That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart

Name: That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament
Author: Thomas à Kempis

The work emphasizes the deep yearning of the soul for union with the divine through the sacrament. It begins with a heartfelt plea from the disciple, expressing a desire for intimate communion with God, free from worldly distractions. The disciple longs for a relationship characterized by closeness and mutual understanding, akin to that of beloved friends. The text reflects on the nature of God as the ultimate source of peace and rest, contrasting this with the turmoil of life without divine presence. It acknowledges God's hiddenness and the special relationship He has with the humble and faithful, highlighting the sweetness of His spirit and the grace bestowed upon believers through the sacrament. The author marvels at the unique privilege of Christians, who receive God Himself as sustenance, underscoring the extraordinary love and condescension of God towards humanity. The work calls for a response to this grace, suggesting that the most fitting offering is the complete surrender of one's heart to God. This union is portrayed as the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment, with the promise of divine companionship for those who seek it earnestly. Throughout the text, there is a recurring theme of longing for a deeper spiritual connection, emphasizing the transformative power of Holy Communion. The disciple's reflections serve as a guide for others seeking to cultivate a similar devotion, encouraging a focus on heavenly rather than earthly concerns. The work ultimately presents a vision of spiritual intimacy that transcends the mundane, inviting readers to pursue a profound relationship with the divine.

By Thomas à Kempis · First published 1654 · Genre: Christian Spirituality, Theology, Devotional Literature · 556 words

First lines

The Voice of the Disciple.

What this Textopian page supports

That the Devout Soul Ought with the Whole Heart to Yearn after Union with Christ in the Sacrament 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: Christian Spirituality, Theology, Devotional Literature, Mystical Literature, Religious Non-Fiction
Length: 556 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Christian Spirituality — The text focuses on the deep yearning for union with Christ, emphasizing spiritual devotion and communion.
Theology — It explores theological concepts related to the Eucharist and the nature of God, reflecting on divine love and grace.
Devotional Literature — The work serves as a guide for personal devotion and prayer, encouraging readers to seek a closer relationship with God.
Mystical Literature — It expresses mystical themes of union with the divine and the inner experience of God's presence.