Imitation of Christ

Thomas a'Kempis advises those, who want to follow Jesus to go deeper by clearing out space within themselves to find friendship with Jesus. That friendship requires an emptying of self and an acceptance of our own cross, which we carry alongside and behind His Cross. The fictional narrative shows the reader the personal journal of Thomas, and the visitation of the Black Plague upon his monastery and village in 1421. Thomas' encounter with suffering and death take him to a confrontation that defies reality and forces him to see himself through the eyes of his mentor and then through the eyes of Christ Himself. Moore's fictional narrative sets up the writing of Book II of this Devotional Classic. Moore holds up a mirror to the twenty-first century to that of the fifteenth century, drawing parallels to our own calamitous times. Second only to the Bible in its popularity, The Imitation of Christ takes the Disciple through the path, which Chris asks us to walk. These admonitions take us deep into our interior life. We should retreat into our interior rooms and make space for Christ. The Novice Master takes us to the next level of our relationship with Jesus. This edition of The Imitation of Christ, with comments and highlights by Tim Moore, invite the reader to an overview of each chapter and application of each meditation. Moore provides a short, fictional narrative from the point of view of Thomas, which places the reader into the mind of the Novice Master as he composes his masterwork. You can follow Tim's comments and edits through his web site at timothyedmoore.com.

The Imitation of Christ, a masterpiece of practical spiritual exercises, by Thomas a'Kempis, is second only to the Bible as the most widely read book in Christendom. Book III of The Imitation engages the mature Christian into a conversation with The Beloved: Christ Himself. Jesus looks over His Cross-heavy shoulder to encourage us to follow Him by taking us our own cross. In Book III, the powerful words of The Imitation stay true to Thomas' original writing yet the language is tuned-in to the modern ear. In addition, each chapter, offers a chapter focus, applicable Bible verses, and short summaries of the chapter's key points. In the fictional narrative, Thomas, and his Brother monks have been exiled to a new land as an act of obedience. Thomas learns new truths about himself, his older brother, Jan, and his fellow travelers in this vale of tears. Tim Moore uses the voice of Thomas a'Kempis to set the stage for the writing of Book III. The story, told through journal entries and letters, helps us imagine the place and conditions Thomas experienced and inspired him to write Book III of The Imitation. Thomas a'Kempis leads his Brothers closer to Christ as they follow Him on the road to Calvary. Thomas' 600-year-old advice echoes down the centuries reverberating with relevance to the modern Disciples of Jesus.

Prepare to be transported to the mystical world of Thomas a'Kempis in Book IV, the final installment of the devotional series. In this profound and transformative journey, Thomas reveals the ultimate destination for those who have embraced the Imitation of Christ. Arriving at the altar, we unite with Jesus through the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. But before approaching the Lord's Table, Thomas imparts essential wisdom. He guides us to examine our conscience, seek reconciliation, meditate on God's holy word, and let go of worldly cares and selfish curiosities. In this short but impactful book, Thomas invites us to revisit its chapters repeatedly, urging us to immerse ourselves in its profound messages and prepare ourselves as celebrants, recipients, or adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. In a unique blend of fiction and historical research, Timothy Moore breathes life into the mind of Thomas a'Kempis. In That Same Year, Letters from Thomas a'Kempis to Adriaan Boeyens, Three Pieces of Bread, and The Installation, the reader is transported to the time and place where Thomas wrote Book IV and the impact of its legacy. Fictionalized accounts provide insights into Thomas' thoughts and experiences, shedding light on his intent. Join Thomas as he chronicles the happenings at Mt. St. Agnes in "In That Same Year." Experience the mentorship of Thomas as he passes the torch to a young Adrian Boeyens, who later becomes Pope Adrian VI, in Letters from Thomas a'Kempis to Adriaan Boeyens. Get ready to be captivated by the sacred vision shared by Thomas's mentor, Prior Radewyns, in Three Pieces of Bread, which immerses us in the depth and significance of the Eucharistic life of Jesus through the eyes of Dismas, the Good Thief and Gesmas, the Bad Thief. As you embark on the final Book of this extraordinary series, be prepared for a soul-stirring encounter with the divine. Book IV will leave an indelible mark on your spirit, reminding you of the sacredness of the Holy Eucharist and the transformative power of communion with Christ. Let Thomas a'Kempis guide you to the summit of faith, where you will find the fulfillment of your spiritual journey.