That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy S
The work emphasizes the profound significance of the Eucharist and Holy Scriptures for a faithful soul. It begins with a disciple's heartfelt expression of longing for the presence of Christ, highlighting the joy and blessedness found in partaking of the Eucharist. The disciple reflects on the hidden nature of Christ in the Sacrament, acknowledging the limitations of human perception while yearning for the ultimate vision of divine glory. The text contrasts the current state of faith, where believers rely on the Sacraments, with the future hope of direct communion with God in heaven. It underscores the necessity of patience and submission to God’s will, drawing parallels between the disciple's journey and that of the saints who awaited divine glory. Two essential elements are identified as vital for spiritual sustenance: the Body and Blood of Christ and the Word of God. The Eucharist is portrayed as the bread of life, while Scripture serves as a guiding light. These elements are likened to two tables within the Church, one representing the altar and the other the teachings of divine law. The work expresses gratitude for the holy doctrine provided by prophets and apostles, which illuminates the path to salvation. It emphasizes the significance of the priesthood, calling attention to the purity and holiness required of priests who administer the Sacrament. The text advocates for a life of holiness and integrity among those who serve in this sacred role, urging them to maintain a pure heart and conduct. In conclusion, the work serves as a meditation on the necessity of the Eucharist and Scripture for spiritual life, encouraging believers to seek divine communion through faith, the sacraments, and the teachings of the Church. It calls for a deep reverence for the sacred mysteries and a commitment to living a life reflective of the holiness required in the presence of God.
By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Theology, Spirituality, Devotional Literature · 1,212 words
First lines
The Voice of the Disciple.
O most sweet Lord Jesus, how great is the blessedness of the devout soul that feedeth with Thee in Thy banquet, where there is set before it no other food than Thyself its only Beloved, more to be desired than all the desires of the heart? And to me it would verily be sweet to pour forth my tears in Thy presence from the very bottom of my heart, and with the pious Magdalene to water Thy feet with my tears. But where is this devotion? Where the abundant flowing of holy tears? Surely in Thy presence and in the presence of the holy Angels my whole heart ought to burn and to weep for joy; for I have Thee in the Sacrament verily present, although hidden under other form.
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That the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures are most Necessary to a Faithful Soul is listed on Textopian as an essay by Thomas à Kempis, dated 1654 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Thomas à Kempis
- Date: 1654 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Theology, Spirituality, Devotional Literature, Religious Instruction, Philosophy
- Length: 1,212 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
- That The Greatness And Charity Of God Is Shown To Men In The Sacrament by Thomas A. Kempis
- Of Deeper Matters And Gods Hidden Judgments Which Are Not To Be Inquired Into by Thomas A. Kempis
- That A Man Should Not Be A Curious Searcher Of The Sacrament But A Humble Imitator Of Christ Submitting His Sense To Holy Faith by Thomas A. Kempis
- That He Who Is About To Communicate With Christ Ought To Prepare Himself With Great Diligence by Thomas A. Kempis
- That Holy Communion Is Not Lightly To Be Omitted by Thomas A. Kempis
- A Devout Exhortation To The Holy Communion by Thomas A. Kempis
Genres
- Theology — The book focuses on the significance of the Body and Blood of Christ and the Holy Scriptures, central themes in Christian theology.
- Spirituality — It explores the inner life of faith, devotion, and the relationship between the believer and God.
- Devotional Literature — The text serves as a guide for personal devotion and reflection on the sacraments and holy scriptures.
- Religious Instruction — It provides teachings and insights intended to instruct believers in their faith and practice.
Tags
Christianity · Theology · Spirituality · Faith · Soul · Body and Blood of Christ · Holy Scriptures · Necessity · Mysticism · Devotional · Philosophy · Religion
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