Lenten Meditation

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Book 1 Chapter 8: On Avoiding Too Much Familiarity 

“Associate yourself with those who are humble and have simplicity, who are devout and self-disciplined.”

We are instructed today to be cautious about who you call friends and close acquaintances. Your friends will truly shape your formation.  Thomas a Kempis says you should not select friends because of their social status, because they are popular, because they are rich, or because they are considered great.  Rather he says, you should associate yourself with people “who are humble and have simplicity.”  These are people who tend to be “devout and self-disciplined”.  More importantly he suggests that our conversation should be “about those things that will deify and strengthen the soul.” How often do you seek the fame and fortune associated with those that are rich and famous, the movies stars, or so called great athletes only to be greatly disappointed by their conduct or the way that they treat you. This is Thomas says you should seek the simple life and to be on “intimate terms with God and his angels”. While we are told to be selective in our association with others, you are called to be charitable to all.  When that great movie star or athlete falls, you should not be happy for them, but pray for their conversion to God.  It is only in the imitation of Christ that you will find the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ truly is the kingdom we should all seek and it is His glory that we desire.

A Simple Prayer

Lord God, creator of all;
  Allow me to be humble on this great day;
  That I will seek you and not fame and fortune;
  That I desire your love and not the rich and the proud.

Yours in Christ
Michael Marcon