SPI-PRT1 99

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/spi-prt1-99 1/53

Spirituality

First Year

prepared from various sourcesfor the use of the First year

at the

Holy Cross SeminaryGoulburn Australia

5

10

15

20

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


1999

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


1

Introduction to the Spiritual Life

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is the art of leading souls progressively from the beginning of the spiritual life to theheight of Christian perfection. It is an art in the sense that spiritual direction is a practical science, whichunder the guidance of supernatural prudence, applies to a particular case the principles of the theology ofChristian perfection. It is orientated to the perfection of the Christian life, but this direction must be givenprogressively, that is, according to the strength and need of the soul at a given time. The direction shouldbegin as soon as the soul has definitely resolved to travel along the road to Christian perfection and shouldcontinue through all the phases of that journey. Spiritual direction goes further than confession. This lastconcerns the accusation of faults, but spiritual direction finds the causes of these faults, and seeks to removethem by suitable remedies.

We shall discuss this important subject, after some preliminary considerations concerning the importanceand necessity of spiritual direction, under two heads: the spiritual director and the soul directed.

Preliminary Considerations

Importance and Necessity of Spiritual DirectionMany theologians and spiritual writers have stressed the necessity of spiritual direction. St. Vincent Ferrer

states, in his Treatise on the Spiritual Life, that Christ will not give His grace to anyone who has at handsomeone capable of instructing and directing him; but disdains this help in the belief that he is sufficient tohimself and can provide for himself whatever is necessary for his salvation.

Although there is no text in Sacred Scripture, which refers to this particular point, there are manyreferences regarding the need to take counsel. (cf. Tob. 4; 18 : Eccles. 4; 10 : 32; 23 : 2 Cor. 5: 20 : etc.)

The mind of the Church can be seen in the following words of Pope Leo XIII, addressed to CardinalGibbons:

"Moreover, it should be added that those who strive to sanctify themselves, by the very fact that theystrive to follow a way that is little frequented, are more exposed to deceive themselves and therefore they,more than others, need a doctor and guide. And this method of procedure has always been seen in theChurch. All those who, in the course of centuries, flourished in wisdom and sanctity unanimously taught thisdoctrine. And those who reject it shall not do so without temerity and danger." (cf. Testem benevolentiæ 22 Jan. 1899)

While it is true that individuals have attained sanctity without a spiritual director - which proves thatspiritual direction is not absolutely necessary in all cases - the general rule is that those who have reachedperfection have had the counsel and advice of a spiritual director. The road to Christian perfection is so besetwith trials and pitfalls and darkness that, in the ordinary providence of God, spiritual direction of some kindis morally necessary for the attainment of Christian perfection.

The DirectorIs it necessary that the spiritual director be a priest? We can answer without hesitation that normally thedirector should be a priest. There are many reasons for this.First of all, in the ordinary workings of divine Providence the priest has the role of teacher, and he has boththe theoretical and the practical knowledge required for the direction of souls.Secondly, the function of spiritual director is usually closely related to the office of confessor.Thirdly, because of the grace of the priesthood.Fourthly, the practice of the Church forbids any person who is not a priest, even religious superiors, to probeinto matters of conscience (cf. Can. 530). Nevertheless, by way of exception, it is possible that in a particularcase spiritual direction could be given by a prudent and experienced person who is not a priest. There isample testimony in the history of the Church to justify such direction because of peculiar circumstances. Forexample, among the hermits in the desert and the primitive monks who were not priests, the direction given

by St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius Loyola before his ordination, St. Catherine of Sienna and St. Teresa of

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


2


Avila.

Reception of OfficeHow does one receive the office of spiritual director? If it is a question of a priest, he receives the remote

power from God and the Church when he is ordained to the priesthood and given the commission to sanctify

souls through his priestly ministry. In a seminary he receives this office directly from his superior.Yet the direction of a particular soul is based upon two essential factors: the free election of the onedirected and the free acceptation by the director. No human power can oblige any individual to acceptspiritual direction from a particular director. Even religious and seminarians retain their liberty when it is aquestion of the choice of a personal spiritual director. When the Church through a bishop assigns a particularpriest to be confessor to religious, this is done simply to facilitate the weekly confession of the religious, but itin no way obligates any religious to take that priest as a spiritual director.

The office of confessor is not necessarily identified with the office of spiritual director, and it wouldrequire a special indult from the Holy See for any religious institute to obligate its members to accept aparticular priest as spiritual director.

Direction and Confession

On the part of the director, it should be observed that a pastor and those priests who are officially giventhe care of souls in a parish are bound in justice to hear the confessions of their subjects whenever theyreasonably request it. In case of urgent necessity, all confessors are bound in charity to hear the confessions ofthe faithful, and in danger of death all priests are bound by this obligation.

Spiritual direction in the strict sense of the word, however, even in those cases in which it is given duringsacramental confession, is a function completely distinct from the administration of the sacrament of penance.There is no divine or ecclesiastical law, therefore, which imposes upon any priest a strict obligation to acceptthe office of spiritual director. In justice a priest is always free to accept or to refuse such an office, although itis true that he would be performing an excellent act of charity if he were to accept the office. A priest's refusalto act as a spiritual director would never involve a violation of justice, although it may, in peculiarcircumstances, be a sin against charity. Since it frequently happens that spiritual direction is given duringsacramental confession, it is necessary to point out the difference between confession and spiritual direction.

The purpose of spiritual direction is to lead a soul to the perfection of the Christian life, and therefore thespiritual director is essentially a teacher, counsellor and guide. The confessor is above all a judge whopossesses power in the internal forum and can, within the limits of his jurisdiction, strictly obligate thepenitent. His basic mission is to pardon sins in the name of God, and to do this it is sometimes necessary forhim to dispose the penitent for valid sacramental absolution.

The spiritual director does not possess any jurisdiction in the internal forum. He cannot obligate theperson directed unless the individual has voluntarily made a special vow of obedience to the director; nordoes he have as his purpose the forgiveness of sin, but the gradual perfection of the soul in view of sanctity.

Should the spiritual director also be the ordinary confessor of the one who is directed?The answer is that it is not strictly necessary, but it is fitting and convenient. It could not be said that one's

spiritual director must of necessity be the confessor, because the two functions are distinct and separable.

Moreover, it may happen that a priest is a good confessor but does not possess the qualifications necessary forthe direction of a particular soul. But because of the intimate relation between the offices of confessor andspiritual director, it is most fitting that one and the same person fulfil both functions whenever possible. Thereare several reasons for this: it gives greater authority to the director; it makes it possible to give spiritualdirection in the confessional; it enables the director to know the soul more perfectly.

Qualities of a DirectorWe have mentioned that some priests may be qualified as confessors but would not be suitable as

spiritual directors. This signifies that there are definite qualities required for the office of spiritual direction.Some of these qualities are essential to spiritual direction as such; others are required of the person who is togive the direction. The first may be called technical qualities, and the second may be considered as moralqualities.

5

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


3


Technical QualitiesPerhaps no writer has outlined with such clarity and precision the technical qualities of a good spiritual

director, as has St. Teresa of Avila (cf. Way of Perfection, Chap. 5). She states that a good spiritual directorshould be learned, prudent and experienced. If the director does not possess all three qualities, St. Teresamaintains that he must at least be prudent and experienced. St. John of the Cross maintains the same, placing,

however, great emphasis on the importance of experience. Following the teachings of these two great mastersof the spiritual life, we shall treat briefly of each of the technical qualities.1) Learning. The learning of a spiritual director should be extensive. In addition to a profound knowledge ofDogmatic Theology, without which he would be exposed to error in regard to matters of faith, and of MoralTheology, without which he could not even fulfil the office of confessor, the spiritual director should have athorough knowledge of ascetical and mystical theology.2) Prudence. This is one of the most important qualities for a spiritual director. It comprises three basicfactors: prudence in decisions, clarity in counselling, and firmness in exacting obedience. If a spiritualdirector lacks prudence, he is usually lacking in several other virtues as well. Prudence enables an individualto do the right thing under given circumstances. Spiritual direction is concerned, not with the general doctrineof spiritual theology, nor with theoretical situations that one may imagine, but with the individual soul placedin concrete circumstances at a given moment or in a given phase of spiritual growth.

The director is not called upon to make decisions in regard to general doctrine; most people could findsuch answers in any standard manual of spiritual theology. The director's role is precisely to recognize theparticular circumstances of a given situation and to give the advice or decision that is needed at that moment.In order that this decision be prudent, a good spiritual director must have the empathy by which he is able toplace himself in the given circumstances and make the necessary decision against the background of orthodoxdoctrine.3) Experience. This is one of the most precious qualities, which a spiritual director can have. Even if he be lessperfect in knowledge and somewhat deficient in prudence, experience can prove to be a means ofsupplementing these defects. This does not mean that the experience of the director must necessarily flowfrom his own spiritual life, for it is possible that he may obtain the benefits of experience from his observationand direction of others. As regards the personal experience of the director, if it is a question of the guidance ofthe average Christian, he needs little more than the experience which any priest can obtain from the faithful

fulfilment of his duties in the sacred ministry.If it is a question of advanced souls who have already entered the mystical stages of the spiritual life, it is

most desirable that the priest himself has some experience of those higher stages. While it is true that a verydelicate sense of prudence, coupled with competent knowledge of the mystical states, may suffice in themajority of cases, it is likewise true that, without any personal experience, the director could easily becomeconfused and lose his way.

Moral QualitiesThe moral qualities, which are indispensable for a good spiritual director, are the following: piety, zeal for

the sanctification of souls, good character, humility and disinterestedness.1. Piety. It is easy to understand the necessity of piety in a spiritual director, and St. John of the Cross insistsupon this quality with great emphasis (cf. Living flame of love Cant. 3 30)

The reason is that one cannot give what he does not have. If a spiritual director is lacking in the spirit ofpiety, he is incapacitated for leading his disciple to sanctity. It is true that sanctification is the work of Godand that He does not depend essentially on human instruments, but at the same time it must be admitted thatGod ordinarily makes use of secondary causes, even in the work of the sanctification of souls.2. Zeal. The director's ardent zeal for the sanctification of souls is a natural consequence of his personal piety.Zeal, as St. Thomas explains, is an effect of intense love (cf. I II q.20 a.4) The love of God impels us to labourfor the extension of His kingdom in souls, and the love of those souls enables us to forget ourselves so that wethink of nothing but of sanctifying them in and for God. This is the zeal which urged St. Paul to become allthings to all men in order to gain all and gave him that beautiful sympathy by which his whole being wasunited with others in their joys and sufferings and sorrows (cf. 1 Cor. 9; 22).3. Humility. The director likewise needs a profound humility, and this for three reasons. In the first place,God resists the proud and gives His grace to the humble (cf. 1 Pet. 5; 5). Of what value is all human

knowledge and wisdom if one is lacking in humility? Secondly, the spiritual director needs humility so that he

10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

15

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


5


the relationship of the person directed with the spiritual director.

Spiritual Direction

As regards the direction itself, it cannot be successful unless the person directed possesses the following

qualities:1) Sincerity. This is the first and most important quality, because without it any kind of direction isimpossible. The spiritual director has to know all: temptations and weaknesses, desires and resolutions, goodand evil inclinations, difficulties and trials, success and failure, etc. If he is to guide the soul to the greaterperfection, his hands are tied unless he has sufficient knowledge of the soul. Although the spiritual directorneed not also be the confessor, it would be impossible to give any spiritual direction if the director were toknow nothing of the sins and imperfections of the individual. One should reveal to the director whatever hasany importance in regard to the spiritual life, but it is not necessary, and it would even be an abuse, to givehim a detailed account of petty trifles and insignificant events. But what is revealed should be revealed withall frankness and sincerity, without condoning or excusing one's failures or exaggerating one's virtues.2) Obedience. The director does not possess any authority by which he can demand strict obedience. Spiritualdirection is a matter of perfect liberty on the part of the director and the person directed. By the very fact that

a person seeks the help of the director, however, the two are not on an equal footing, but the director is in aposition of superiority as the master and guide. Granted the voluntary submission of a person to the director,the director has a right to expect docility and obedience from the one who is directed. If these are lacking,there can be no spiritual direction. For that reason the director should demand obedience of the soul in allthose things that pertain to the spiritual direction, and if this is not granted he should discontinue thedirection. The soul should obey simply and without discussions or personal interpretations. And it should benoted that even worse than disobedience is the duplicity by which a soul would so ingratiate itself with thedirector that he would command it to do only the things which the soul wants to do. St. John of the Crossseverely condemns this abuse (cf. Dark Night Bk.1 chap. 2 & 6). This does not mean, however, that anindividual may not take the initiative in order to make a manifestation of conscience or to point out particulardifficulties or obstacles that the director perhaps did not see.

What is to be thought of the vow of obedience which some persons have taken to their spiritual director?

