On Deeper Matters

Thomas à Kempis

Do not dispute the unfolding of Providence; why this man is left behind, and that man is taken into great favor; why also this man is greatly afflicted and another highly exalted. These things pass all man's power of understanding; neither can any reasoning nor disputation search out divine Providence.

Take heed, therefore, that you treat not curiously those things which surpass your knowledge, but rather make this your business and give attention to it, namely, that you seek the Kingdom of Heaven.

Those men who learn to be content refrain from vain babbling. ?They glory not of their own merits, nor do they seek to ascribe good unto themselves. ?They are filled with such great love of the Divinity and with such overflowing joy that no glory is lacking to them; neither can any felicity be lacking.

Woe unto those who cannot be like little children; for the low gate of the Kingdom of Heaven will not allow them to enter. ?Woe also to those who seek happiness and contentment in material goods; for the Kingdom of Heaven will pass them by.?

Rejoice, you humble and faithful servant, for you shall find everlasting peace.

Put all your hope and refuge in the One.?Lay down all your tribulation and anguish; because many friends cannot help your suffering.?Nor can strong helpers be able to give your succor.?Nor prudent counselors to give you a useful answer.?Nor the books of the learned to console.?Nor any precious substance to deliver you.?Nor any secret and beautiful place to give shelter.?Only the On can assist, help, strengthen, comfort, instruct, and keep you in safety.

All things that seem to belong to the attainment of peace and felicity are nothing. ?Look only onto the One for all mercy and Grace.

The One protects and preserves the soul amid many dangers of a corruptible life. ?You will be directed to the perpetual light when you allow Grace to accompany you. ?

Amen.

David Langiulli

In this final passage, the Good Monk encourages us to go deep.?Not like intellectuals but like children.

How do children go deep??They use their curiosity and their intuition.?Neither of those qualities is generally available to those who think they can "get it right." For in the realm of the Spirit, there is no right or wrong, and there is only trust and faith.

You may say: "I trust in what I can see and feel." If that is the case, ask yourself: "how often have your senses been deceived." Should you choose to be honest with yourself, I expect your answer will be "frequently."

In my life experience, there is much that "passeth all understanding."?Even as science progresses, yesterday's theories give way to today's theories.?And unfortunately, science does not answer why the world exists, just how it functions.?Even at that, most science gives us a rough approximation of the nature of reality, albeit those approximations get more refined over time.

If you've come this far, then I expect you to know that something more significant than you is at play in the Universe.?Call it what you will.?God.?The One.?Infinite Intelligence.?

In this context, the Good Monk (and I) encourage you to put your trust and faith in that Power.

Amen.

Thomas à Kempis?was a medieval monk and author of?The Imitation of Christ.

David Langiulli?is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer. This essay is the final excerpt from his forthcoming book:?Wisdom from the Middle Ages for Living in Modern Times.