BY THOMAS A KEMPIS Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur, 1941 ------Book 3------ CHAPTER 39: THAT A MAN MUST NOT BE TOO ANXIOUS ABOUT HIS AFFAIRS SON, commit thy cause to Me always; I will dispose of it well in its due season. Await My appointment, and thence thou shalt experience success therefrom. 2. Lord, most willingly do I commit all things to Thee; for but little can my own device avail. Would that I might not be too much set upon future events, but unhesitatingly offer myself to Thy good pleasure. 3. My son, oftentimes a man vehemently pursues something which he desires; but when he has obtained it, he begins to be of another mind. For our affections are not enduring with regard to the same object, but we rather drive onwards from one to another. It is therefore no small matter even in things the most trifling, to relinquish self. 4. Man's true progress consists in denying himself, and the man of self-denial is very much at liberty, and secure likewise. But the old enemy, opposed to all that is good, ceaseth not from tempting, but day and night plotteth deep snares, if perchance he may precipitate the unwary into the deceitful snare. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, saith the Lord. PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. IT is vain to trouble ourselves about the future, and to be discouraged at the sight of our infirmities; all consists in relying entirely upon God; in leaving ourselves in His hands, and in sparing no pains to please Him. It often happens that God wills or permits our anxiety concerning salvation, to bring us into a state bordering on despair, in order to oblige us to place our whole confidence in Him. For the less we are supported by creatures, the more we are upheld by God Whose will and pleasure it is to assist us when all others abandon us. Let us therefore endeavor to cast all our care upon Jesus, Who will be mindful of us, and let us faithfully correspond with His holy designs. PRAYER. O MY God! Who art able and willing to assist me, what grounds have I not to place my whole confidence in Thee, to throw myself into the arms of Thy Providence, and wait the effects of Thy bounty? Thou hast care of all: I will therefore give myself up entirely to Thee, live always in Thy presence, and ever guide myself by Thy fear and love. It is this grace I now ask of Thee, the God of my heart, and my portion forever. Grant me to weigh well, and to follow Thine admonition: "'Be not solicitous: for your heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things." Amen. Contact Us HOME----------------------------------CATHOLIC CLASSICS www.catholictradition.org/Classics/christ4-39.htm