In general, this is not advisable because of the disadvantages connected with it (i.e., too much responsibilityfor the director, anxiety for the person directed, too much passivity, unnecessary visits and interviews, etc.).In any case, the director should never take the initiative and suggest that a person make a vow of obedience tohim, for this would be an abuse of his authority and his office. It would be an even greater abuse if a directorwere to add to the vow of obedience the promise never to change directors or never to consult anyone else.But if an individual voluntarily and repeatedly requests permission to make a vow of obedience to thedirector (for an increase of merit), it could be permitted under the following circumstances:

a) that the vow be made for a short period of time and then renewed if desired;b) that it be restricted to certain matters which are clearly stated, such as the time of prayer, the types of

mortification, the work in the apostolate, etc.;c) that the person making the vow be perfectly normal, serene and balanced;d) that the vow may be revoked if any difficulties or anxieties arise.

What is to be done if a conflict arises between the commands of a lawful superior and those of a spiritualdirector? One must unhesitatingly obey the superior, even if he has taken a vow of obedience to his director.It should be noted that private vows taken by religious are null and void without the approval of theirsuperiors (cf. St. Thomas II II q.88 a.6). And even if one has received permission of a religious superior tomake a vow of obedience to one's director, the superior never loses the power over the subject which is theresult of religious profession.3) Perseverance. The very nature of spiritual direction requires that the person directed should persevere inseeking the help and guidance of the director. Any spiritual direction or counseling is rendered sterile by thefrequent change of directors, by absenting oneself for long periods, by the constant change of spiritualexercises and means of sanctification, or by letting oneself be led by a caprice of the moment instead offollowing the instructions received from the director. When serious reasons justify a change, a person couldfind a new director, but that is something quite distinct from the fickleness and inconstancy which is

manifested by some persons in changing from one director to another under the slightest pretext. In the

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

25

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


7


in virtue, does not solve problems, and shows no special interest in the sanctification of the individual. Thedirection would be harmful if the person directed discovers that the director lacks the necessary knowledge,prudence and discretion; when he feeds the vanity and complacence of the individual, readily tolerates one'sfaults and imperfections, or judges things from a point of view that is too natural; when the director wastestime by frivolous conversations, or by asking questions out of simple curiosity, or in discussing matters which

are not related to growth in holiness, or when one perceives that there has developed a strong sensibleaffection on the part of one or both; when the director imposes obligations that are beyond one's strength orincompatible with the duties of one's state in life, or wishes that the individual promise never to seek counselfrom any other priest; when one perceives clearly that the advice given has been harmful instead of helpful. Itshould be noted, however, that one may easily be mistaken in making judgments concerning the competenceof the director and the efficacy of the direction, and for that reason it is imperative that one deliberate beforemaking a change in spiritual directors, and, in the case of seminarians that they have the explicit permissionfrom the Rector.

Plurality of DirectorsWould it be fitting to have several directors at the same time? Although there have been cases in which a

person had several spiritual directors (for example, St. Teresa of Avila), in general it is not prudent or

effective to do so. There is always the danger of a difference of opinion and a conflict as a result ofdiscrepancy in the advice that is given. Nevertheless, it is perfectly compatible with the unity of direction toseek advice from other competent persons when an especially difficult or extraordinary problem arises. Aswe have already stated, the director himself, if he is prudent and humble, will take the initiative and advisethe penitent to consult another person. But apart from these special cases, the unity of spiritual direction mustalways be preserved, especially when dealing with scrupulous persons, and this unity is best preserved byhaving one director.

Some Additional Reading:The Spiritual Life by A. Tanquerey pg. 257 seq.The Three Ages of the Interior Life by Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange; Vol. 1 pg. 256 seq.The Soul of the Apostolate by Dom Chautard, pg. 160

35

5

10

15

20

25

30

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8

Chapter One

The Transcendancy of God

I Believe in God,the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth

(an extract from the Catechism of the Council of Trent)

The meaning of the above words is this: I believe with certainty, and without a shadow of doubt profess mybelief in God the Father, the First Person of the Trinity, who by His omnipotence created from nothing andpreserves and governs the heavens and the earth and all things which they contain; and not only do I believein Him from my heart and profess this belief with my lips, but with the greatest ardour and piety I tendtowards Him, as the supreme and most perfect good.

"I Believe"

The word believe does not here mean to think, to suppose, to be of opinion; but, as the Sacred Scripturesteach, it expresses the deepest conviction, by which the mind gives a firm and unhesitating assent to Godrevealing His mysterious truths. As far, therefore, as regards the use of the word here, he who firstly andwithout hesitation is convinced of anything is said to believe.

Faith Excludes DoubtThe knowledge derived through faith must not be considered less certain because its objects are not seen;

for the divine light by which we know them, although it does not render them evident, yet suffers us not todoubt them. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath himself shone in our hearts(cf. 2 Cor. 4; 6), that the gospel be not hidden to us, as to those that perish (cf. ibid. 4; 3).

Faith Excludes CuriosityFrom what has been said it follows that he who is gifted with this heavenly knowledge of faith is free

from an inquisitive curiosity. For when God commands us to believe He does not propose to us to search intoHis divine judgments, or inquire into their reason and cause, but demands an unchangeable faith, by whichthe mind rests content in the knowledge of eternal truth. And indeed, since we have the testimony of theApostle that God is true; and every man a liar (cf. Rom. 3; 4), and since it would argue arrogance andpresumption to disbelieve the word of a grave and sensible man affirming anything as true, and to demandthat he prove his statements by arguments or witnesses, how rash and foolish are those, who, hearing thewords of God Himself, demand reasons for His heavenly and saving doctrines? Faith, therefore, must excludenot only all doubt, but all desire for demonstration.

Faith Requires Open ProfessionWhen I say, I believe, besides declaring the inward assent of the mind, which is an internal act of faith, I

must also openly profess and with alacrity acknowledge and proclaim what I inwardly and in my heartbelieve. For we are animated by the same spirit that spoke by the lips of the Prophet when he said: I believe,and therefore did I speak (cf. Ps. 115; 10), and should follow the example of the Apostles who replied to theprinces of the people: We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard (cf. Acts 4; 20). I shouldbe encouraged by these noble words of St. Paul: I am not ashamed of the gospel. For it is the power of Godunto salvation to every one that believeth (cf. Rom. 1; 16); and likewise by those other words; in which thetruth of this doctrine is expressly confirmed: With the heart we believe unto justice; but with the mouthconfession is made unto salvation (Rom. 10; 10 : St. Thomas II II q.2 - 4).

"In God"

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

40

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


9


From these words we may learn how exalted are the dignity and excellence of Christian wisdom, andwhat a debt of gratitude we owe to the divine goodness. For to us it is given at once to mount as by the stepsof faith to the knowledge of what is most sublime and desirable.

Knowledge of God, more easily obtained through Faith than through Reason

There is a great difference between Christian philosophy and human wisdom. The latter, guided solely bythe light of nature, advances slowly by reasoning on sensible objects and effects, and only after long andlaborious investigation is it able at length to contemplate with difficulty the invisible things of God, todiscover and understand a First Cause and Author of all things.

Christian philosophy, on the contrary, so quickens the human mind that without difficulty it pierces theheavens, and, illumined with divine light, contemplates first, the eternal source of light, and in its radiance allcreated things; so that we experience with the utmost pleasure of mind that we have been called, as the Princeof the Apostles says, out of darkness into his admirable light, and believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable(cf. 1 Pet. 1; 8 : 2; 9).

Justly, therefore, do we profess first to believe in God, whose majesty, with the Prophet Jeremias, wedeclare incomprehensible (cf. Jer. 32; 19). For, as the Apostle says, He dwells in light inaccessible, which noman hath seen, nor can see (cf. 1 Tim. 6; 16); as God Himself, speaking to Moses, said: No man shall see my

face and live (cf. Exod. 33; 20). The mind cannot rise to the contemplation of the Deity, whom nothingapproaches in sublimity, unless it be entirely disengaged from the senses, and of this in the present life we arenaturally incapable

Knowledge of God, obtained through Faith is clearerBut while this is so, yet God, as the Apostle says, left not him self without testimony, doing good from

heaven, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness (cf. Acts 14; 16). Hence it isthat the philosophers conceived no mean idea of the Divinity, ascribed to Him nothing corporeal, gross orcomposite. They considered Him the perfection and fullness of all good, from whom, as from an eternal,inexhaustible fountain of goodness and benignity, flows every perfect gift to all creatures. They called Himthe wise, the author and lover of truth, the just, the most beneficent, and gave Him also many otherappellations expressive of supreme and absolute perfection. They recognised that His immense and infinite

power fills every place and extends to all things.Xenophanes (c. 570 B.C.) describes the Deity as "sacred and unutterable mind, flashing through the whole

world with rapid thoughts"; he teaches the unity, eternity, unchangeableness, sublimity and spirituality ofGod, and that God is all eye, all ear, all intellect. Empedocles (c. 490 B.C) also describes God as mind.Anaxagoras (c. 500 - 430 B.C.) teaches that the moving power which formed the world is Mind, and that thisMind is distinguished from other things because It alone is simple and unmixed, has knowledge abouteverything, the future as well as the past, is self-ruled and has supreme power over all things. Socrates (469 -399 B.C.) held that the order of the world proves the intervention of a supreme intelligence, that God is

eternal and immense, and that He governs the world; that man may enter into communion with Him, andshould invoke and honour Him. Plato (c. 427 - 347 B.C.) freely criticised the anthropomorphic notions of Godthat prevailed in his day. The Divinity, he taught, is supremely perfect, the absolute Good, the Idea ofgoodness, who exercises ever all things a providence which orders and governs everything for the best. He

extols God's wisdom and truthfulness, says He has a care for the small as well as the great, and that Hewishes all to invoke Him. Aristotle (384 - 322 B.C.) teaches that God is pure actuality, one, incorporeal andindivisible, the intelligence of intelligence; that the divine life consists in contemplative thought; that God iseternal and unchangeable in Himself, the first cause and last end of all things.

These truths the Sacred Scriptures express far better and much more clearly, as in the following passages:God is a spirit (cf. John 4; 24); Be ye perfect, even as also your heavenly Father is perfect (cf. Matt. 5; 48); Allthings are naked and open to his eyes (cf. Heb. 4; 13); O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of theknowledge of God! (cf. Rom. 11; 33) God is true (cf. Rom. 3; 4); I am the way, the truth, and the life (cf. John14; 6); Thy right hand is full of justice (cf. Ps. 47; 11); Thou openest thy hand, and fillest with blessing everyliving creature (cf. Ps. 144; 16); and finally: Whither shall I go from thy spirit or whither shall I flee from thyface? If I ascend into heaven, thou art there; if I descend into hell, thou art there. If I take my wings early in themorning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, etc. (cf. Ps. 138; 7 - 9), and Do I not fill heaven and earth,

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

45

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


10


saith the Lord? (cf. Jer. 23; 24)

Knowledge of God obtained through Faith is more CertainThese great and sublime truths regarding the nature of God, which are in full accord with Scripture, the

philosophers were able to learn from an investigation of God's works. But even here we see the necessity of

divine revelation if we reflect that not only does faith, as we have already observed, make known clearly andat once to the rude and unlettered, those truths which only the learned could discover, and that by longstudy; but also that the knowledge obtained through faith is much more certain and more secure against errorthan if it were the result of philosophical inquiry.

Knowledge of God through Faith is more Ample and ExaltedBut how much more exalted must not that knowledge of the Deity be considered, which cannot be

acquired in common by all from the contemplation of nature, but is peculiar to those who are illumined by thelight of faith?

This knowledge is contained in the Articles of the Creed, which disclose to us the unity of the DivineEssence and the distinction of Three Persons, and show also that God Himself is the ultimate end of ourbeing, from whom we are to expect the enjoyment of the eternal happiness of heaven, according to the words

of St. Paul: God is a rewarder of them that seek Him (cf. Heb. 11; 6). How great are these rewards, andwhether they are such that human knowledge could aspire to their attainment, we learn from these words ofIsaias uttered long before those of the Apostle: From the beginning of the world they have not heard, norperceived with the ears: the eye hath not seen besides thee, O God, what things thou hast prepared for themthat wait for thee (cf. Is. 64; 4 : St. Thomas I q.12 a.13)

The Unity of Nature in God

From what is said it must also be confessed that there is but one God, not many gods. For we attribute toGod supreme goodness and infinite perfection, and it is impossible that what is supreme and most perfectcould be common to many. If a being lack anything that constitutes supreme perfection, it is thereforeimperfect and cannot have the nature of God.

