Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons

Name: Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work explores the profound longing and devotion of individuals seeking to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. It begins with a disciple reflecting on the overwhelming sweetness of divine love reserved for those who revere God. The disciple expresses shame for approaching the sacrament with a lack of fervor compared to others who exhibit deep emotional and spiritual yearning. The text contrasts the disciple's coldness with the passionate devotion of others who, driven by their earnest desire for communion, experience intense spiritual hunger and joy. These individuals are depicted as having a burning faith, recognizing Christ in the Eucharist, and feeling their hearts ablaze with love during their encounters with Him. The disciple acknowledges their own shortcomings in faith and devotion, yearning for a deeper connection and a more ardent love for God. They plead for mercy and grace, hoping to experience even a fraction of the fervor displayed by the devout. The work emphasizes the transformative power of divine grace, suggesting that even a small taste of God's love can strengthen faith, hope, and charity. Ultimately, the text serves as a meditation on the nature of spiritual desire, the importance of approaching the sacrament with reverence, and the aspiration to cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine. It highlights the contrast between human frailty and the boundless mercy of God, encouraging readers to seek a more profound experience of communion and to aspire to the fervent love exhibited by the truly devout.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1518 · Genre: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Devotional Writing · 436 words

First lines

The Voice of the Disciple.

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Of the Fervent Desire of Certain Devout Persons to Receive the Body and Blood of Christ is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1518 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1518 CE
Language: English
Genres: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Devotional Writing, Theology, Meditative Prose
Length: 436 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Genres

Religious Literature — The text focuses on the deep spiritual longing for communion with Christ, reflecting themes of faith, devotion, and the sacraments.
Spirituality — It explores the inner spiritual journey and emotional experiences of individuals seeking a closer relationship with God.
Devotional Writing — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on the significance of the Eucharist.
Theology — It discusses theological concepts related to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the nature of faith.