Thomas is always encouraging us to be humble. He knows that we (mostly) are not humble, and have a tendency to whine when things don’t go our way.
In this chapter, Thomas tells us that when the world calls you nasty names, take it quietly. That is: Keep your mouth shut! Look, instead, for the truth of the matter asserted and how it may apply to you but then look to Christ for peace. To the extent you allow those words to hurt you, you have found a weak spot in your armor. Fix it with the salve of the Cross.
Keep in mind that Thomas uses the words of the Savior us to prod us into shedding our worldly affections, especially those rooted in vanity. Because of this at times the meditations of “The Imitation” sounds severe. As if Thomas wants us to “hate” ourselves or put ourselves down. Today’s meditation is one of those. That’s really not the focus message here, just an attempt to take our self-important view and put these in perspective.
Book 3; CHAPTER XXVIII – Against the Tongues of Detractors
Christ:
“My Son, do not take it to heart, if some think ill of you, and say of you what you are not willing to hear.
You ought to think worse of yourself anyway, and to believe that no one is weaker than you.
If you walk with inward reflection, you will take small account of such flying words. It is an exercise in great prudence to keep silent in an evil time and to turn inwardly to Me, and not to be disturbed by human judgment.
- “Do not let your peace depend upon the words of others; for whether they judge well or ill of you, you are not therefore any other person than yourself. Where is true peace or true glory? Is it not in Me?
And whoever does not seeks to please others, nor fears to displease, shall enjoy abundant peace (Col 3:22). All disquiet of heart and distraction of the senses arises from inordinate love and vain fear.”