The unity of God is also proved from many passages of Sacred Scripture. It is written: Hear, O Israel, theLord our God is one Lord (cf. Deut. 6; 4); again the Lord commands: Thou shalt not have strange gods beforeme (cf. Exod. 20; 3); and further He often admonishes us by the Prophet: I am the first, and I am the last, andbesides me there is no God (cf. Is. 48; 12). The Apostle also openly declares: One Lord, one faith, one baptism(cf. Eph. 4; 5). It should not, however, excite our surprise if the Sacred Scriptures sometimes give the name ofGod to creatures. For when they call the Prophets and judges gods, they do not speak according to themanner of the Gentiles, who, in their folly and impiety, formed to themselves many gods; but express, by amanner of speaking then in use, some eminent quality or function conferred on such persons by the gift ofGod (cf. St. Thomas I q.11)

The Trinity of Persons in GodThe Christian faith, therefore, believes and professes, as is declared in the Nicene Creed in confirmation of

this truth, that God in His Nature, Substance and Essence is one. But soaring still higher, it so understandsHim to be one that it adores unity in trinity and trinity in unity.

"The Father"

As God is called Father for more reasons than one, we must first determine the more appropriate sense inwhich the word is used in the present instance.

God is Called Father, Because He is Creator and RulerEven some on whose darkness the light of faith never shone conceived God to be an eternal substance

from whom all things have their beginning, and by whose Providence they are governed and preserved intheir order and state of existence. Since, therefore, he to whom a family owes its origin and by whose wisdom

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


11


and authority it is governed is called father, so by an analogy derived from human things these persons gavethe name Father to God, whom they acknowledge to be the Creator and Governor of the universe. The SacredScriptures also, when they wish to show that to God must be ascribed the creation of all things, supremepower and admirable Providence, make use of the same name. Thus we read: Is not he thy Father, that hathpossessed thee, and made thee and created thee? (cf. Deut. 32; 6); And: Have we not all one Father hath not

one God created us? (cf. Mal. 2; 10)

God is called Father, because He Adopts Christians through GraceBut God, particularly in the New Testament, is much more frequently, and in some sense peculiarly,

called the Father of Christians, who have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear; but have receivedthe spirit of adoption of sons (of God), whereby they cry: Abba (Father) (cf. Rom. 8;15). For the Father hathbestowed upon us that manner of charity that we should be called, and be the sons of God (cf. 1 John 3; 1),and if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint-heirs with Christ (cf. Rom. 8; 17), who is the first-bornamongst many brethren (cf. Rom. 8; 29), and is not ashamed to call us brethren (cf. Heb. 2; 11). Whether,therefore, we look to the common title of creation and Providence, or to the special one of spiritual adoption,rightly do the faithful profess their belief that God is their Father. (cf. St. Thomas I q.33 a.2 - 3)

The Name "Father" also Discloses the Plurality of Persons in GodUnder the name Father, the divine oracles begin to unveil to us a mysterious truth which is more abstruse

and more deeply hidden in that inaccessible light in which God dwells, and which human reason andunderstanding could not attain to, nor even conjecture to exist. This name implies that in the one Essence ofthe Godhead is proposed to our belief, not only one Person, but a distinction of persons; for in one DivineNature there are Three Persons - the Father, begotten of none; the Son, begotten of the Father before all ages;the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, likewise, from all eternity.

The Doctrine of the Trinity

In the one Substance of the Divinity the Father is the First Person, who with His Only-begotten Son, andthe Holy Ghost, is one God and one Lord, not in the singularity of one Person, but in the trinity of one

Substance. (cf. Preface of the Mass of the Holy Trinity) These Three Persons, since it would be impiety toassert that they are unlike or unequal in any thing, are understood to be distinct only in their respectiveproperties. For the Father is unbegotten, the Son begotten of the Father, and the Holy Ghost proceeds fromboth. Thus we acknowledge the Essence and the Substance of the Three Persons to be the same in such wisethat we believe that in confessing the true and eternal God we are piously and religiously to adore distinctionin the Persons, unity in the Essence, and equality in the Trinity.

Hence, when we say that the Father is the First Person, we are not to be understood to mean that in theTrinity there is anything first or last, greater or less. Let none of the faithful be guilty of such impiety, for theChristian religion proclaims the same eternity, the same majesty of glory in the Three Persons. But since theFather is the Beginning without a beginning, we truly and unhesitatingly affirm that He is the First Person,and as He is distinct from the Others by His peculiar relation of paternity, so of Him alone is it true that Hebegot the Son from eternity. For when in the Creed we pronounce together the words God and Father, it

means that He was always both God and Father.

"Almighty"

The Sacred Scriptures, in order to mark the piety and devotion with which the most holy name of God isto be adored, usually express His supreme power and infinite majesty in a variety of ways; but the almightypower is most frequently attributed to Him. Thus He says of Himself: I am the almighty Lord (cf. Gen. 17; 1);and again, Jacob when sending his sons to Joseph thus prayed for them: May my almighty God make himfavourable to you (cf. Gen. 43; 14). In the Apocalypse also it is written: The Lord God, who is, and who was,and who is to come, the almighty (cf. Apoc. 1; 8); and in another place the last day is called the great day ofthe almighty God (cf. Apoc. 16; 14). Sometimes the same attribute is expressed in many words; thus: No wordshall be impossible with God (cf. Luke 1; 37); Is the hand of the Lord unable? (cf. Num. 11; 23); Thy power is

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


12


at hand when thou wilt (cf. Wis. 12; 18), and so on.

Meaning of the Term "Almighty"From these various modes of expression it is clearly perceived what is comprehended under this single

word almighty. By it we understand that there neither exists nor can be conceived in thought or imagination

anything which God cannot do. For not only can He annihilate all created things, and in a moment summonfrom nothing into existence many other worlds, an exercise of power which, however great, comes in somedegree within our comprehension; but He can do many things still greater, of which the human mind canform no conception.

But though God can do all things, yet He cannot lie, or deceive, or be deceived; He cannot sin, or cease toexist, or be ignorant of anything. These defects are compatible with those beings only whose actions areimperfect; but God, whose acts are always most perfect, is said to be incapable of such things, simply becausethe capability of doing them implies weakness, not the supreme and infinite power over all things which Godpossesses. Thus we so believe God to be omnipotent that we exclude from Him entirely all that is notintimately connected and consistent with the perfection of His nature.

Why Omnipotence alone is Mentioned in the Creed

By acknowledging God to be omnipotent, we also of necessity acknowledge Him to be omniscient, and tohold all things in subjection to His supreme authority and dominion. When we do not doubt that He isomnipotent, we must be also convinced of everything else regarding Him, the absence of which would renderHis omnipotence altogether unintelligible.

Besides, nothing tends more to confirm our faith and animate our hope than a deep conviction that allthings are possible to God; for whatever may be afterwards proposed as an object of faith, however great,however wonderful, however raised above the natural order, is easily and without hesitation believed, oncethe mind has grasped the knowledge of the omnipotence of God. Nay more, the greater the truths which thedivine oracles announce, the more willingly does the mind deem them worthy of belief. And should weexpect any favor from heaven, we are not discouraged by the greatness of the desired benefit, but are cheeredand confirmed by frequently considering that there is nothing which an omnipotent God cannot effect.

Not Three Almighties but only One AlmightyWhen, however, we call the Father almighty, let no one be led into the error of thinking that this attribute

is so ascribed to Him as not to belong also to the Son and the Holy Ghost. As we say the Father is God, theSon is God, the Holy Ghost is God, and yet there are not three Gods but one God; so in like manner weconfess that the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, and the Holy Ghost almighty, and yet there are not threealmighties but one almighty. (cf. Athanasian Creed)

The Father, in particular, we call almighty, because He is the Source of all being; as we also attributewisdom to the Son, because He is the eternal Word of the Father; and goodness to the Holy Ghost, becauseHe is the love of both. These, however, and similar appellations, may be given indiscriminately to the ThreePersons, according to the teaching of Catholic faith.

"Creator"

The necessity of having previously imparted to the faithful a knowledge of the omnipotence of God willappear from what we are now about to explain with regard to the creation of the world. The wondrousproduction of so stupendous a work is more easily believed when all doubt concerning the immense power ofthe Creator has been removed. For God formed the world not from materials of any sort, but created it fromnothing, and that not by constraint or necessity, but spontaneously, and of His own free will. Nor was Heimpelled to create by any other cause than a desire to communicate His goodness to creatures. Beingessentially happy in Himself, He stands not in need of anything; as David expresses it: I have said to the Lord,thou art my God, for thou hast no need of my goods (cf. Ps. 15; 2).

As it was His own goodness that influenced Him when He did all things whatsoever He would, so in thework of creation He followed no external form or model; but contemplating, and as it were imitating, the

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

60

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


13


universal model contained in the divine intelligence, with infinite wisdom and power - attributes peculiar tothe Divinity - created all things in the beginning. He spoke and they were made: he commanded and theywere created (cf. Ps. 32; 9).

"Of Heaven and Earth"

The words heaven and earth include all things which the heavens and the earth contain; for besides theheavens, which the Prophet has called the works of his fingers (cf. Ps. 8; 4), He also gave to the sun itsbrilliancy, and to the moon and stars their beauty; and that they might be for signs, and for seasons, and fordays and years (cf. Gen. 1; 14). He so ordered the celestial bodies in a certain and uniform course, that nothingvaries more than their continual revolution, while nothing is more fixed than their variety.

Creation of the World of SpiritsMoreover, He created out of nothing the spiritual world and Angels innumerable to serve and minister to

Him; and these He enriched and adorned with the admirable gifts of His grace and power.That the devil and the other rebel angels were gifted from the beginning of their creation with grace,

clearly follows from these words of the Sacred Scriptures: He (the devil) stood not in the truth (cf. John 8; 44).

On this subject St. Augustine says: In creating the Angels He endowed them with good will, that is, with purelove that they might adhere to Him, giving them existence and adorning them with grace at one and the sametime. Hence we are to believe that the holy Angels were never without good will, that is, the love of God (cf.De Civit Dei, bk.12, c.9).

As to their knowledge we have this testimony of Holy Scripture: Thou, my Lord, O king, art wise,according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to understand all things upon earth (cf. 2 Kings 14; 20). Finally,the inspired David ascribes power to them, saying that they are mighty in strength, and execute his word (cf.Ps. 102; 20); and on this account they are often called in Scripture the powers and the armies of the Lord. Butalthough they were all endowed with celestial gifts, very many, having rebelled against God, their Father andCreator, were hurled from those high mansions of bliss, and shut up in the darkest dungeon of earth, there tosuffer for eternity the punishment of their pride. Speaking of them the Prince of the Apostles says: God sparednot the angels that sinned, but delivered them, drawn by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments, to be

reserved unto judgment (cf. 2 Pet. 2; 4).

Formation of the UniverseThe earth also God commanded to stand in the midst of the world, rooted in its own foundation, and

made the mountains ascend, and the plains descend into the place which he had founded for them. That thewaters should not inundate the earth, He set a bound which they shall not pass over; neither shall they returnto cover the earth (cf. Ps. 103; 5, 8, 9). He next not only clothed and adorned it with trees and every variety ofplant and flower, but filled it, as He had already filled the air and water, with innumerable kinds of livingcreatures (cf. St. Thomas Ia q.65 - 74).

Production of ManLastly, He formed man from the slime of the earth, so created and constituted in body as to be immortal

and impassible, not, however, by the strength of nature, but by the bounty of God. Man's soul He created toHis own image and likeness; gifted him with free will, and tempered all his motions and appetites so as tosubject them, at all times, to the dictates of reason. He then added the admirable gift of original righteousness,and next gave him dominion over all other animals.

"Of all Things Visible and Invisible"

What we have said, then, of the creation of the universe is to be understood as conveyed by the wordsheaven and earth, and is thus briefly set forth by the Prophet: Thine are the heavens, and thine is the earth: theworld and the fulness thereof thou hast founded (cf. Ps. 88; 12). Still more briefly the Fathers of the Council ofNice expressed this truth by adding in their Creed these words: of all things visible and invisible. Whateverexists in the universe, whatever we confess to have been created by God, either falls under the senses and is

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

65

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


14


included in the word visible, or is an object of mental perception and intelligence and is expressed by theword invisible.

God Preserves, Rules and Moves all Created ThingsWe are not, however, to understand that God is in such wise the Creator and Maker of all things that His

works, when once created and finished, could thereafter continue to exist unsupported by His omnipotence.For as all things derive existence from the Creator's supreme power, wisdom, and goodness, so unlesspreserved continually by His Providence, and by the same power which produced them, they would instantlyreturn into their nothingness. This the Scriptures declare when they say: How could anything endure if thouwouldst not, or be preserved, if not called by thee? (cf. Wis. 11; 26).

Not only does God protect and govern all things by His Providence, but He also by an internal powerimpels to motion and action whatever moves and acts, and this in such a manner that, although He excludesnot, He yet precedes the agency of secondary causes. For His invisible influence extends to all things, and, asthe Wise Man says, reaches from end to end mightily, and ordereth all things sweetly (cf. Wis. 8; 1). This is thereason why the Apostle, announcing to the Athenians the God whom, not knowing, they adored, said: He isnot far from every one of us: for in him we live, and move, and are (cf. Acts 17; 27).

