October 21, 2006
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Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis’s classic The Imitation of Christ has been a slow read for me. It’s that kind of book. I read a quote from this contemporary version by William Griffin and the fresh, dancing language drew me in even more than the devotional thoughts.
There is much to be praised about both the original and the translation. I did find myself arguing with the book on many of the pages. I don’t believe that we are just passing time here on earth and waiting for life in heaven to fulfill us, that we should despise this life. Just as often, though, the words hit their mark and resonated. I received a great benefit from the constant reminders to examine motives, deny myself, and take up my cross. I will pick this book up often in the future. Its design makes it perfect for short readings.
Griffin’s clever phrases captured and delighted me. Here are some samples:
Toad I must be, O Lord, and toad I must remain. Why? Because I toed the mark and failed. Of course, I could have toadied up to You, Lord God of all amphibians, but even in this I failed.Grace and Charity have this way of clearing the floor of cranks and releasing all the warmths of the soul.
If you think of yourself as an ant, and really despise your antics, and don’t antagonize others, and prefer to be squished under foot than crowned king of the world–then that’s something to be truly proud of.
Drown me in Love, my Lord, that I may learn how smooth and swimming it is to love.
Yes, consolation’s a good thing, but not all consolations are good. We’re succored by some, but suckered by others.
Dust up and empty out that place within, and don’t leave behind any fur balls. Strip bare your soul, and purify your heart first; then you’ll have some time to see how sweet the Lord is.
My pedagogy? Well, I’m the Logos, and so I don’t need a lot of logorrhea to make My points.
What Devout hogging the fireplace doesn’t feel his bottom growing warm! You’re the Fount, the splish and the splash! You’re the Flame, the cackle, and the crackle…You’re the Pipe of wine that flows freely; that’s to say, the Heavenly Cask containing the graces and consolations. At least for others if not for me. But if I’m not allowed to drink from the butt, I’ll die of thirst. Perhaps the tap’s in the off position. There’d still be some drippage, some droppage. I could survive on that. Anything to slake my thirst, make my fever subside.
Who’s the sort of person grace will occasionally grace? The one who pulls his intention up to God with a simple heart as his only winch and hoists himself out of the slough of self-love.
Comments (2)
Good, informative review. I dont own a copy, but it’s on my list. I will pay attention to the editor/translator based on your comments.
I feel a bit scatter-brained because I approach my daily devotional time in a less organized fashion than what I *think* I desire. What I mean is that I say to myself that I will work through a particular book, but then something comes up and I switch.
So, the fact that Imitation of Christ is a slow read is probably a good thing. Meaty paragraphs and prayers (like found in Valley of Vision) last me several days. And then, there’s just plain ole reading through the Bible. I prefer the straight through method as opposed to reading some OT and some NT each day.
This one of those classics I haven’t got around to reading yet. Good to be reminded of it–Thanks!
Griffin reminds me too much of a friend of ours who’s always punning. Maybe a good gift for him…