Thomas a Kempis: Presbyter, Monk, Author (24 July 2013)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_%C3%A0_Kempis

Thomas a Kempis (c. 1380-25 July 11471)Monk, Presbyter

            Thomas a Kempis, born in Kempen, in what is today Germany, was well known for his writings.  He was educated in Devernter and followed his brother to the monastery of St. Agnes in Zwolle in 1406.  He was later ordained presbyter in 1413 and became sub-prior in 1429. 

            During his time there, he copied the Bible some two times, wrote biographies of New Deviotion members: Gerard Groote, Florens Randewijns, John van de Gronde, and John Brinckerinck.  He also wrote several other books, among which the most important was The Imitation of Chirst,  a book on Christian devotion that is still popular today, and is said to be the most influential book in the world after the Bible, and only the Bible has been translated into more languages.  We also have some hymns from him as well.
            It has been a while since I read The Imitation of Christ.  One thing that sticks out in my memory was that Thomas hated doing the dishes, but he learned to wash each plate as though it belonged to the Lord. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_%C3%A0_Kempis

Psalm 34:1-8 or 33:1-5,20-21
Philippians 4:4-9
Luke 6:17-23 (St2)

 Dear God, you raised your presbyter, Thomas a Kempis to write the Imitation of Christ.  Raise up others to inspire us, and inspire us to seek truly to imitate the Messiah.  This we ask in his most blessed name.  Amen.  (white)