May 8th
Thomas a Kempis (1380-1471), Confessor; Kempen, Germany

"There is no creature so small and abject, that it represents not the goodness of God."

"Whoever would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ, must endeavor to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ."

"You should stand for a time next to the Virgin Mother and learn from her, whose bitter tears are capable of penetrating the depths of your heart, what it is to lament...Next to the Cross, she maintains her constancy, exhibits her patience, manifests her loyalty, proves her love -- fearless of those who threaten her with death and ignoring those who shower her with curses.  She endures all this with equal calm and by remaining silent before her abusive enemies, she imitates her humble Son.

"No discourteous words fall from her hips, nor does she show any indignation in her gestures.  She only utters deep sighs, weeps profoundly, and intimately shares in her Son's pain...She expresses no anger against those crucifying her Son, but prays for them, evil though they be...and by this example of her loving patience, she is a model to all who are troubled by trials and tribulation."

"If you seek rest in this life, how will you then attain to the everlasting rest?  Dispose not yourself for much rest, but for great patience.  Seek true peace -- not in earth, but in heaven; not in men, nor in any other creature, but in God alone."

"When the time of tribulation comes upon you, be meek as well as courageous.  And when something you especially love is taken from you, or when something you deem necessary is denied you, neither be disturbed nor yield to despair.  For Jesus' dearest friends are often tried by such severe struggles.  If God did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up to such unspeakable suffering for our benefit, why are you hankering for the joys of this world?"