What can the lay person learn from the life of a monk? Solitude and Silence are two pillars of monastic life that many people quickly point to as the hardest and most confusing parts of this kind of religious consecration. However, the great spiritual writer Thomas à Kempis, author of The Imitation of Christ, helps us to understand that all Christians are called to some solitude and silence in our lives while not taking on a complete eremitical life. He recommends the systematic and intentional incorporation of solitude and silence in a manner which is consistent with each one's vocation and state of life.It is important for us to cultivate these two habits in order to enter into contemplation and conversation with God. This vision of God may also be experienced (to varying degrees) even in this world, through the grace of contemplative prayer. And silence and solitude are the hallowed doors through which one must pass to arrive at this delightful and serene state of holy contemplation.

FIRST TIME IN ENGLISH! Dive into the profound wisdom of Thomas à Kempis with "Meditations on Death: Preparing for Eternity." This timeless work urges us to reflect on the most significant aspect of our existence-our mortality. By contemplating death, we can truly transform our lives and priorities, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of our faith.In this essential text, the reader is invited to engage with the reality of death and its implications on our eternal journey. À Kempis elegantly points out that considering our own death helps us renounce worldly distractions and align our lives with divine aspirations. The wisdom encapsulated in these meditations serves to fortify our souls, making us ready to face our Creator.Timeless insights on mortality and spiritualityGuidance on how meditation on death leads to holinessEncouragement to live each day purposefullyExploration of the four last things: death, judgment, heaven, and hellIncludes a complementary email study series to enrich your reading experienceEmbrace the transformative power of daily reflection on death, which is not merely a reminder of our ending but a call to live more fully in accordance with God's will. "Meditations on Death" is not just a read-it's a pivotal journey towards spiritual awakening that inspires a life directed toward eternity. Prepare your heart for the ultimate calling with this remarkable work.

This classic work from Thomas à Kempis, author of The Imitation of Christ, is now available in English for the first time. It is a simple truth that, without the virtue of humility, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It simply cannot be done. Just as pride is the root and source of all sin, so is humility the foundational virtue in which all other virtues must be grounded if they are to bear fruit. Ever since Lucifers pride prompted his rebellion from God and Heaven, it has been continuously forgotten that only humility can lead us back to Heaven and union with God. Pride, as we know, is the broad and easy road to Hell. Unfortunately, our world has lost the sense of sin because it has lost the sense of God and virtue, especially humility. Humility is the heartbeat of the saints and the foundation of all virtues. It is the virtue that conforms us most closely to Christ. In this short but deeply rich book, the great spiritual master, Thomas à Kempis, will teach you the following: The necessity of humility How to cultivate humility The manifestations of pride How to elevate your mind to God How to pray with humility and reverence This timeless work also includes some of the most beautiful prayers ever written to God, the Blessed Mother, and the saints that will help you advance in virtue and pray with fervor.

After the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is the all-time favorite book of Catholics throughout the world. And of the English editions, none can equal this inspiring translation by Bishop Richard Challoner.This book speaks to the soul of every true Christian, reminding us of the fleeting nature of earthly joy as opposed to the eternity of happiness with God.The guide of the saints since it first appeared in 1418, it was the sole spiritual reading of St. Therese of Lisieux, who loved it and knew it by heart.Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange asserted that the true mysticism of which it speaks is accessible to all, if they are willing to follow the way of humility, the cross, continual prayer, and docility to the Holy Ghost.