How does one become perfect? Manning tells us what all the
other writers of spirituality write.
Number one, one must follow the law, the Commandments. One
cannot turn away from any of the Commandments and become perfect.
Two, one must be obedient to the precepts and to the
authority of the Church. One must be orthodox. Manning writes what
Garrigou-Lagrange notes: “The ultimate and certain test whereby to know whether
we are in the way of perfection is perfect conformity to the mind of the
Church.” Manning continues, “I say to
the mind, because it is not enough to believe all dogmas and to submit to all
discipline. Many do this in whom the spirit of pride, singularity, criticism
and self-choosing are dominant. The mind of the Church is known not only by Pontiffs
and Councils, but by the mind of the saints, by the traditions of piety, and by
customs of approved or permitted devotion.” Partaking of the sacraments is part
of this route to perfection as well.
Three, purity of conscience, especially the use of the
Sacrament of Penance, “whereby the habit of self-examination and of
circumspection is maintained, and the grace of contrition and of self-knowledge
is continually increased.”
Four, one needs cleanness of heart which comes from
receiving the Holy Body and Blood of Christ, wherein the Sacred Heart of Jesus
comes and rests in us.
Five, one can and must accept chastity, poverty and some
obedience to authority of some sort. The Beatitudes “…imply that the life of
counsels is open to every one, though they do not necessarily impose it.”
How far one must be dedicated to that Bridal Love of Christ
to follow these ways….
To be continued…