Creation is the Work of the Three PersonsCreation is the common work of the Three Persons of the Holy and undivided Trinity; of the Father,

whom according to the doctrine of the Apostles we here declare to be Creator of heaven and earth; of the Son,of whom the Scripture says, all things were made by him; and of the Holy Ghost, of whom it is written: Thespirit of God moved over the waters, and again, By the word of the Lord the heavens were established; andall the power of them by the spirit of his mouth.

Additional reading:Spiritual Journey by Archbishop Lefebvre

5

10

15

20

25

70

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


15

Chapter two

The Supernatural & Natural Orders

Natural, in opposition to supernatural, is that which is either a part of nature, or that which proceeds outof nature as its effect, or to which nature has a claim.

Supernatural is that which is neither a part of nature, nor proceeds as effect from nature, nor can beclaimed by nature, but which transcends the being, the powers and the claims of nature. The supernaturalmay be super-added by God over the claims and endowments of nature to the natural gifts of the creature.

The supernatural order is the ordination of rational creatures to a supernatural final goal.

DivisionWe may divide the supernatural in two ways:

a) in substance or in mode.The "supernatural in substance" is that which by its intrinsic character goes beyond the nature of the

creature, for example, actual grace, sanctifying grace, the supernatural virtues, the immediate vision of God."Supernatural in mode" is an effect which is indeed natural, but which in the mode and maner of its

production goes beyond the natural powers of the creature, for example, a miraculous healing of a sickperson.

b) Or, we may divide into absolute and relative"The absolutely supernatural" or the supernatural pure and simple are the goods of the Divine order,

which go far beyond the nature of creatures; for example, sanctifying grace, or the immediate vision of God."The relatively supernatural" connotes goods of the created order, which though supernatural for one

creature, are not supernatural for another creature, for example, infused knowledge, which is natural for theangels, and supernatural for human beings. To the relatively supernatural belong the so-called preternaturalgifts of man's primitive state, of which we will be speaking of shortly.

Relation between Nature and Supernature

Man has the capacity to receive supernatural gifts. Though the supernatural is beyond nature, still manhas a certain receptivity for the supernatural which God has instilled in it. The creature does nothing whileGod elevates it to a supernatural state of being and activity (cf. St. Thomas III q.11 a.1).

Organic Connection of Nature and Supernaturea) The Supernatural presupposes Nature.

The supernatural does not exist in itself, but in something else. The creature must be of such a nature as tobe able to receive the supernaturalb) The Supernatural perfects Nature.

The supernatural is not superadded merely externally to nature, but affects nature intrinsically. Itpermeates the being and the powers of nature, and perfects it either within the created order (e.g., thepreternatural gifts) or through elevation into the divine order of being and activity (absolutely supernaturalgifts). The Fathers and theologians compare the supernatural to fire which makes iron glow, or to a plantwhich is grafted on a tree.

The Natural and the Supernatural Aim of Man

God has conferred on man a supernatural Destiny. (De fide.) Man's final end consists in a participation byhim in God's Vision of Himself. The attainment of this end by men gives glory to God and fills men withsupernatural happiness. (cf. 1 Cor. 13; 12 : 1 John 3; 2)

The natural end of man, which consists in man's natural knowledge and love of God, and in the natural

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

75

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


16

The Supernatural Order

glorification of God, is subordinated and adapted to his supernatural end. The natural order is thus used as ameans for the attaining of the ultimate supernatural goal. Man, by reason of his whole dependence on God, isbound to strive after the supernatural destination determined for him by God.

Chapter ThreeAdam and Eve, created in the Image and Likeness of God

Our first parents, before the Fall, were endowed with sanctifying grace. (De fide.) The Council of Trent, inopposition to Pelagianism and to modern Rationalism, teaches: If anyone will not confess that when the firstman Adam had transgressed the mandate of God in paradise he did not immediately lose the sanctity and justice in which he had been constituted A.S.

A scriptural proof is provided by St. Paul's teaching on the Redemption. The Apostle teaches that Christthe Second Adam, restored what the first Adam had lost; the state of holiness and justice. But if he had lost it,he must previously have received it. (cf. Rom. 5; 12 et seq. : Eph. 1; 10 : 4; 23 et seq. : 1 Cor. 6; 11 : 2 Cor. 5; 17 :

Gal. 6; 15 : Rom. 5; 10 et seq. : 8; 14 et seq.)The Fathers find the supernatural endowment with grace indicated in Gn. 1; 26 (similitudo = supernaturalidentity, of image and likeness with God); in Gn. 2; 7 (spiraculum vitae = supernatural life-principle; ie:Sanctifying grace)

Adam and Eve were also endowed with the following Preternatural Gifts:

a) The gift of IntegrityThe freedom from irregular desire. The Council of Trent explains that concupiscence was called a sin by

St. Paul because it flows from sin and makes one inclined to sin. But if it does flow from sin, then it did notexist before sin. Holy Writ attests the perfect harmony between reason and sensuality. Gn. 2; 25: "And theywere both naked ... and were not ashamed." It was only sin that gave rise to the feeling of shame (Gn. 3; 10).

b) The gift of bodily immortality. (De fide.)The Council of Trent teaches that Adam fell under the sentence of death as a punishment for sin. Holy

Writ records that God threatened and imposed death as punishment for the transgression of His probationarycommandment. (cf. Gn. 2; 17 : 3; 19).

c) The gift of freedom from suffering.It is associated with corporeal immortality. Holy Writ represents suffering and sorrow as the

consequences of sin. Gn. 1; 16 et seq. Before sin came into the world the progenitors of the human race livedin a condition of unalloyed happiness (cf. Gn. 2; 15) But freedom from suffering in no wise means inactivity.Our first parents immediately after their creation by God received from Him the order to till the land (cf. Gn.2; 15), and thus, in a limited measure, to participate in the work of the Creator.

d) The gift of knowledge of natural and supernatural truths infused by God.Since our first parents, according to Holy Writ, entered into existence in an adult state, and were the first

teachers and educators of humanity, it was appropriate that they should be equipped by God with a naturalknowledge suitable to their age and their tasks, and with that measure of supematural knowledge which wasnecessary to enable them to achieve their supernatural end.

Original Sin and its Consequences

Our First Parents in Paradise sinned grievously through transgression of the Divine probationarycommandment. (De fide.) The Council of Trent teaches that Adam lost sanctity and justice by transgressing theDivine commandment (Dz. 788). Since the punishment is proportionate to the guilt, the sin of Adam was

clearly a serious sin.

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

80

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


17


We know the existence of this sinful act from revelation, ie; from the Sacred Scriptures. cƒ. Genesis 2; 17 :3; 1 et seq.

The later Books of Holy Writ confirm it: Ecclus. 25; 33: "From the woman came the begining of sin, andby her we all die." Wis. 2; 24: "But by the envy of the devil death came into the world." 2 Cor. 11; 3: "But I fearlest, as the serpent seduced Eve by his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted and fall away from the

simplicity which is Christ." (cf. 1 Tim 2; 14 : Rom. 5; 12 et seq : John 8; 44).The sin of our First Parents was a sin of disobedience. Rom. 5; 19: "By the disobedience of one man manywere made sinners." The root of the disobedience was pride. Tob. 4; 14: "From it (pride) all perdition took itsbeginning." Ecclus. 10; 15: "Pride is the beginning of all sin."

The gravity of the sin is clear when we regard its purpose and the circumstances of the Devinecommandment. St. Augustine regards Adam's sin as an "inexpressibly great sin" (cf. Op. Imperf. contra Jul. 1;105).

The Consequences of Original Sin

The consequences of original sin are, following Luke 10; 30, summarized by the scholastic theologians, inthe axiom: By Adam's sin man is deprived of the supernatural gifts and wounded in his nature. (cf. ST. I II

q.85 a.1)a) Through sin our First Parents lost sanctifying grace and rovoked the anger and the indignation of God.(De fide.)

In Holy Writ the loss of Sanctifying Grace is indicated in the exclusion of Our First Parents fromintercourse with God. (cf. Gen. 3; 10, 23). God appears as a judge and announces the sentence of punishment(cf. Gen. 3; 16 et seq.). God's displeasure finally takes effect in the eternal rejection. The Fathers of the Churchgenerally, supported by Wis. 10; 2: "She (Wisdom) brought him out of his sin", teach that Our First Parentsdid atonement and "through the Blood of the Lord" were saved from eternal destruction (cf. St. Augustine, De peccat. mer. et rem. 2; 34, 55).

Another consequence of the sin, was the loss of the gift of integrity. The lack of this gift, results in man'sbeing subject to concupiscence, suffering and death. These results remain even after the extirpation ofOriginal Sin, not as punishment, but as the so-called poenalitates, that is, as the means given to man to

achieve the practice of virtue and moral integrity. The person stained by Original Sin finds himself in theimprisonment and slavery of the devil whom Jesus calls "the prince," and St. Paul "the god of this world" (cf. 2Cor. 4; 4 : Hebr. 2; 14 : Peter 2; 19).b) Wounding of Nature. The wounding of nature must not be conceived, with the Protestants and Jansenists,as the complete corruption of human nature. In the condition of Original Sin man possesses the ability ofknowing natural religious truths and of performing natural morally good actions. The Vatican Councilteaches that man, with his natural power of cognition, can with certainty know the existence of God. TheCouncil of Trent teaches that free will was not lost or extinguished by the fall of Adam.

The wounding of nature extends to the body as well as to the soul. The 2nd Council of Orange (529)explained: the whole man both in body and soul was changed for the worse. Dz 174. Side by side with thetwo wounds of the body, sensibility to suffering, and mortality, theologians, with St. Thomas (ST. I II q.85 a.3)enumerate four wounds of the soul which are opposed to the four cardinal virtues:

a) ignorance, that is, difficulty of knowing the truth (opposite to prudence),b) Malice, that is the weakening of the power of the will (opposite to justice),c) weakness, that is, the recoiling before difficulties in the struggle for the good (opposite to fortitude),d) desire (concupiscence) in the narrower sense, that is, the desire for satisfaction of the senses against the judgment of reason (opposite to temperance).

Our First Parents became subject to death and to the dominion of the Devil. (De fide.) Death and the evilsassociated with it follow from the loss of the gifts of integrity. According to Gen. 3; 16 et seq., God imposedsuffering and death as a punishment for sin. The dominion of the devil is mentioned in Gen. 3; 15, and isexplicitly taught in John 12; 31 : 14; 30 : 2 Cor. 4; 4 : Hebr. 2; 14 : 2 Pet. 2; 19.

The Transmission of Original Sin

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

85

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


18


Original sin is transmitted by natural generation. (De fide.) The Council of Trent says: In the baptism ofchildren that is expurgated which they have incurred through generation. As original sin is a sin of nature, itis transmitted in the same way as human nature, through the natural act of generation. Although according toits origin, it is a single sin, that is the sin of the head of the race alone, it is multiplied over and over againthrough natural generation whenever a child of Adam enters existence. In each act of generation human

nature is communicated in a condition deprived of grace.

Chapter Four

Jesus Christ

By Whom is Accomplishedthe Return of Man to God

The mystery of Jesus Christ is so profound, so extraordinary, that it would seem more natural to adore

Him in silence than to speak of Him. For we must rightly fear that our words, like our thoughts, are vastlyinadequate to express all of the riches contained in the ineffable sanctuary which Jesus Christ is.

St. Paul certainly thinks so: "Praying withal for us also, that God may open unto us a door of speech tospeak the Mystery of Christ... that I may make it manifest as I ought to speak" (Col 4; 3-4).

St. Paul's descriptions of Our Lord are marvellous, and incite us to make of Jesus Christ our life: "For tome, to live, is Christ" (Phil 1; 21), and always to become more Christian: Who is the image of the invisibleGod, the first born of every creature; for in Him were all things created in Heaven, and on earth, visible andinvisible, whether thrones, or dominations, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him, and inHim; and He is before all, and by Him all things consist" (Col 1; 15-17).

The presence of the Incarnate God in the history of humanity cannot but be its centre, as a sun, towardswhich everyone goes, and from which everything comes. And if one thinks and believes that this mystery ofthe Incarnation is for the mystery of the Redemption, then it goes without saying that without Jesus Christ,there can be no salvation possible. Every act and every thought which is not Christian is without saving value,without merit for salvation.

