The Conor Gallagher Show The Hidden Saintly Scholar Who Wrote the #2 Bestseller of All Time | Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB
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Dec 8, 2025 Join the insightful Fr. Robert Nixon, OSB, a Benedictine monk and renowned translator of medieval Latin spirituality, as he delves into the life of Thomas à Kempis, author of the second bestselling book, The Imitation of Christ. They explore Kempis's humble origins and the spiritual significance of his writings, including themes of humility and the importance of contemplating death. Fr. Nixon reveals how Kempis's meditation on mortality can reshape priorities and how his work remains a beacon of Christian devotion across centuries.
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Pair Humility With Interior Prayer
- Use Kempis's short instructional pieces, like Humility and The Elevation of the Mind to God, as practical guides for novices and spiritual formation.
- Couple humility practices with interior prayer exercises to prepare for contemplative union.
Contemplation Beyond Thought
- Kempis distinguishes meditation (discursive thought) from contemplation (beyond thoughts), urging souls to seek the latter.
- True elevation of the mind moves inward to the realm beyond feelings and concepts.
Use Death As A Moral Antidote
- Keep death frequently before your eyes as Kempis advises to diminish temptations and reorient priorities.
- Act as if today could be your last and choose actions that lead to eternal happiness.
