The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal to those that are lofty explained
The chapter advises that when one cannot sustain fervent desires or high contemplation due to the burden of mortal life, it is necessary to turn to humble and external works, patiently bearing the exile of the mind until God's visitation br
What happens
The chapter advises that when one cannot sustain fervent desires or high contemplation due to the burden of mortal life, it is necessary to turn to humble and external works, patiently bearing the exile of the mind until God's visitation brings renewed peace and eternal glory.
Themes in this chapter
Humility and Self-Denial
The chapter explicitly instructs the disciple to descend to humble works when unable to sustain lofty contemplation, embracing lowly tasks as a form of self-denial.
Suffering and the Cross
The burden of mortal life and weariness is to be borne patiently, with the promise that present sufferings are incomparable to future glory.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Speaker of the chapter's dialogue, addressing the disciple as 'My Son' and promising divine visitation and eternal peace.
- The Disciple
The listener who is exhorted to descend to humble works and wait patiently for God's coming.
- God the Father
Implied as the source of the promise to spread open the Scriptures and grant eternal peace.
- St. Paul
Quoted indirectly: 'The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.'
Key passages
“My Son, thou art not always able to continue in very fervent desire after virtues, nor to stand fast in the loftier region of contemplation; but thou must of necessity sometimes descend to lower things because of thine original corruption, and bear about the burden of corruptible life, though unwillingly and with weariness.”
You cannot always maintain intense spiritual fervor or remain in high contemplation; you must sometimes turn to humble tasks due to your fallen nature, and carry the weight of mortal life, even reluctantly and with fatigue.
This sets the core teaching of the chapter: the necessity of humble works when contemplation is not possible.
“For I will cause thee to forget thy labours, and altogether to enjoy eternal peace. I will spread open before thee the pleasant pastures of the Scriptures, that with enlarged heart thou mayest begin to run in the way of My commandments.”
I will make you forget your struggles and grant you complete eternal peace. I will open the rich fields of Scripture before you, so that with a joyful heart you may eagerly follow My commands.
God's promise of future consolation and scriptural nourishment for the faithful who endure patiently.