To try to place this mystery, we will reproduce a beautiful page of Father Pegues in his catechism of St.Thomas Aquinas, which puts us in contact with the mystery of Jesus Christ or man's path of return to God:

What do you understand by the mystery of Jesus Christ - that is, of the Word made flesh?I understand the fact, absolutely incomprehensible for us on this earth, that the Second Person of the Most

Holy Trinity, the Word, the only Son of God, Who being from all eternity with His Father and the Holy Ghost,the same One and Only True God, by Whom all things were created, and who governs them as SovereignMaster, came upon earth in time by His Incarnation in the bosom of the Virgin Mary of whom He was born.He lived our mortal life, preached the Gospel to the Jewish people of Palestine to whom He was personallysent by His Father, was repudiated by this people, taken and surrendered to the Roman Governor PontiusPilate, condemned and put to death on the cross, was buried, descended into Hell, rose from the dead on thethird day, ascended into Heaven forty days after, sits at the right hand of God the Father, from whence Hegoverns His Church, established by Him on earth, to which He sent His Spirit, which is also the Spirit of theFather, sanctifying this Church by the Sacraments of His grace, thus preparing it for His Second Coming atthe end of time, when He will judge the living and the dead, having made them come out of their tombs toestablish the final separation of the good from the evil, that He might take the good with Him to the kingdomof His Father where He will anchor them in eternal life, and that He might chase away the wicked, accursedby Him, and condemned to the torture of everlasting fire.

This brief diagnostic and historic survey of the mystery of the Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christenlightens us somewhat on the gifts and privileges of God Incarnate, and the consequences which proceedfrom the Incarnation for all of humanity and for every man taken individually. For all are profoundly affectedby the coming of God among them and thus the future, for eternity will depend henceforward on their

relationship with Jesus Christ, whether they be conscious of it or not, whether they wish it or not.

90

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


19


We could never meditate enough on the riches of the treasure which is Jesus Christ. "If thou didst knowthe gift of God," said Jesus to the Samaritan. "There hath Stood one in the midst of you," said St. John theBaptist, "whom you know not... the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose." God the Father and Godthe Holy Ghost manifest themselves that we might discover the mystery of Jesus: "And forthwith coming upout of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit as a dove descending, and remaining on Him.

And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased;" "I saw the Spiritcoming down, as a dove from heaven, and He remained upon Him. And I knew Him not; but He who sentme to baptise with water said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remainingupon Him, He it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son ofGod."

Everything which followed confirmed this judgment of St. John the Baptist. From the Annunciation of theangel to Mary on, all events concerning Him had shown this to be true.

Jesus is indeed the Emmanuel - God among us.If this man is God, what an abundance of gifts must fill His soul and His body! God's own taking to

Himself a soul and a body confers on this man unique attributes, rights, gifts, and privileges, which surpassall that we can imagine.

Let us draw near this divine sanctuary so as to better appreciate Him and adore Him more perfectly and

more profoundly, so as to consecrate ourselves, with enthusiasm and without limit, in His service. How canwe not feel called, like the apostles who immediately abandoned everything in order to follow Him?Three particular graces adorn the body of Jesus, from the moment of His conception in the womb of the

Virgin Mary, and from the very infusion of the soul into the body which had been prepared for Him.The first grace, which is also the source of the other two, is unique in all of creation. By His eternal

decision to unite to His Person a soul and a body, God the Word communicated to these creatures in anineffable and mysterious manner His own divinity in all abundance, inasmuch as these creatures, by thedivine will, were capable of receiving it. It is spoken of as the Hypostatic Union, which conferred upon thissoul and this body a divine dignity. All of the acts of this soul and this body are consequently divine, and are justly attributed to God, Who assumes the responsibility for every activity of this soul and this body.

Necessarily, by its very nature, this grace of union conferred upon this Person, living in this humannature, some unique titles: Mediator, Saviour, Priest and King. All mediation, all priesthood, all royalty

among creatures is by participation in these properties which are the natural and proper jewels of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

How, then, can we not be convinced of the sublimity of the priesthood, which is a participation in thegrace of union which is proper to Our Lord? It is, by His Priesthood that Our Lord exercises His mediation,His role as Saviour; and the essential act of His Priesthood, His Sacrifice on Calvary, by which He merited forus all the graces of salvation. The Cross appears already, by this grace of union, as the sign of the immolationof His divine body and the oblation of His holy soul to His Father, a supremely efficacious prayer.

This is the essence of the heritage which He bequeathed to the Church: His eucharistic and propitiatorySacrifice, continued on the altars by those who are chosen to share in His unique priesthood.

Would that the seminarians, priests and bishops, find the meaning of their priesthood in these fewfundamental truths on the grace of union in Our Lord. Would that they might perceive for its true worth thesublimeness of the heritage which is bequeathed to them, of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which ought to be

the source of their sanctification as of their apostolate. Our Lord's act of sacrifice being the act whichconstitutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the life of Christ, Priest and Victim, must be the basis of theirinterior life and also the basis of their mystery: the giving of Jesus to souls.

This indissoluble union of the Sacrifice and the Sacrament which the Word Incarnate in His wisdomwilled, is precisely that which the Protestants reject and that which the innovators of Vatican II havepractically made disappear by ecumenism!

The grace of union confers on Our Lord's body and soul a sanctifying grace which is quite unique in theworld. It is so abundant that it becomes the source of all sanctifying grace, which is but the communication ofthe Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Charity of Our Lord; "of His fullness we have all received." This sanctifying graceproduces in Our Lord's body and soul marvellous effects. His soul, as soon as it came into being, received theBeatific Vision. He enjoyed this vision in His soul right throughout His existence and even on the Cross. It isindeed a great mystery that His soul was at the same time inundated with the most perfect bliss and flooded

with pain and sorrow!

95

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


21


Let us meditate and contemplate the transpierced Heart of Jesus, whence come the fountains of eternallife.

The ornamentation of this sanctuary which Jesus is, is not limited to these three graces about which wehave spoken. The union of the person of the Word to the human soul of Jesus confers on this soul the uniqueprivilege of the Beatific Vision from the instant of His creation.

Certainly, Jesus-God has no need of this knowledge. His divine knowledge infinitely surpases theknowledge of the Beatific Vision, but nevertheless the Creator of all things, having wanted to personallyassume a human soul and body, assumed also their faculties of knowledge and understanding and carriedthem to their greatest possible perfection.

It was thus that the soul of Jesus possessed the Beatific Vision, the infused knowledge of the angels, andexperiental knowledge of men and this, to the most perfect degree which can be given to all angelic creatureand a human creature.

Thus from the very first instant, the Incarnate Son of God could see by His human nature everything andall things in the Divine Word that He was Himself, in such a way that there is nothing whatsoever in thepresent, past or future, whether actions, words or thoughts, with respect to whomever and of whatever timeperiod, that the Incarnate Son of God did not know from the first instant of His Incarnation, by the humannature that He hypostatically united to Himself, in the Divine Word that He was.

These divine realities in Jesus Christ clarify His intimate and personal relations with all the created spiritsin Heaven and on earth. Even in His human soul, Jesus knew us all, and in all the details of our lives. Nothingescapes Him, neither as Creator nor as Saviour. And this knowledge gives rise to a boundless love for thesouls who turn towards Him, who give themselves to Him, who accomplish His will. His soul ardentlydesires to communicate His glory to them. That is why Jesus will be the judge of all souls.

Let us be aware of these realities, of the absolute necessity of offering ourselves to Jesus, as the prayers atthe Offertory of the Mass say, and of living this offering unceasingly. Let us be a part of the: "as many asreceived Him," in order to be His children: "He gave them power to be made sons of God." These wordsweigh heavily in the history of souls. They are eternally powerful and will separate the just from the unjust.

Jesus is not optional. "He who is not with Me is against Me." To deny this is the fundamental error ofreligious liberty and ecumenism.

The consequences of the union of the Word of God, of God Himself, with a human soul and body (over

and above those of which we have just spoken in the last few pages), are such that they truly make of thishuman creature a subject unique in His kind, more divine than human, and more spiritual than corporal. OurLord's entire life proves it. He lives more in Heaven than on earth, for He is Heaven. His Person has totalpower over His soul and body, even to separate and reunite them as He wishes and when He may so wish.

His glory, His power, His sanctity, His wisdom, the permanence of the eternal mission which comes fromHis Father, in the exact realisation of His temporal mission of salvation, all these shine forth in His life, in Hisacts and in His words.

That is what St. Thomas discloses in detail in studying every step of Jesus' life and His mysteries up to theAscension. (ST. III q.1 - 59)

This meditation on the life of Jesus in all its details, puts us little by little in an atmosphere of supernaturalreality, and delivers us from the customary way in which men live, so deceived as to take no account of thisgreat reality. Sin, and the results of sin, have succeeded in creating a world of mirages, illusions and errors.

This has developed to such an extent that men finish up by becoming accustomed to this world, sensitized,sensualized, humanized, no longer being able to see that all this is vain and ephemeral in relation to the truespiritual and supernatural life, in relation to eternal life.

The holy and admirable life of Jesus is a constant reminder of the spiritual and divine realities which arealone valuable and alone eternal. Everything in Jesus returns to God, to the truth, to reality, to wisdom and tosanctity.

Would that we might always be more convinced of the necessity of following Jesus, as He asks of Hisdisciples: "He who follows Me does not walk in darkness. If someone wishes to be My disciple, let him carryhis cross and follow Me." For there is no other choice: either follow Jesus or rejoin Satan.

It is not at all surprising if Jesus suffers to see men prefer the darkness to the Light, and what Light! It isthe Light which created the world, which supports it in existence, which enlightens every man who comesinto this world, which brings to them the Light of salvation and of eternal glory. But they prefer the darkness

of the world, of this world which is against Our Lord, of this world of the flesh, of money, of egoism, of pride,

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

110

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


22


the threshold to Hell!Let us fix our minds on His redeeming work of salvation and on meditating on the means instituted by

Jesus to communicate anew the grace of salvation, let us strive to mark indelibly in our spirits the real, livingimage of Jesus, Who should illuminate and direct all of our lives.

Her is the perspective of Fr. Pegues in his catechism:

Yes! When one says Jesus Christ, one indicates the only Son of God, Who, being from all eternity with HisFather and the Holy Ghost the same, one and only True God, by Whom all things were created and Whosustains them, and governs them as Sovereign Master, took our human nature on Himself in time, by reasonof which He is truly man like us, but yet continues to be with the Father and the Holy Ghost, the same Godthat He is from all eternity. Consequently He has in His human nature, and is assured of having inasmuch asHe is a man like us, privileges of grace in a certain way infinite. First of all shines His quality as Saviour ofmankind, which constitutes Him, as man, unique Mediator between God and men, Sovereign Priest, SupremeKing, Prophet without equal, and, Leader and Head of all the assembly of the elect, angels and men, allforming His true Mystical Body.

Additional reading:Catechism ofthe Council of trent, Commentary on the Apostles creed, art 2 - 7

5

10

15

115

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


24

Sanctifying Grace

supernatural organism, as the spiritual soul is the formal principle of our natural vital organism. As anaccidental participation in the very nature of God, grace elevates us to the status of children of God and heirsof heaven. "We are sons of God," exclaims St. Paul. "But if we are sons, we are heirs also: heirs indeed of Godand joint heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8; 16 - 17). And in his famous sermon before the Areopagus he insists thatwe are of the race of God: "We are the offspring of God" (Acts 17; 29). This same expression is echoed by St.

Thomas when he comments on the words of St. John, ex Deo nati sunt: "This generation, since it is of God,makes us sons of God."

Nature of GraceSanctifying grace can be defined:

A supernatural quality, inhering in the soul, which gives us a physical and formal participation, althoughanalogous and accidental, in the very nature of God precisely as God.

Let us examine more closely the elements of this definition. A quality is an accident which modifies ordisposes a substance. Four species of quality are usually distinguished:1) If a substance is well or poorly disposed in regard to itself, we have the qualities of habit and disposition;2) if the substance is disposed for action or operation, we have the qualities of potency and impotency;

3) if the substance is disposed to receptivity, we have the qualities of passion and passible quality;4) and if the substance is disposed to quantity, we have the qualities of form and figure.It should be evident at once that sanctifying grace cannot pertain to any of the last three species of quality,

for grace is not ordained directly to operation, as are potency and impotency, nor is it a bodily accident, as arepassion, passible quality, form and figure. By elimination, therefore, sanctifying grace must pertain to the firstspecies of quality, and within that species it pertains to habit and not to simple disposition, since it is a qualitythat of itself is permanent and difficult to remove.

Grace is clearly supernatural, as the formal principle of our supernatural life; it is that which elevates usand constitutes us in this order. As supernatural, it far excels all natural things, transcending all nature andmaking us enter into the sphere of the divine and uncreated. St. Thomas has said that the minimum degree ofsanctifying grace in one individual is greater than the natural good of the entire universe (cf. ST. I II q.113 a.9ad.3). That grace inheres in the soul is denied by those Protestants who hold for extrinsic justification, but it is

a truth of faith defined by the Council of Trent (cf. Dz 821). St. Thomas bases the distinction between humanlove and divine love on the theological principle: "The love of God infuses and creates goodness in things." Inus, love is born of the good object, real or apparent; but God creates goodness in an object by the mere fact ofloving it. And since love finds complaisance in that which is similar to itself, the grace by which God loves uswith the love of a friend elevates us in a certain manner to His level and deifies us, so to speak, by means of aformal participation in the divine nature. "It is necessary that God alone deify by communicating His divinenature through a certain participation of likeness" (cf. I II q.112 a.1) Briefly, God loves with an absolutelysupernatural love the man who is pleasing to Him, but since the love of God is the cause of that which Heloves, it follows that He must produce in the man who is pleasing to Himself the reason for that supernaturalgoodness, namely, grace (cf. I II q.110 a.1).

