“It is good for us to have sometimes troubles and adversities: for they make a man enter into himself, that he may know that he is in a state of banishment, and may not place his hopes in anything of this world.” “For then we better run to God, our inward witness, when outwardly we … More The Utility of Adversity

Peace and progress. It seems the latter is dependent upon the former. If we wish to make progress in life, we must be at peace. The restless man is capable of very little because his thoughts are scattered, his attention divided. The peaceful man, on the contrary, can accomplish anything. The peaceful man can make … More Peace and Progress

If we truly desire to imitate Christ, we must, “Fly the tumult of men as much as thou canst; for treating of worldly affairs hinders very much…” With Thomas à Kempis we could all repeat this same sentiment, “I wish I had oftener been silent and that I had not been in company.” Human companionship … More Superfluous Words

“It is much more secure to be in a state of subjection than in authority,” à Kempis warns us. Striking words indeed for our proud nature. Who among us does not spend much of his life desiring to be free from authority? Whether it is the authority of our parents, employer, or even God, there is … More Obedience and Subjection

In our social-media-crazed world it seems the top priority is to stay connected. Never is peace and quiet to be permitted. Constantly we must be interacting with digital entities via some sort of screen. Every moment of our lives is now meant to be shared with others, or so the modern world would have us believe. … More Undue Familiarity