Christian belief, God's essence is wholly other and transcendent, yet made accessible through the Sacraments.
• In Christian theology, a sacrament is a rite recognized as of particular importance and significance. The most commonly referenced sacraments are the Eucharist and Baptism, which are seen as means of grace.
• The fervor shown by these figures and groups is often held up as an ideal in religious texts, encouraging believers to aspire to a similar level of devotion and commitment.
• In Christian belief, the idea of God residing within humans through the sacrament is rooted in the doctrine of the Real Presence, which holds that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist, not merely symbolically.

The author expresses a deep desire to share in a spiritual union, with fervor and love comparable to that of the Blessed Virgin Mary and other saints, even as he recognizes his own unworthiness.

The writer, acknowledging his own inadequacies, deeply desires to engage with the Sacrament in a manner filled with deep reverence and esteem, while holding the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist in high regard as exemplars of...

The Imitation of Christ Summary Participating in communion with the appropriate respect brings about deep spiritual benefits and kindness.

This part explores the infinite compassion and benevolence that God exhibits during the sacred rite of the Eucharist. The text explores the profound change one undergoes when partaking in Communion with deep respect, emphasizing the spiritual nourishment and solace it imparts to our existence.

The Divine's boundless love and generosity manifest in the creation of the communion, a sacred rite that provides spiritual sustenance and brings joy to believers.

This part highlights the way in which the institution of the Eucharist demonstrates the manifestation of divine compassion and kindness. He established this sacrament, not because we deserved it, but out of His immeasurable generosity and boundless desire to strengthen and unite us with Himself.

The author marvels at the humility of the supreme being, who kindly stoops to sustain the human soul, and praises the ineffable splendor and magnificence of the Eucharist.

Thomas à Kempis marvels at the divine readiness to serve as our spiritual nourishment, offering Himself in sacrifice to feed our souls. He reflects deeply on the mystery of the Eucharist, where the infinite and omnipotent Deity, needing nothing and...

The Imitation of Christ Summary The solemn essence of the Eucharist and the clerical order.

The passage underscores the significance and deep reverence for the holy ritual, along with the duties of the clergy in its distribution. The text explores the unique duties of clergy within the ecclesiastical structure, underscoring their sacred commitments and the heightened standards they are expected to uphold.

The priesthood is held in high esteem and carries the solemn responsibility of consecrating and administering the Eucharist.

This passage explores the unique responsibilities of priests, who are committed to the sacred duty of conducting the Eucharist, a ceremony that includes the consecration and sharing of the Sacrament. The writer emphasizes that this esteemed position cannot be achieved through worldly achievements; rather, it is a divine calling of the highest importance, bestowing upon individuals a profound sense of sanctity and sway within the Church.

In fulfilling their holy responsibilities, priests are granted the authority to conduct the sacred Mass and distribute the Eucharist, acting as envoys of Christ.

The author emphasizes the distinct duty of members of the clergy, who represent Christ during the Mass and when they distribute the...

The Imitation of Christ Summary Committing oneself and all personal possessions to a collective spiritual communion with the divine.

This excerpt underscores the significance of wholeheartedly committing to the spiritual path, setting aside our own wishes, and releasing any bonds that may obstruct our relationship with the Divine. It reaches its peak when we dedicate our prayers and virtuous deeds to others, intertwining our offerings with the sacrifice made by Christ Himself.

To engage meaningfully in Communion, one should fully dedicate oneself to fostering a spiritual bond, setting aside individual wants and superfluous ties.

This passage underscores the importance of completely surrendering to the divine plan as a condition for receiving the Eucharist. We should engage with the sacrament with complete commitment, setting aside our own desires and removing any barriers that might hinder our unity with Christ.

The author resolves to offer himself as a living sacrifice to God, giving over his whole heart, mind, and desires, that he may be wholly possessed by the divine love.

The author devotes his entire existence to the pursuit of a hallowed unity, signifying the deep dedication and commitment required for a truly profound transformation. This involves giving over our whole selves - mind, body,...