Participation is nothing other than the assimilation and inadequate expression in an inferior thing of someperfection existing in a superior thing. St. Thomas says in this regard that that which is totally a determined

thing does not participate in that thing but is identified with it; that which is not totally a thing, but hassomething of that thing, is properly said to participate in it.

Participation may be moral or physical. Physical participation is divided into virtual and formal, andformal participation may be univocal or analagous. The following examples should clarify the meaning of thisdivision. The members of a corporation or association participate morally in its good or evil reputation; themoon participates physically in the light of the sun; flowers and fruits are virtually contained in the tree thatwill produce them and even in the seed from which the tree grows; animality is participated formally by menand brutes. If the physical participation refers to subjects that participate in the same thing and in the sameway, as humanity is predicated of all men in the same sense, we have univocal participation; but if theparticipation refers to subjects in a different manner or proportionally, as being is predicated of God, theangels, men, animals, plants and inanimate things, we have an analogous participation.

Bearing in mind the foregoing distinctions, we may say that sanctifying grace gives us a physical, formal,

analogous and accidental participation in the divine nature. That it makes us participants in the divine nature

125

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


25

Sanctifying Grace

is a truth constantly repeated in Sacred Scripture. St. Peter says, for example: "He has granted us the verygreat and precious promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature" (2 Pet. 1;4). The liturgy also proclaims this fact when it sings in the Preface for the feast of the Ascension: "He ascendedto heaven to make us participants in His divinity." And how persuasively St. Leo speaks of this truth when hesays: "Recognize your dignity, O Christian, and having been made a participant of the divine nature, do not

desire to return to the baseness of your former condition" (cf. ML 54; 192).But it is necessary to examine the manner in which sanctifying grace confers a participation in the divinenature. God is not like creatures, for He and He alone is being by His very essence, while all creatures arebeing by participation. Nevertheless, creatures are in some way similar to God, because as every agentproduces something similar to itself, it is necessary that there be some likeness of the agent in the effect whichit produces. But it cannot be said that creatures are like God by reason of a communication of form accordingto genus and species, but only according to a certain analogy, because God is being by essence, whilecreatures are being by participation. Hence there are three classes of creatures which imitate God analogicallyand are like Him in some respect:

1) Irrational creatures, which participate in the divine perfection so far as they have being. This likeness isso remote that it is called a trace or vestige.2) Rational creatures, which, so far as they are gifted with intelligence, represent the perfections of God in

a more express and determined manner. For that reason they are called the natural image of God.3) Souls in the state of grace, which are united with God by the love of friendship and therefore imitateHim in a much more perfect manner. For that reason they are called the supernatural image of God.But in order to be perfect, does the image of God as author of the supernatural order require a physical

and formal participation in the very nature of God? Undoubtedly yes. Apart from the fact that this is a truthwhich is verified in revelation, there are theological arguments to support it.

First, the operations proper to a superior nature cannot become connatural to a lower or inferior natureunless the latter participates in some way in the former, because as a thing is, so it acts, and its effects cannotbe greater than the cause. But some of the operations proper to God; such as the beatific vision, beatific love,etc.; are in some way connatural to man through grace. Therefore, it is evident that man, through grace, insome way participates physically and formally in the very nature of God.

Second, from grace springs an inclination to God as He is in Himself. Now every inclination is rooted in

some nature and reveals the condition of that nature. But an inclination to the divine order cannot be rootedin a nature of an inferior order; it must be rooted in a nature which is divine, at least by participation.Moreover, this participation must be physical and formal, since the inclination proceeds physically andformally from that participation.

Third, the infused virtues are the faculties of supernatural operations in us, but it is evident that, sinceoperation follows being, a supernatural operation which proceeds from the soul presupposes in the soul thepresence of a supernatural nature, and this can be nothing other than a physical and formal participation inthe nature of God Himself.

It now remains for us to examine in what sense this physical and formal participation of the divine natureis accidental and analogous. Analogous participation signifies that the divine nature is not communicated tous univocally, as the Father transmits it to His Son by way of the natural eternal generation or as the humanityof Christ subsists in the divinity. Man does not become God through grace, neither by natural generation nor

by the hypostatic or personal union nor by any pantheistic union of our substance with the divine substance,but by an analogous participation in virtue of which that which exists in God in an infinite manner isparticipated by the soul in a limited and finite manner. The iron cast into the furnace retains the nature of ironand merely takes on the properties of fire; the mirror which captures the image of the sun does not acquire thenature of the sun but merely reflects its splendor. In like manner, says St. Leo, "the original dignity of our racelies in the fact that the divine goodness shines in us as in a resplendent mirror."(c. ML. 54; 168). The reason forthe accidental participation of the divine nature through grace is clearly explained by St. Thomas: "Everysubstance constitutes either the nature of the thing of which it is the substance or it is a part of the nature, asmatter and form are called substance. And because grace is above all nature, it cannot be a substance or asubstantial form, but it is an accidental form of the soul. Hence what is substantially in God becomesaccidental in the soul which participates in the divine goodness" (c. ST. I II q.110 a.2 ad.2). Moreover, theCouncil of Trent expressly teaches that habitual grace inheres in the soul of man. But that which inheres in

another is not a substance but an accident, as we learn in philosophy. Nor does this in any way lessen the

130

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

135

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


26

Sanctifying Grace

dignity of grace, for, as a supernatural accident, by its very essence it infinitely transcends all created orcreatable natural substances. Let us not forget the words of St. Thomas to the effect that the good of grace inone individual surpasses the good of nature in the entire universe (c. I II q. 113 a. ad.2).

The principal arguments for this are as follows:a) Grace is the connatural principle of the operations which reach God Himself under the formal aspect of

deity. Therefore, grace, as the principle of these operations, must necessarily participate in the divine natureprecisely as divine, that is, under the formal aspect of deity.The antecedent of this argument is undeniable; all supernatural love and knowledge have God Himself as

their object under the aspect of His deity. Such is the case with faith, charity, the beatific vision; they are fixeddirectly on God as He is in Himself, whether it be through the veil of faith or in the clear light of the facialvision. The consequence is a necessary conclusion from the fact that grace is the root principle of thetheological virtues.b) The supernatural participation could not otherwise be distinguished from a merely natural participation.The natural participation in the divine nature is also a formal participation, because man, as an image of God,understands, loves, etc., and is intellectual by nature as is God. Therefore, the divine, formally as such, mustbe the differential note between the natural and the supernatural.c) In order to transcend all nature and constitute the supernatural, the supernatural form which is grace must

be either God Himself or something which touches God under the formal aspect of His deity, for this alonetranscends all nature. But grace is not God Himself, as is evident, and hence it must necessarily be somethingwhich touches God precisely under the formality of His deity. In other words, it is a participation of thedivine nature precisely as divine.

These arguments seem to us to be entirely conclusive. Of course, one should not think that through gracewe participate in the divine nature in such a way that it is communicated to us in the same way it iscommunicated to the second Person of the Blessed Trinity by the Father, or as the humanity of Christ subsistsin the divinity through the hypostatic union with the Word. Nor is the participation through grace to beunderstood in a pantheistic sense, for we are referring to a participation that is accidental and analogous. St.Thomas says that "grace is nothing other than a certain participated likeness of the divine nature" (c. ST. IIIq.62 a.1). In this way there is produced in the soul a special likeness to God which infinitely transcends thatwhich it had in the purely natural order as an image of the God of nature. By reason of this intimate likeness

to the divine nature as divine, man becomes an offspring, as it were, of God. He becomes God's son byadoption and forms a part of the family of God. Such is the sublime grandeur to which we are elevated bygrace.

The Subject of GraceThis question must be resolved in view of another question concerning the distinction between grace and

charity. The theologians who deny the distinction between grace and charity state that grace resides in thewill as in its proper subject. Those who affirm the real distinction between grace and charity place charity inthe will and sanctifying grace in the very essence of the soul. The following arguments are offered in proof ofthe second opinion.a) The regeneration of man is effected by sanctifying grace. But regeneration primarily affects the essence ofthe soul rather than the faculties, because the generative action terminates in the essence. Therefore, grace

resides in the essence of the soul.b) Spiritual accidents which pertain to being inhere in the substance of the soul, while those which pertain tooperation inhere in the faculties. But sanctifying grace conferes on the soul a supernatural being, while charityis ordained to operation. Therefore, sanctifying grace should inhere in the very essence of the soul, andcharity in one of the faculties, namely, the will.c) "Every perfection of the faculties of the soul has the nature of a virtue." But sanctifying grace does not havethe nature of a virtue nor is it ordained by its nature to operation. Therefore, sanctifying grace is not a perfec-tion of the faculties of the soul but of the very essence of the soul. For this reason theologians speak ofsanctifying grace as a static perfection and of the virtues as dynamic perfections in the spriritual life.

Effects of GraceHaving examined the nature of sanctifying grace and the subject in which it inheres, it remains for us to

discuss the effects of grace in the soul of the just. The first effect of sanctifying grace is to give us that

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

140

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


27

Sanctifying Grace

participation in the divine nature of which we have already spoken. This is the root and foundation of all theother effects which flow from sanctifying grace. Among the other effects, the following three hold a place ofpreeminence which are mentioned by St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans: "Now you have not received aspirit of bondage so as to be again in fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by virtue ofwhich we cry: Abba! Father! The Spirit himself gives testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God. But if

we are sons, we are also: heirs indeed of God and joint heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8; 15 - 17). Fortified by thissublime passage, let us examine the three principal effects produced by sanctifying grace.1. Grace makes us adopted sons of God.

To be a father, it is necessary to transmit to another being one's specific nature. The artist who makes astatue is not the father of the work but only the author. On the other hand, the "author of our days" is trulyour natural father because he truly transmits to us, by way of generation, his own human nature.

Is it a natural filiation of God which is communicated to us by sanctifying grace? By no means. God theFather has only one Son according to nature: the eternal Word. Only to Him is there transmitted eternally, byan ineffable intellectual generation, the divine nature in all its plenitude. By virtue of this natural generationthe second Person of the Blessed Trinity possesses the selfsame divine essence of the Father and is God asfully as the Father is God. Therefore, Christ, whose human nature is hypostatically united with the Person ofthe Word, is not the adopted son of God, but the natural Son in all the rigor of the word. (cf. these notes pgs.

16 - 19)Our divine filiation through grace is of a different kind. It is not a question of a natural filiation but of anadoptive filiation. But it is necessary to understand this truth correctly in order not to form a deficient conceptof this great dignity. Adoption is the gratuitous admission of a stranger into a family. He is henceforthconsidered as a son and is given a right to inheritance of the family goods. Human adoption has three requi-sites:

a) on the part of the subject there must be human nature, for there must be a likeness of nature with theadopting father; one cannot adopt a statue or an animal;b) on the part of the one adopting there must be gratuitous love and free election, for no one has the rightto be adopted and no one has an obligation to adopt;c) on the part of the goods or possessions, there must be a true right to the inheritance of the adoptingfather, otherwise the adoption would be purely fictitious.

Now sanctifying grace confers on us a divine adoption which not only fulfills all these conditions but goesfar beyond them. Purely human or legal adoption is ultimately reduced to a legal fiction, entirely extrinsic tothe nature of the one adopted. It confers on the one adopted, before human society, the rights of a son, butwithout infusing in the adopted the blood of the family, and hence without causing any intrinsic change in thenature and personality of the adopted son. On the other hand, on adopting us as His sons, the one and triuneGod infuses sanctifying grace in us, which gives us a mysterious real and formal participation in the divinenature itself. It is an intrinsic adoption which places in our souls, physically and formally, a divine realitywhich makes the blood of God circulate in our souls. (We speak metaphorically to capture a sublime truth.) Invirtue of this divine infusion, the soul shares in the very life of God. It is a true generation, a spiritual birth, inimitation of natural generation, and it reflects, analogically, the eternal generation of the Word of God. As St. John says explicitly, sanctifying grace not only gives us the right to be called sons of God, but it makes us suchin reality: "Behold with what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called

children of God; and such we are" (1 John 3; 1).2. Grace makes us true heirs of God.

This is an inevitable consequence of our divine adoptive filiation. St. Paul says expressly: "If we are sons,we are heirs also" (Rom. 8; 17). How greatly this adoption through grace differs from legal and humanadoption! Among men the sons inherit only at the death of the father, and the inheritance is less as the sonsare more numerous. But our Father will live for all eternity, and we shall possess with Him an inheritancewhich, in spite of the number of inheritors, will never diminish or lessen. For this inheritance is basicallyinfinite. It is God Himself, one in essence and three in persons, the principal object of our inheritance asadopted sons. "I am your shield; your reward shall be very great;" God said to Abraham (Gen. 15; 1), and Hesays the same to every soul in grace.

