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Imitation of
Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 10
That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God
Now, will I
speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent, I will say in the hearing
of my God and my King Who is on high: Oh, how great is the abundance of
Thy sweetness, O Lord, which Thou hast hidden for those that fear Thee!
But what art Thou, for those who love Thee? What, to those who serve
Thee with their whole heart? Unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of Thy
contemplation, which Thou bestowest on those who love Thee. In this
most of all hast Thou showed me the sweetness of Thy love, that when I
had no being, Thou didst make me; and when I was straying far from
Thee, Thou brought me back again, that I might serve Thee: and Thou
hast commanded me to serve Thee. O Fountain of everlasting love, what
shall I say of Thee? How can I forget Thee, Who hast vouchsafed to
remember me even after I was corrupted and lost? Beyond all hope Thou
showest mercy to Thy servant; and beyond all desert, hast Thou
manifested Thy grace and friendship. What return shall I make to Thee
for this favor? For it is granted to all who forsake these things, to
renounce the world, and to assume the monastic life. Is it much that I
should serve Thee, Whom the whole creation is bound to serve? It ought
not to seem much to me to serve Thee; but this does rather appear great
and wonderful to me, that Thou vouchsafest to receive one so wretched
and unworthy as Thy servant. It is a great honor, a great glory, to
serve Thee, and to despise all things for Thee, for they who willingly
subject themselves to Thy holy service, shall have great grace. They
shall experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, Who for
the love of Thee, have cast aside all carnal delight.
Prayers for the 12-Day
Preparatory Period
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