The Imitation of Christ, livre ebook

Let Jesus's example of holiness, humility and purity of heart be a companion on your own spiritual journey.Next to the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is the most widely read devotional work within the Christian community. Thought to be compiled by fifteenth-century cleric Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1471), this spiritual classic focuses the contemporary God-seeker on a religion of the heart—a vital connection with God in our innermost being. It advocates the cultivation of virtues, like humility and purity of intention, by inviting the spirit of Jesus to dwell richly in our lives. It emphasizes the need to translate that life of love into daily action.Now you can experience the timeless wisdom of this spiritual classic with no previous knowledge of late medieval Christianity. This SkyLight Illuminations edition, based on John Wesley’s popular 1741 abridgment, renders these meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus in a way that is accessible to the contemporary reader. A substantive introduction and facing-page commentary places the work in its original context; clarifies the text’s roots in the Bible, the early Church, and medieval mysticism; and explains its influence—spanning five hundred years—on spiritual luminaries from saints to popes and its continuing significance today.Preface xiIntroduction xvBOOK IThe Life of the Soul1. The Imitation of Christ 32. Humility 53. Truth 74. Prudence 95. Scripture 116. Vanity and Pride 137. Peace 158. Temptation 179. Works of Charity 2110. Long-Suffering 2311. Holy Forebears 2512. Solitude and Silence 2913. Discipline 3114. Mortality 3315. The Consequences of Sin 3716. Transformation 39BOOK IIThe Interior Life1. The Interior Life 432. Humble Submission 473. Peace and Goodness 494. Simplicity and Purity 515. Self-Understanding 536. A Good Conscience 557. Love of Jesus 578. Friendship with Jesus 599. Divine Comfort 6110. Gratitude 6511. The Cross of Christ 6712. The Royal Way 69BOOK IIIThe Comfort of the Heart1. Christ Speaks 752. The Internal Voice 773. God's Word 794. Truth and Humility 815. Divine Love 836. Free Grace 877. God's Service 898. Human Desires 919. Entrusting All to God 9310. Resting in God 9511. Causes of Peace 9912. Dangers in Self-Absorption 10113. God’s All-Sufficiency 10314. Freedom of Heart 10515. Brokenness in Life 10716. Wisdom 10917. Eternal Life 11118. Surrender 11319. True Self-Knowledge 11520. Nature and Grace 11721. The Optimism of Grace 11922. Self-Denial 12123. Encouragement 12324. Deep Mysteries 12525. Hope and Trust in God Alone 127BOOK IVThe Sacrament of Holy Communion1. Reverence for Christ 1312. God’s Goodness and Love 1353. Frequent Communion 1394. A Table of Blessing 1435. The Dignity of the Sacrament 1476. Examination of Conscience 1497. Sacrifice and the Meal 1518. Offering All to God 1539. An Essential Meal 15510. Preparation for Communion 15911. Union with Christ 16312. Communion 16513. Humility and Sacramental Devotion 16714. Yearning for God’s Grace 16915. Fervent Love 173Notes 176Suggestions for Further Study 177Comparison of Editions 178Scripture Index 182