The beatific vision and the enjoyment of God which accompanies it are the principal part of the heritagewhich belongs, through grace, to the adopted sons of God. There will be communicated to them in addition

all the riches of divinity, all that constitutes the happiness of God Himself, a joy without end. Lastly, God will

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

145

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


28

Sanctifying Grace

place at our disposition all extrinsic goods, such as His honor, His glory, His dominions. This will cause thesoul ineffable happiness, which will completely satisfy all its aspirations and longings. And the soul willreceive all these benefits and gifts under the title of justice. Grace is entirely gratuitous; but, once possessed, itgives us the capacity to merit heaven under the title of justice. For the operation of a being follows its essenceor nature, and the value of a work comes primarily from the dignity of the person who performs the work.

And since grace is a divine form which inheres in the soul of the just, any supernatural action of which graceis the root and principle bespeaks an intrinsic relation to glory and carries with it a title to the same. Graceand glory are situated on the same plane and they are substantially the same life. There is between them onlya difference of grade or degree. It is the same life in its initial or terminal stage. The child does not differspecifically from the mature man; he is an adult in potency. The same thing is true of grace and glory, andthus St. Thomas states that "grace is nothing other than the beginning of glory in us" (c. St. II II q.24 a.3 ad.2)3. Grace makes us brothers and co-heirs with Christ.

This relation derives immediately from the two that have already been mentioned. The reason, as St.Augustine points out, is that he who says "our Father" to the Father of Christ, what shall he say to Christ butbrother? (cf. M.L. 35; 1565) By the very fact that sanctifying grace communicates to us a participation in thedivine life which Christ possesses in all its plenitude, it necessarily follows that we become His brothers. Hedesired to be our brother according to His humanity, in order to make us His brothers according to His

divinity, "that He might give us a share in His divinity." (cf. Preface of the Ascension) St. Paul states that Godhas predestined us "to become conformed to the image of his Son that he might be the firstborn among manybrethren" (Rom. 8; 29). It is evident that we are not brothers of Christ in nature, nor are we sons of God by thesame form that He is such. Christ is the firstborn among many brothers and also the only-begotten of theFather. In the order of nature He is the only Son; but in the order of grace and adoption He is our elderbrother, as well as our Head and the cause of our salvation.

For this reason, the Father deigns to look upon us as if we were one with the Son. He loves us as He lovesHis Son; He looks on Christ as our brother and confers on us the title to the same heritage. We are co-heirswith Christ. He has the natural right to the divine heritage, since He is the Son who was constituted heir of all,for which reason He made the world. (cf. Heb. 1; 2) For that reason "it became him for whom are all thingsand through whom are all things, who had brought many sons into glory, to perfect through sufferings theauthor of their salvation. For both he who sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all from one. For which

cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: `I will declare thy name to my brethren; in the midst ofthe Church I will praise thee' " (Heb. 2; 10 - 12). Therefore, the brothers of Christ must share with Him thelove and heritage of the heavenly Father. God has modeled us on Christ; with Christ, we are sons of the sameFather who is in heaven. All this will be effected by realizing the supreme desire of Christ: that we be onewith Him as He Himself is one with the Father. (cf. John 17; 21 - 24)

Other Effects

The foregoing are the three principal effects of grace, but they are not the only effects. The others are asfollows:4. Grace gives us supernatural life.

The physical and formal participation in the very nature of God, which constitutes the essence of sancti-

fying grace, infinitely transcends the being and exigencies of every created nature, human or angelic. By it,man is elevated not only above the human plane but even above the angelic nature. He enters into the planeof the divine, is made a member of the family of God, and begins to live in a divine manner. Grace, conse-quently, has communicated to him a new type of life, infinitely superior to that of nature; it is a supernaturallife.5. Grace makes us just and pleasing to God.

As a physical participation in the divine nature, grace necessarily gives us a sharing in the divine justiceand sanctity, since all the attributes of God are really identified with His own essence. Therefore, sanctifyinggrace is absolutely incompatible with mortal sin, which presupposes the privation of that justice and sanctity.Hence grace makes us just and pleasing to God, as He contemplates in us an irradiation of His divine beautyand a reflection of His own sanctity. The Council of Trent teaches this when it states that the justification ofthe sinner through sanctifying grace "is not merely the remission of sins but also the sanctification and interior

renovation of man by the voluntary reception of grace and the gifts, by which man is changed from unjust to

150

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


31

Sanctifying Grace

essentially completes by giving it the power for a supernatural act. Hence every supernatural act springs fromthe natural faculty or power precisely as informed with the supernatural virtue, or from the natural facultywhich has been raised to the supernatural order. The radical power, for example, is the intellect or will; theformal proximate principle of action is the corresponding infused virtue.

The teaching of St. Thomas is that the infused moral virtues are essentially distinct, by reason of their

formal object, from the acquired moral virtues. These latter virtues, however heroic and perfect, could growindefinitely and never attain the formal object of the infused virtues. There is an infinite difference betweentemperance according to Aristotle, regulated by right reason alone, and Christian temperance, which isregulated by reason enlightened by faith and by supernatural prudence. The magnificent article on this pointin the Summa theologiae manifests the lofty idea which St. Thomas has of the infused virtues as comparedwith the acquired virtues. (q.63 a.4)

The infused virtues are inspired and regulated by the teaching of faith concerning the consequences oforiginal sin and our personal sins, the infinite grandeur of our supernatural end, the necessity of loving Godmore than self, the need to imitate Christ, which leads us to self-abnegation and renunciation. None of this isattained by pure reason, even by a Socrates, an Aristotle or a Plato. With good reason does St. Thomas saythat the specific difference between the acquired and infused virtues is evident by reason of their formalobjects:

The object of every virtue is a good considered as in that virtue's proper matter; thus the object oftemperance is a good with respect to the pleasures connected with the concupiscence of touch. The formalaspect of this object is from reason, which fixes the mean in these concupiscences. Now it is evident thatthe mean that is appointed in such concupiscence according to the rule of human reason is seen under adifferent aspect from the mean which is fixed according to the divine rule. For instance, in theconsumption of food, the mean fixed by human reason is that food should not harm the health of thebody nor hinder the use of reason; whereas according to the divine rule it behooves man to chastise hisbody and bring it under subjection (1 Cor. 9; 27) by abstinence in food, drink and the like. It is thereforeevident that infused and acquired temperance differ in species; and the same applies to the other virtues.Nor does it change matters to object that habits are known by their acts and the act of infused temperance

is identical with that of acquired temperance (namely, the moderation or control of the pleasures of touch)and that therefore there is no specific difference between them. St. Thomas answers this objection by

conceding the identity of the material object but insisting on the specific and radical difference by reason ofthe formal object: "Both acquired and infused temperance moderate desires for pleasures of touch, but fordifferent reasons as stated: wherefore their respective acts are not identical." Therefore, according to theteaching of St. Thomas, the infused virtues differ from the acquired virtues, not only by reason of theirentitative elevation, but also by reason of their formal object, which makes them substantially superior to theacquired virtues.

Let us now see into what category we are to place the infused virtues. Are they potencies or habits?Properly speaking, the infused virtues do not fit exactly into either category, although they are more habitsthan they are potencies. They have something of a potency so far as they give a power in the dynamicsupernatural order, but they are not potencies strictly and formally speaking. And this for various reasons:

1) the potencies can be moved to their acts and can acquire habits, and if the infused virtues were truepotencies, they would be able to acquire new habits, which is a contradiction, for they would then be

acquired and infused at the same time;2) the potencies are indifferent to good and evil, but virtues cannot act evily;3) the potencies as such do not increase in intensity (for example, the intellect, as a potency or power, doesnot itself increase, although its knowledge may increase), but the infused virtues do admit of an increaseof intensity.

Hence the infused virtues belong more to the category of habits than to potencies. But the infused virtuesalso lack something of the perfect definition of habits, since they do not give complete facility in operation,which is characteristic of true habits. They confer, it is true, an intrinsic inclination, ease and promptness forgood, but they do not give an extrinsic facility because they do not remove all the obstacles to good, as isevident in the case of the converted sinner who experiences great difficulty in the performance of goodbecause of his past acquired vices, in spite of the fact that he has received, together with sanctifying grace, all

the infused virtues. St. Thomas distinguishes very clearly between the facility which proceeds from custom

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

170

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


32

Sanctifying Grace

and that which proceeds from the strong inhesion regarding the object of virtue. The first is not conferred bythe infused virtues from the first instant of their infusion into the soul, but they do confer the second.

"Facility in performing the acts of virtue can proceed from two sources: from custom (and the infusedvirtue does not give this facility from its beginning) and from a strong inhesion as regards the object of thevirtue, and this is found in the infused virtue at its very beginning."

The reason why the infused virtues do not fit exactly into either of these categories - potencies and habits -is because supernatural entities cannot properly be placed in natural categories any more than God can, ofwhom they are a kind of participation. Nevertheless, they can be reduced more or less and by a certainanalogy to natural categories. Thus sanctifying grace, as a spiritual and permanent accident, is reduced to thespecies of quality as an entitative habit, and the principles of supernatural operation are reduced to thespecies of quality as operative habits, although they do not have all the characteristics of these habits.

The principal differences between the natural and supernatural, or the acquired and infused virtues arethe following:

By reason of their essence. The natural or acquired virtues are habits in the strict sense of the word. Theydo not give the power to act (for the faculty has that already), but they give facility in operation. Thesupernatural or infused virtues give the power to act supernaturally (without them it would be impossible,apart from an actual grace), but they do not always give facility in operation.

By reason of the efficient cause. The natural virtues are acquired by our own proper acts; thesupernatural virtues are infused by God together with sanctifying grace.By reason of the final cause. By means of the natural virtues man conducts himself rightly in regard to

human things and performs acts in accordance with his rational nature. The supernatural virtues, on the otherhand, give man the ability to conduct himself rightly in regard to his condition as an adopted son of God,destined for eternal life, and to exercise the supernatural acts proper to the divine nature by participation.

By reason of the formal object. In the natural virtues it is the good according to the dictate and light ofnatural reason which is the rule or formal object; in the supernatural virtues it is the good according to thedictate and supernatural light of faith or conformity with the supernatural end.

From the foregoing distinctions it is evident that the infused virtues are specifically distinct andextraordinarily superior to the corresponding acquired or natural virtues.

Properties of Infused VirtueThere are four properties which the infused virtues have in common with the acquired natural virtues:

1) they consist in the mean or medium between the two extremes (except for the theological virtues, and eventhese do so by reason of the subject and mode);2) in the state of perfection they are united among themselves by prudence (and the infused virtues by charityalso);3) they are unequal in perfection or eminence;4) those which imply no imperfection perdure after this life as to their formal elements.

Besides these characteristics, let us review the characteristics or properties which are exclusive to theinfused virtues.

1) They always accompany sanctifying grace and are infused together with grace. This doctrine is commonamong the theologians, although it is not exactly defined by the Church.2) They are really distinct from sanctifying grace. It suffices to recall in this respect that grace is an entitativehabit infused into the essence of the soul, while the infused virtues are operative habits infused into thefaculties, which are really distinct from the soul (ST. I II q.110 a.4 ad.1).3) They are specifically distinct from the corresponding acquired natural virtues. This has been demonstratedabove.4) We possess the supernatural virtues imperfectly. We shall explain this more fully in the tract on the gifts ofthe Holy Ghost. This particular characteristic has great importance in solving the question of the mysticalstate and Christian perfection (ST. I II q.68 a.2)5) They increase with sanctifying grace. This is clear from Scripture and the teaching of the Church. St. Paulwrites to the Ephesians: "Rather are we to practice the truth in love, and so grow up in all things in him who

is the head, Christ" (Eph. 4; 15). To the Philippians he says: "And this I pray, that your charity may more and

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

175

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


34

Sanctifying Grace

soul, and their existence can be known only through revelation.(ST. I II q.62 a.1)There are three theological virtues: faith, hope and charity. The reason for this number is that by these

three immediate union with God is realized perfectly. Faith enables us to know and unites us with God asFirst Truth; hope makes us desire Him as the Supreme Good for us; charity unites us to Him by the love offriendship, so far as He is infinite goodness in Himself. There are no other aspects of union with God, for

although the divine perfections are infinite, they cannot be attained by human acts except under the aspect oftruth (by the intellect) and goodness (by the will). And only this latter admits of a twofold aspect, namely,good for us (hope) and goodness in itself (charity).

