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Thomas à Kempis: Silence and solitude
Set aside an opportune time for deep personal reflection, and think often about God’s many benefits to you. Give up all light and frivolous matters, and read what inspires you to repentance of soul and not just what entertains the mind.
If you abstain from unnecessary conversation and useless visiting, as well as from listening to idle news and gossip, you will find sufficient and suitable time for your meditations. The great saints avoided the company of men as much as they could, because they wanted to live for God in silence. (The Imitation of Christ, Vantage)
Reflection questions
1. Not everyone is called to live apart from people, but how can you make more time for God in your daily life?
2. Thomas à Kempis may come across as harsh in this reading, as well as a little impractical. What significance do his words have for you and your relationship with God?
Thomas à Kempis (1380–1471) was a priest whose writings stressed personal piety and the inner life.
