Thomas a Kempis: loving the unlovely

Monday, July 24, 2017
    Commemoration of Thomas à Kempis, priest, spiritual writer, 1471
Meditation:
    [Jesus:] “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
    —Matthew 5:46-47 (NIV)
Quotation:
    It is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle; for this is a naturally pleasing to all, and everyone willingly enjoyeth peace, and loveth those best that agree with him. But to be able to live peaceably with hard and perverse persons, or with the disorderly, or with such as go contrary to us, is a great grace, and a most commendable thing.
    ... Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ [1418], Leipzig: Bernhard Tauchnitz, 1877, II.iii.2, p. 88 (see the book)
    See also Matt. 5:43-48; Luke 6:32-35; Rom. 12:18; 1 Pet. 2:20-23
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, grant me patience and perseverance towards those whom I would rather avoid. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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