Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross
The work emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and the acceptance of suffering as integral to the Christian journey. It begins by presenting the call to take up one's cross, highlighting that true followers of Christ must embrace hardship and tribulation. The text asserts that the Cross is central to spiritual health, life, and protection, and that it leads to eternal joy and virtue. The author argues that suffering is unavoidable and essential for spiritual growth. It is through trials that one learns humility and gains a deeper understanding of Christ's Passion. The Cross is depicted as a constant presence in life, and patience is deemed essential for achieving inner peace and the ultimate reward of eternal life. The narrative stresses that willingly bearing the Cross transforms tribulation into a source of divine comfort. The more one submits to suffering, the more one experiences spiritual strength and grace. The text contrasts human nature, which resists suffering, with the grace of Christ that enables believers to embrace their burdens. The work encourages readers to prepare for adversities, viewing them as opportunities for growth and a means to align more closely with Christ. It posits that true consolation comes from enduring hardships for Christ's sake, and that the path to spiritual fulfillment is through the acceptance of suffering. Ultimately, the text concludes that a life of tribulation is necessary for entering the kingdom of God, reinforcing the idea that suffering is not only a part of the Christian experience but a vital component of spiritual maturity and closeness to God. The overarching message is that through the Cross, believers find their way to eternal life and divine glory.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1441 · Genre: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Philosophy · 1,902 words
First lines
That seemeth a hard saying to many, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his Cross and follow Me. "36 But it will be much harder to hear that last sentence, "Depart from me, ye wicked, into eternal fire. "37 For they who now willingly hear the word of the Cross and follow it, shall not then fear the hearing of eternal damnation. This sign of the Cross shall be in heaven when the Lord cometh to Judgment. Then all servants of the Cross, who in life have conformed themselves to the Crucified, shall draw nigh unto Christ the Judge with great boldness.
What this Textopian page supports
Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1441 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1441 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Literature, Spirituality, Philosophy, Devotional, Theology
- Length: 1,902 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- That Many Good Gifts Are Bestowed Upon Those Who Communicate Devoutly by Thomas A. Kempis
- That It Is Profitable To Communicate Often by Thomas A. Kempis
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Genres
- Religious Literature — The text focuses on Christian themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the significance of the Cross in the life of believers.
- Spirituality — It emphasizes personal spiritual growth through the acceptance of suffering and tribulation as a path to divine grace.
- Philosophy — The work explores existential themes regarding the nature of suffering, self-denial, and the pursuit of virtue.
- Devotional — It serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on the Christian faith and the importance of the Cross.
Tags
Christianity · Spirituality · Meditations · Devotional · Theology · Philosophy · Faith · Prayer · Self-Improvement · Personal Growth · Inner Peace · Spiritual Guidance
More by Thomas à Kempis
- Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and all its Vanities (1441)
- Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself (1441)
- Of the Knowledge of Truth (1441)
- Of Prudence in Action (1518)
- Of the Reading of Holy Scripture (1441)
- Of Inordinate Affections (1441)
- Of Fleeing from Vain Hope and Pride (1940)
- Of the Danger of too Much Familiarity (1904)
- All works by Thomas à Kempis