Book 3, Chapter 36: Against Vain Judgments.
Chapter Focus: When people speak ill of you, use the opportunity to turn to God for relief. Can someone’s opinion of you really make you happy or sad?
Really? And yet we seek it out to feed our vanity. How much more should we seek the good opinion of our Lord, Who will use our vanity to knock us from our horse, like St. Paul.
Thomas encourages us to accept suffering and to pray for those who persecute you (Lk 6:28). Therefore, Imitate St. Paul in committing everything to God.
Chapter 36, In Short.
1. Anchor your soul on God, and do not fear other’s judgment.
2. St. Paul could not avoid being judged and despised.
3. Do not be afraid of any mortal.
The text of Chapter 36: Against Vain Judgments.
The Voice of Christ: “My Child, anchor your soul firmly upon God, and do not fear the judgment of others when conscience pronounces you pious and innocent. It is good and blessed to suffer. Nor will it be grievous to the humble heart which trusts in God more than in itself. Many people have many opinions, and therefore little trust is to be placed in them. But it is impossible to please everyone. Although Paul studied to please all men in the Lord, and to become all things to all men (1 Cor 9:22.), yet nevertheless it was a very small thing to be judged by man’s judgment (1 Cor 4:3).”
2. “He labored abundantly, as much as in him lay, for the building up and the salvation of others. But he could not avoid being judged and despised by others. Therefore he committed all to God, who knew all, and by patience and humility defended himself against evil speakers, or foolish and false thinkers, and those who accused him according to their pleasure. Nevertheless, from time to time he replied, so that his silence would not become a stumbling-block to those who were weak.
3. “Who are you, that you should be afraid of any mortal? Today he is there, and tomorrow his place is not found. Fear God and you shall not quail before the terrors of men. What can any one do against you by words or deeds? He hurts himself more than you, nor shall he escape the judgment of God, whoever he may be. Have God before your eyes, and do not contend with fretful words. And if for the present you seem to give way, and to suffer confusion which you have not deserved, do not be angry at this, nor by impatience diminish your reward. Rather look up to Me in heaven, for I am able to deliver you from all confusion and hurt, and to render to every man according to his works.”