========================================================================
  THE ARDENT LONGING OF DEVOUT MEN FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST
  by Thomas a Kempis
========================================================================

Summary: The speaker reflects on the devout's ardent longing for the
Body of Christ and prays for a deeper devotion, stronger faith, and a
sense of Christ's love.

Topics: "Holy Communion", "Christian Devotion"
Scripture References: Psalm 27:8, Psalm 31:19, Psalm 34:8, Psalm 37:4, Psalm 51:10, Psalm 63:1, Psalm 85:7, Luke 22:19, Luke 24:32, 1 Corinthians 13:13

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas a Kempis reflects on the deep devotion and love shown by devout
individuals towards the Sacrament of Holy Communion, expressing his own
feelings of inadequacy and longing for a stronger faith, hope, and
charity. He humbly asks Jesus for the grace to experience even a
fraction of the tenderness of His love during Communion, desiring to be
among those whose hearts burn with zeal for the Lord. Despite feeling
lacking in fervor, he trusts in God's mercy to grant him the grace he
seeks and to kindle a greater flame of love within him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE DISCIPLE

HOW great is the abundance of Your kindness, O Lord, which You have
hidden from those who fear You!

When I think how some devout persons come to Your Sacrament with the
greatest devotion and love, I am frequently ashamed and confused that I
approach Your altar and the table of Holy Communion so coldly and
indifferently; that I remain so dry and devoid of heartfelt affection;
that I am not completely inflamed in Your presence, O my God, nor so
strongly drawn and attracted as many devout persons who, in their great
desire for Communion and intense heart love, could not restrain their
tears but longed from the depths of their souls and bodies to embrace
You, the Fountain of Life. These were able to appease and allay their
hunger in no other way than by receiving Your Body with all joy and
spiritual eagerness. The faith of these men was true and ardent --
convincing proof of Your sacred presence. They whose hearts burn so
ardently within them when Jesus lives with them truly know their Lord in
the breaking of bread.

Such affection and devotion, such mighty love and zeal are often far
beyond me. Be merciful to me, O sweet, good, kind Jesus, and grant me,
Your poor suppliant, sometimes at least to feel in Holy Communion a
little of the tenderness of Your love, that my faith may grow stronger,
that my hope in Your goodness may increase, and that charity, once
perfectly kindled within me by tasting heavenly manna, may never fail.

Your mercy can give me the grace I long for and can visit me most
graciously with fervor of soul according to Your good pleasure. For
although I am not now inflamed with as great desire as those who are
singularly devoted to You, yet by Your grace I long for this same great
flame, praying and seeking a place among all such ardent lovers that I
may be numbered among their holy company.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-a-kempis/the-ardent-longing-of-devout-men-for-the-body-of-christ/
========================================================================