# Of meditation upon death explained — The Imitation of Christ

> Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

## What happens

This chapter urges the reader to live with a constant awareness of death, emphasizing the uncertainty of life and the need for daily preparation. It warns against procrastination in spiritual matters, encourages contempt for the world, and calls for a life of virtue, penance, and trust in God so that one may face death with confidence and joy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Contempt for the World

The chapter repeatedly urges contempt for earthly things and a pilgrim mindset, emphasizing that the world is fleeting and not our true home.

### Suffering and the Cross

Submission to any adversity for love of Christ is presented as a key to a happy death, linking suffering with spiritual preparation.

### Interior Life and Solitude

The call to keep the heart free and lifted up toward God, and to live as a stranger on earth, underscores the interior focus and detachment from worldly ties.

## Character check-ins

### The Disciple

The narrator addresses the reader directly, urging self-examination and preparation for death.

### Jesus Christ

Quoted as the Son of Man who comes unexpectedly, and referenced as the one for whose love one should endure adversity.

### God the Father

Implied as the Lord to whom prayers and cries are directed for a happy death.

## Key lines

> Today man is, and tomorrow he will be seen no more.

Human life is fleeting; one day you are here, and the next you are gone.

_Emphasizes the brevity of life and the need for constant readiness._

> If today thou art not ready, how shalt thou be ready tomorrow?

If you are unprepared now, you cannot count on being prepared later.

_Warns against procrastination in spiritual preparation._

> Learn now to die to the world, so shalt thou begin to live with Christ.

Practice detachment from worldly things now, and you will truly live in Christ.

_Connects contempt for the world with the beginning of eternal life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters