The Imitation of Christ · Question
How does The Imitation of Christ develop the theme of Love of God Above All?
Answer
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis develops Love of God Above All across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The ultimate goal is to rest in God alone, loving Him above every creature and gift, and finding in Him the sole source of true joy, peace, and fulfillment, with all other loves being subordinate and purified.
States that if God were the sole object of desire, one would be less troubled by erring judgments, highlighting the primacy of love for God.
The chapter teaches that true charity seeks God alone as the highest good, desiring His glory above all else.
Emphasizes putting whole trust in God, loving Christ above all, and finding rest only in union with Him.
Evidence in the book
- Of the fervent desire of certain devout persons to receive the Body and Blood of Christ
States that if God were the sole object of desire, one would be less troubled by erring judgments, highlighting the primacy of love for God.
- That the grace of devotion is acquired by humility and self-denial
The chapter teaches that true charity seeks God alone as the highest good, desiring His glory above all else.
- With how great reverence Christ must be received
Emphasizes putting whole trust in God, loving Christ above all, and finding rest only in union with Him.
- Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment
The central theme: Jesus must be loved alone above all things, and all created loves are deceiving and unstable.
- Of the Oblation of Christ upon the Cross, and of Resignation of Self
The chapter explicitly teaches that Jesus alone is to be specially loved, and all others for His sake.
- XI
Pure love of Jesus for His own sake, not for consolation, is exalted as the highest virtue.
- With how great reverence Christ must be received
The soul is called to give itself wholly to the Creator to be well pleasing and faithful.
- Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest
The entire chapter is a celebration of divine love as the highest good, which makes all burdens light and leads the soul to rest in God alone.
