(Author’s Note: This page is a work in progress and will be updated regularly.)
In my ongoing search for a simple spirituality rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, I’ve found inspiration in bringing the teachings of The Imitation of Christ—written by the 15th-century monk Thomas à Kempis—into my everyday life. This classic work stands out for its focus on a few core principles: humility, deep inner devotion, detachment from worldly distractions, patience through hardship, and a heartfelt union with Christ.
The book is split into four parts, each urging us to set aside spiritual pride and lean into a quieter, more disciplined life centered on God. I want to share my thoughts on each section, highlighting the themes that shape how I live and serve at this later stage of my clerical journey.
Book I: The Outward Life
This first part is about clearing away the noise that clouds the soul. It teaches us that chasing after honors, empty chatter, curiosity for its own sake, and self-importance only drains our spiritual strength. Instead, humility (Self Awareness), obedience (Self Discipline), scripture, and self-control are what build it up.
Chapter 1 invites us to imitate Christ by staying his life and walking in the light of his wisdom. That light isn’t about chasing status or approval—it’s about following Jesus’s example. Our faith shows us that everything else is empty compared to loving and serving God. All the good, joy, and purpose we find come from the gifts God has given us to use in line with His will. Jesus poured all his gifts and his very being into serving the Father and bringing us back into right relationship with God.
Too often in life, we try to create an identity separate from God, chasing power, position, and wealth. We tend to give God credit only for our start and end, plus the rough patches in between, while taking all the credit for our successes ourselves. But really, everything we do—or will do—should revolve around loving God and following His will.
Jesus states: “whoever follows me will never walk in darkness”. What does it mean to walk in darkness? As a child, I remember being uncomfortable in the dark because I could not discern where things were; weather they be obstacles, harmful things, helpful things, or the best route to where I needed to go. In the light , all these things could be seen and discerned and clear choices could be made as to their worth or harm.
The light of Christ provides a way to navigate the world both through the reality of his life witness and faith as to his place in the spiritual realm. To live like Christ you must instill a desire for the spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit gives someone the Spirit of Christ when they seek to, like Christ, to love God, to serve him alone, live a holy and upright life and to witness Christ to the world. All of our gifts, skills, and attributes come from God, so all of our effort, work and love should be reflected back to God. It is meaningless to love, covet or seek things that will quickly pass away, rather than focusing on those things that will endure for eternity.
During his ministry, Jesus gave everything he had, including his life, to show God’s nature and draw us closer to Him through his humanity. He never let titles, power, or wealth distract him from his mission. This is perfectly captured in his words in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Not my will, Father, but yours be done.”
Chapter 2 beautifully explores the essence of humility in the Christian faith, anchored in the example of Jesus and the wisdom of Saint Paul. It captures how true humility begins by recognizing our smallness before God, not as a defeat but as a doorway into deeper relationship and purpose.
I love the way you unpack the word “fear” in its theological context. That kind of fear isn’t about terror or dread but about profound respect and awe—a reverence that keeps us mindful of God’s greatness and our place within His plan. Calling it a form of theological FOMO is a fresh, relatable way to frame it: a fear of missing out on God’s guidance and love. This shifts the idea from something negative to something dynamic and life-giving.
The caution you raise about knowledge is important. Knowledge, when sought for selfish gain, can easily become a replacement for God rather than a tool to serve His will. Your point about love and service being the true reflections of God’s will is a solid anchor: knowledge is valuable only when it leads us to love more deeply and serve more faithfully.
That story about the youth ministry moment is a nice touch. It shows humility in action—working faithfully even when recognition is absent, trusting that God’s validation is what truly matters. The parallel you draw between Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection highlights this perfectly: human approval can be fleeting and even hostile, but God’s affirmation is eternal.
Overall, this reflection invites readers to embrace humility as a daily posture—a willingness to set aside our ego and ambitions, to live in love, and to view knowledge as a means to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. It’s a powerful reminder that humility is less about thinking less of ourselves and more about thinking of ourselves less, focusing instead on God’s will and love.
Chapter 3 really dives in deep with a concise credo on truth
The Contemplative Deacon 