A New Edition of 'The Imitation of Christ'

Maria V. Gallagher reviews a new edition of a classic spiritual work she'd once found intimidating.

The Imitation of Christ (Catholic Classics)

by Thomas à Kempis

Publisher: Ascension Press

It was a personal favorite of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, which piqued my curiosity. When I initially delved into The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis I was decidedly daunted. The prescriptions for living like Christ seemed so far beyond my ability to exercise virtue. I wondered if I could ever achieve the level of goodness described in its pages. Truth be told, I was a little demoralized. 

But time and grace have changed my perspective. I now find The Imitation of Christ to be challenging in the sense that a marathon is challenging. It is unrealistic to believe that I can truly imitate Christ without some serious training on my part. But rather than finding this frustrating, I look at it as invigorating. 

A Fantastic New Edition 

Ascension Press has released a lovely new edition of The Imitation of Christ. It is part of the publisher’s Catholic Classics series, and it does not disappoint. First of all, it is physically appealing: I have to admit, I always love a book that has a golden ribbon attached for marking one’s place.  

At the beginning of the book is a striking picture of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns and bearing the marks of His Crucifixion. Gazing upon that picture, I am reminded of how my sins led Jesus to pay the ultimate price. It is a holy reminder of the lengths to which Christ will go to save His beloved, and I am humbled by it. 

This version of The Imitation of Christ also contains expert commentary which helps to clarify the points of the book. I find these reflections to be so helpful and accessible — they really enhance the work.  

The Importance of Catholic Classics 

You may be wondering, with all the contemporary spiritual books available, why read one written so long ago?  

A commentary in The Imitation of Christ concedes that these works can seem unapproachable. 

But these writings were intended as gifts to all of God’s faithful so that we can know more about God and, more importantly, so that we can know God. Each saint, each Doctor of the Church, each mystic reflects some aspect of the beauty and goodness of our creator. 

Reading The Imitation of Christ isn’t just an interesting leisure activity. It is a distinct spiritual experience. As the creators of this edition note: 

As you read, remember to use this opportunity as a moment of encounter with the living God. Pray as you read. See Christ in the words of his servants—of his friends—and know that he waits there for you. 

It is so comforting to know that Christ is waiting for us, that His love is endless, and that He will never abandon us. In imitating Him, we are modeling the very embodiment of self-sacrificial love.  

It is true that it is not easy to imitate Christ. He was, after all, perfection. But in trying to imitate His virtue, we can show the world the beauty of Christianity and evangelize to those who might not have had an experience of Him. 

Each morning, I ask God that I will show the face of Christ to everyone I meet. I am not sure how often I succeed. But I do think that there is merit in the attempt. When we imitate Christ, we are trying to get in touch with our best selves.  

As a bonus, Father Mike Schmitz is currently reading The Imitation of Christ on the Catholic Classics podcast. If you are a fan of the Bible in a Year, you will love it!

Ask for The Imitation of Christ at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from the publisher, Ascension Press.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva