That he who is about to Communicate with Christ

Name: That he who is about to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare himself with Great Diligence
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the necessity of diligent preparation for communion with Christ, highlighting the importance of purity and sanctity in the heart. It begins with a call to cleanse oneself of worldly distractions and sins, urging the believer to create a sacred space for divine presence. The text stresses that true preparation cannot stem from personal merit but is a result of divine grace and mercy. The believer is encouraged to approach communion with reverence, recognizing their unworthiness and the need for humility. The act of receiving communion is framed as a means of sanctification, where the individual is invited to be transformed and renewed through the grace of God. Moreover, the work underscores the significance of maintaining a state of devotion not only before but also after receiving the sacrament. Vigilance and watchfulness are deemed essential to preserve the grace received, warning against the temptation to return to worldly distractions immediately after communion. The text advocates for a quiet, contemplative state post-communion, fostering a deeper relationship with God. It concludes with a reminder that the believer's life should be centered in Christ, free from anxiety, and wholly devoted to divine communion.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1492 · Genre: Spiritual Literature, Theological, Devotional · 626 words

First lines

The Voice of the Beloved.

I am the Lover of purity, and Giver of sanctity. I seek a pure heart, and "there is the place of My rest. " Prepare for Me "the larger upper room furnished," and "I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples. "172 If thou wilt that I come unto thee and abide with thee, "purge out the old leaven,"173 and cleanse the habitation of thy heart. Shut out the whole world, and all the throng of sins; sit "as a sparrow alone upon the housetop,"174 and think upon thy transgressions with bitterness of thy soul. For everyone that loveth prepareth the best and fairest place for his beloved, because hereby the affection of him that entertaineth his beloved is known.

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That he who is about to Communicate with Christ Ought to Prepare himself with Great Diligence is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1492 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Thomas à Kempis
Date: 1492 CE
Language: English
Genres: Spiritual Literature, Theological, Devotional, Religious Instruction, Mystical
Length: 626 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Spiritual Literature — The text focuses on the preparation for communion with Christ, emphasizing spiritual purity and devotion.
Theological — It discusses theological concepts such as grace, sanctification, and the nature of communion.
Devotional — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and preparation for receiving the Eucharist.
Religious Instruction — It instructs readers on the importance of spiritual readiness and the practices surrounding communion.