The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
XXXV explained
The chapter warns that there is no security against temptation in this life; the disciple must always wear spiritual armor, endure all things patiently for the love of God, and seek true peace not in earthly rest but in God alone, following
What happens
The chapter warns that there is no security against temptation in this life; the disciple must always wear spiritual armor, endure all things patiently for the love of God, and seek true peace not in earthly rest but in God alone, following the example of the saints who bore griefs and desolations.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and the Cross
The chapter emphasizes patient endurance of labors, sorrows, temptations, and humiliations as the path to virtue and the heavenly crown.
Contempt for the World
The disciple is warned not to seek rest or peace in earthly things but only in God, and to bear all adversities for love of Him.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Speaker of the opening address, calling the disciple to steadfastness and patience.
- The Disciple
Addressee of the exhortation, urged to bear all things for Christ's sake.
- God the Father
Implied as the source of eternal reward and the one in whom true peace is found.
- St. Paul
Quoted regarding the sufferings of this present time not being worthy of comparison with future glory.
Key passages
“My Son, thou art never secure in this life, but thy spiritual armour will always be needful for thee as long as thou livest.”
My child, you are never safe from danger in this life; you will always need your spiritual armor as long as you live.
Christ directly addresses the disciple, emphasizing the constant need for spiritual readiness.
“If thou seek rest in this life, how then wilt thou attain unto the rest which is eternal?”
If you look for comfort in this world, how will you ever reach the eternal rest that awaits?
A rhetorical question urging the disciple to prioritize eternal peace over temporal ease.
“Thinkest thou that thou shalt always have spiritual consolations at thy will? My Saints had never such, but instead thereof manifold griefs, and divers temptations, and heavy desolations.”
Do you think you will always have spiritual comforts whenever you want them? My saints never had that; instead they experienced many sorrows, various temptations, and deep desolation.
The disciple is reminded that even the saints endured great trials, not constant consolation.