Lenten Meditation

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Book 1 Chapter 7: On False Confidence and Arrogance

“Do what you can to please [God] and He will reward you well for your good will.”

Today’s message is somewhat confusing.  Thomas a Kempis first tells us to “put all your confidence in God, but do not trust yourself.”  I have always heard it said, “Trust your instincts” or “Go with your gut feeling.”  But here we are told to ignore that feeling.  Or are we?  Who is it that nags at us when we have to make difficult decisions but our own conscience trying to guide us between right and wrong.  You are not to “trust your own cleverness nor that of any person.”  You are only to put your “trust in the grace of God.”  God’s wisdom and knowledge comes to us from so many sources including scripture, the Church Fathers and theologians.  The Church Magisterium, led by the Holy Spirit, is there to help guide us and provide insight into the meaning of the Words of God. It is from these sources that your conscience is formed and you are set on the path to righteousness. You are called again to humble yourself and to accept the teachings.  In humbling yourselves, you must not boast or brag because your earthly riches will eventually fade away.  The only riches that are eternal are the graces provided to you through our Father in Heaven.  You are also never to place yourself above anyone for the last will become first.  Thomas also tells us not to be proud of our good works. After reading this section, it sounds like Thomas just wants us to be this meek, humble and timid individual.  And the answer is yes, for the meek shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).  “A humble person is a peaceful person; but the hearts of the proud are full of envy and resentment.”  You must always place yourself last for you truly do not know the heart of the other.  If you always believe that your neighbor is better than you, you will serve him and God with righteous humility. Only God can judge the soul.

A Simple Prayer

Father in Heaven:

Give me the grace to be last and to develop a humble heart.
Allow me the strength to be meek so I can inherit the earth.

Yours in Christ
Michael Marcon