DEVOTION CORNER

"My Imitation of Christ" by Thomas a Kempis
Revised translation edited by Confraternity of the Precious Blood, Imprimatur Thomas Edmundus Molloy, Archbishop of Brooklyn, 1954

Book One - useful adminishes for a Spiritual Life

Chapter 5 Reading the Holy Scripture

1.Truth is to be sought for in Holy Scripture, not in eloquence. All Holy Scripture ought to be read with that spirit with which it was made. We must read rather than seek for profit in the Scriptures than for subtlety of speech. We ought as willingly to read devout and simple books as those that are high and profound. Let no authority of the writer offend thee, whether he was of little or of great learning, but le the love of pure truth lead thee to read. Inquire not whoc said this, but attend to what is said.

2. Men pass away, "but the truth of the Lord remaineth forever"Ps. CXVI 2 God speaks in many ways to us, without respect of persons. Our curiosity often hinders us in reading the Scriptures when we attempt to understand and discuss that which should be simply pass over. If thou wilt receive profit read with humility, simplicity, and faith; and seek not at any time the fame of being learned. "Willingly inquire after, and hear with silence the words of the saints; and be pleased with the parables of the ancients, for they are not spoken without cause". - Ecclus. xxxii. 9