When will all these evils come to an end? When will I be liberated from the miserable bondage of sins? When will I think of you, Lord, only of you? When will I fully rejoice in you? When will I stand in true freedom without all obstacles, without all burdens of mind and body? When will that constant peace come, an unbreakable and secure peace, internal and external peace, firm from all sides?
Good Jesus, when will I finally see you? When will I behold the glory of your kingdom? When will you be everything to me in everything? When will I be with you in your kingdom that you have prepared for your beloved from eternity?
I remain as a wretch and an exile in a hostile land, where there are daily battles and great misfortunes. Comfort me in my exile, alleviate my pain, for all my longings sigh for you.
(Thomas à Kempis, /circa 1380–1471/, The Imitation of Christ, III, 48.3-4)
