In this search for perfection, one is stopped by the realization that part of our basic belief is that Christ went into hell after His death and freed those righteous who were waiting for salvation.
Heaven had been closed by the sin of Adam and only the New Adam, Christ, could open those gates.
What has the harrowing of hell to do with perfection? Read this bit by John of Damascus first found here.
Chapter XXIX.—Concerning the Descent to Hades.
The soul2245 when it was deified descended into Hades, in order that, just as the Sun of Righteousness2246 rose for those upon the earth, so likewise He might bring light to those who sit under the earth in darkness and shadow of death2247: in order that just as He brought the message of peace to those upon the earth, and of release to the prisoners, and of sight to the blind2248, and became to those who believed the Author of everlasting salvation and to those who did not believe a reproach of their unbelief2249, so He might become the same to those in Hades2250: That every knee should bow to Him, of things in heaven, and things in earth and things under the earth2251. And thus after He had freed those who had been bound for ages, straightway He rose again from the dead, shewing us the way of resurrection.
As to perfection of one's own person, this passage points to several facts which apply to Christ and each one of us. First, Christ went into hell to free others only after His perfect act of obedience to God; the Passion and Resurrection. Only after purgation and obedience does one have the power to help others.
Second, the light and freedom which Christ brought into darkness, bring healing and release from sin, can only be achieved through one's own freedom in and with Christ. Third, each one of us has a resurrection into the stage of Illumination. But, that only follows pain and suffering in order to be purified. There is no easy way around this.
John states here that Christ shows us the way of resurrection. It is death and renewal. Without death, there is no new life. And, that death is the death of self-will and denial of one's own rights and privileges.
Each one of us, in our lives, copies the way which Christ has shown us. If we avoid the Cross, there is not harrowing of the hell in one's own spirit. Each one of us remains a slave to sin and in darkness. If one follows Christ, one will not only journey on the way to perfection, but also, become like Him.
What more do we want? Tomorrow, I move on to another great Doctor of the Church.
