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Imitation of
Christ, by Thomas � Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 18
On the examples of the Holy Fathers.
Look upon the
lively examples of the holy Fathers in whom shone real perfection and
the religious life, and you will see how little it is, and almost
nothing that we do. Alas, what is our life when we compare it with
theirs? Saints and friends of Christ, they served our Lord in hunger
and in thirst, in cold, in nakedness, in labor and in weariness, in
watching, in fasting, prayers and holy meditations, and in frequent
persecutions and reproaches. Oh, how many grievous tribulations did the
Apostles suffer and the Martyrs and Confessors and Virgins, and all the
rest who resolved to follow the steps of Christ! For they hated their
lives in this world, that they might keep them in life everlasting. Oh
what a strict and self-renouncing life the holy Fathers of the desert
led! What long and grievous temptations did they bear! How often were
they harassed by the enemy, what frequent and fervent prayers did they
offer up to God, what rigorous abstinence did they practice!
What a valiant contest waged they to subdue their imperfections! What
purity and straightforwardness of purpose kept they towards God! By day
they labored, and much of the night they spent in prayer; though while
they labored, they were far from leaving off mental prayer. They spent
all their time profitably. Every hour seemed short to spend with God;
and even their necessary bodily refreshment was forgotten in the great
sweetness of contemplation. They renounced all riches, dignities,
honors and kindred; they hardly took what was necessary for life. It
grieved them to serve the body even in its necessity. Accordingly, they
were poor in earthly things, but very rich in grace and virtues.
Prayers for the 12-Day
Preparatory Period
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