That the theological virtues are distinct among themselves is something beyond doubt, since they canactually be separated. Charity will perdure eternally in heaven, separate from faith and hope, which willhave disappeared; (cf. 1 Cor. 13; 8) and finally, in this life faith and hope can subsist without charity, asalways happens when one commits a mortal sin which is not directly opposed to faith and hope. It is evidentthat in such instances faith and hope remain in the soul in an unformed or non-vital state, since charity is theform of the virtues, and for that reason they lack the proper and true reason of virtue. (ST. I II q.65 a.4)

One can distinguish two orders: the order of generation and the order of perfection. By the order ofgeneration or of origin the first is to know (faith), then to desire (hope), and lastly to attain (charity). Althoughthis gradation is by reason of acts, that by reason of the habits is the same: faith precedes hope and hope

precedes charity, since the intellect precedes the will and imperfect love precedes perfect love.According to the order of perfection, charity is the most excellent of the theological virtues ("And thegreatest of these is charity" 1 Cor. 13; 13) because it is the one that unites us most intimately with God and theonly one of the three that perdures in eternity. As to the other two, taken in respect to themselves, faith ismore excellent than hope because it bespeaks a relationship with God in Himself while hope presents God tous as our own good, and also because faith is the foundation of hope. On the other hand, hope is more closelyrelated to charity, and in this sense it is more perfect than faith.

According to the doctrine of St. Thomas, which is held by the majority of theologians, faith resides in theintellect, and hope and charity in the will.

Moral VirtuesThe basis of this doctrine is to be found in Scripture. Thus in the Book of Wisdom we are told that nothing

is more useful in the life of a man than temperance, prudence, fortitude and justice. "If one loves justice, thefruits of her works are virtues, for she takes moderation and prudence, justice and fortitude, and nothing inlife is more useful for men than these" (Wisd. 8; 7). St. Peter, immediately after speaking of grace as aparticipation in the divine nature of God, states: "Do you accordingly on your part strive diligently to supplyyour faith with virtue, your virtue with knowledge, your knowledge with self-control, your self-control withpatience, your patience with piety, your piety with fraternal love, your fraternal love with charity" (2 Pet. 1; 5 -7). In these and other texts we have the scriptural basis which was later elaborated by the Fathers and

theologians to give us a body of doctrine which is perfectly organized and systematic. It is true that theChurch has not expressly defined anything in this question, but today the doctrine on the existence of theinfused moral virtues is so general among Catholic theologians that one could not deny it without manifesttemerity.

We have already indicated the reason for the existence of the infused moral virtues when we spoke of the

infused virtues in general and the theological virtues in particular. The theological virtues are demanded bythe very nature of grace so that it can be dynamically orientated to the supernatural end; the moral virtues aredemanded by the theological virtues, in turn, because to be ordained to the end requires a disposition to themeans. The relation which the moral virtues bespeak with the theological virtues in the order of grace is thesame as the relation between the acquired natural virtues and the acts of synderesis and rectitude of the will.

The infused moral virtues are habits which dispose the faculties of man to follow the dictate of reasonillumined by faith in relation to the means which lead to the supernatural end. They do not have God as theirimmediate object; and in this they are distinguished from the theological virtues; but the honest good distinctfrom God; yet they rightly ordain human acts to the supernatural end, and in this way they are distinguishedfrom the corresponding acquired natural virtues.

The means which are regulated by the infused moral virtues refer, in a certain sense, to all the acts ofman, including (at least on the part of prudence) the very acts of the theological virtues, in spite of the fact

that these virtues are superior in perfection to the moral virtues (ST. I II q.58 a.3). For although the theological

185

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


36

Sanctifying Grace

they perfom their function in a more perfect manner than do the other virtues. Thus commutative justice hasmore of the reason of justice than do religion or penance; the matter or object of any annexed virtue may bemore excellent than that of the principal or cardinal virtue, but the mode of the cardinal virtue is always moreperfect.

That there are precisely four cardinal virtues can be proved by various arguments:

By reason of the object. The good of reason, which is the object of virtue, is found in four ways:essentially in reason itself and by participation in the operations and passions, while among the passionsthere are those which impel to acts contrary to reason and others which withdraw from what reasondictates. Hence there should be a virtue which safeguards the good of reason itself (prudence), anotherwhich rectifies external operations (justice), one which goes against the passions which depart from thedictate of reason (fortitude), and one which refrains the disorderly impulses of passion (temperance).

By reason of the subject. There are four potencies of man capable of being subjects of the moralvirtues, and in each one of them there should be a principal virtue: prudence in the reason, justice in thewill, fortitude in the irascible appetite, and temperance in the concupiscible appetite.

As a remedy against the four wounds of original sin. Thus against ignorance of the intellect is placedprudence; justice is necessary against the malice of the will; against the weakness of the irascible appetitefortitude comes into play; and for the disorder of the concupiscible appetite is the remedy of temperance.

We reserve for a later discussion the treatment of the virtues in particular. For the time being, however,we offer the following schemata of the moral virtues, as treated in the Summa, grouped around the principalor cardinal virtue to which they are related. We shall also point out in passing the gift of the Holy Ghost, thefruit of the Holy Ghost, the beatitude which corresponds to the various virtues, and the vices which areopposed to the various virtues.

5

10

15

20

200

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


37

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


38

The Infused Virtues205

210

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


39

The Infused Virtues

215

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


40

The Gifts of the Holy Ghost

In general usage, a gift signifies anything that one person gives to another out of liberality and withbenevolence. We say "out of liberality" to signify that on the part of the giver a gift excludes any notion of debtor obligation, not only in justice but in gratitude or any other kind of debt. And we say "with benevolence" to

signify the intention of the giver to benefit him who receives the gift gratuitously. The exclusion of all debt of justice or gratitude is necessary by reason of the gift; otherwise there would be no way of distinguishingbetween a gift and a reward or recompense. Likewise, there should be no need of any compensation orrecompense incurred on the part of the one who receives the gift. We are not treating here of a "do ut des" (Igive in order that you give in turn) situation but of a completely gratuitous bestowal which exacts nothing inreturn.

A gift is something unreturnable, as St. Thomas says. Nevertheless, the notion of a gift does not excludegratitude on the part of the one receiving the gift; even more, it sometimes demands the good use of the gift,depending on the nature of the gift and the intention of the giver, as when one gives something in order thatthe receiver be perfected by its use. Such are the gifts which God bestows on His creatures.

The first great gift of God is the Holy Ghost, who is the very love by which God loves Himself and lovesus. It is said of the Holy Ghost in the liturgy of the Church that He is the Gift of God. (Veni Creator) The Holy

Ghost is, therefore, the first gift of God, not only as substantial love in the intimate life of the Trinity, but asHe dwells in us through the divine mission. From this first gift proceed all other gifts of God. In the lastanalysis, whatever God gives to His creatures, both in the supernatural and in the natural order, is nothingmore than a completely gratuitous effect of His liberal and infinite love. In a wide sense, whatever we havereceived from God is a "gift of the Holy Ghost," but this expression may have various specific meanings:1) In a wide sense, the gifts of the Holy Ghost are all those gifts of God which do not include that first giftwhich is the Holy Ghost Himself; for example, the natural gifts given by God to His creatures.2) In a less wide sense, they are the gifts which, without necessarily including that first gift nor presupposingthat the soul must be in the state of grace and charity, pertain nevertheless to the supernatural order. Suchgifts are principally the gratiae gratis datae, actual prevenient graces, servile fear of God, supernaturalattrition and unformed faith and hope.3) In a more proper sense, they are gifts of the Holy Ghost which include the first great gift of God and

presuppose or place the soul in the state of grace and friendship with God. For example, sanctifying grace,charity, faith and hope informed by charity, the infused moral virtues, the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.4) In the formal and most proper sense, the gifts of the Holy Ghost are those which we are now to study inparticular, namely, the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.

The Gifts ThemselvesThe existence of the gifts of the Holy Ghost can be known to us through revelation, since they are

supernatural realities which completely transcend the light of natural reason. St. Thomas begins with thissupposition in the treatise on the gifts of the Holy Ghost in the Summa theologiae, and says that in thedoctrine on the gifts we should follow the mode of speaking as found in Sacred Scripture, where they arerevealed to us. (ST. I II q.68 a.1)

Let us first investigate the scriptural foundation for the existence of the gifts, and then we shall briefly

examine the doctrine of tradition, the magisterium of the Church, and the teaching of theologians:From the book of Isaias we read:

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root. And thespirit of the Lord shall rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, the spirit of counsel, and offortitude, the spirit of knowledge, and of godliness. And he shall be filled with the spirit of the fear of theLord" (Is. 11; 1 - 3).

This text is clearly Messianic and properly refers only to the Messias. Nevertheless, the Fathers of theChurch and the Church herself have extended the meaning to the faithful of Christ in virtue of the universalprinciple of the economy of grace which St. Paul enunciated: "For those whom he has foreknown he has alsopredestined to become conformed to the image of his Son, that he should be the firstborn among manybrethren" (Rom. 8; 29). From this it is inferred that whatever perfection is found in Christ, our Head, if it iscommunicable, is found also in His members united to Him through grace. And it is evident that the gifts of

the Holy Ghost pertain to communicable perfections, if we bear in mind the need we have of them. Hence,

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


42


Number of the GiftsThis is another question which is greatly disputed among exegetes and theologians. There are two

principal difficulties involved:1) in Sacred Scripture the number seven is classically interpreted to signify a certain indefinite plenitude;

2) in the Masoretic text of Isaias only six gifts are enumerated, for the gift of piety is not mentioned. Modernexegetes are inclined to think that the text of Isaias refers to an indefinite plenitude. It is the plenitude of thequalities of government which pertain to the Messias as king. The Fathers and the scholastic theologians,however, insist on the number seven, and on the basis of the sevenfold gift they establish their classificationsand parallelisms with the infused virtues.

St. Thomas dedicates an ingenious article in his Summa theologiae to justify this number.(ST. I II q.68 a.4)What are we to think of all this? In our opinion, one should conclude as follows. First of all, it is true that inScripture the number seven is often used to designate an indefinite plenitude, and perhaps this is the meaningof the passage in Isaias. But one cannot draw from this any conclusive argument against the fact that there areseven gifts of the Holy Ghost. Actually, plenitude may be completely undetermined, and thus mean anindefinite number which is not known exactly; or it may be restricted to a definite number and thus expressall the possible realities. According to the interpretation of the Fathers, the teaching of the Church (in her

liturgy, in the administration of the sacraments, and in papal encyclicals), and the unanimous consent oftheologians, the plenitude expressed by Isaias should be taken in this second sense. Hence, as the sacramentsare seven in number and in them is to be found the plenitude of the graces which God grants to men ex opereoperato, so the gifts of the Holy Ghost, as seven distinct habits, comprise the plenitude of the movements ofthe divine Spirit which are communicated to us through those gifts.

Secondly, as regards the Masoretic text which enumerates only six gifts, nothing can be concluded againstthe existence of the gift of piety. Various explanations have been offered for this omission in the text, butwhatever the reason, it is certain that the gift of piety is mentioned in the Vulgate (which is substantiated by adeclaration of the Church which states that there are no dogmatic errors in this version), (Dz. 1787) in theversion of the Septuagint, in patristic tradition, in the official teachings of the Church, and in the unanimousteaching of theologians. To prescind from this enormous weight of authority because of certain textualobscurities in the Masoretic text would seem to be excessive. Many things formally revealed in Sacred

Scripture did not appear in their fulness except through the interpretations of the Fathers and themagisterium of the Church. Such seems to be the case with the gift of piety.

Whatever the text of Isaias, St. Paul marvelously describes that reality which theology recognizes as thegift of piety when he writes to the Romans: "For whoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons ofGod. Now you have not received a spirit of bondage so as to be again in fear, but you have received the spiritof adoption as sons, by virtue of which we cry: Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spiritthat we are sons of God" (Rom. 8; 14 - 16).

Their NatureSt. Thomas studies the nature of the gifts of the Holy Ghost by asking whether they are habits in order to

determine the proximate genus in the essential definition of the gifts. The reply is in the affirmative, andtheologians of all schools hold for the same response, with a few notable exceptions. Against all opposing

opinions, and in accordance with the doctrine of St. Thomas, we hold the following proposition:The gifts of the Holy Ghost are strictly supernatural or per se infused habits. That they are strictly

supernatural or infused per se is evident. Their intimate nature transcends completely the powers of nature, sothat they cannot be acquired by human efforts. Therefore, either the gifts do not exist or they are necessarilyinfused by God. The arguments are as follows:

From the teaching of Sacred Scripture. Speaking of the Holy Ghost, the Lord stated: "He will dwell withyou, and be in you" (John 14; 17). But the Holy Ghost is not in men without His gifts; the gifts also dwell inmen, and hence they are not acts or transitory movements but true habits.

By analogy with the moral virtues. The moral virtues dispose the faculties of the soul to follow the ruleof reason; therefore, they are habits. The gifts of the Holy Ghost dispose the faculties of the soul to follow themovement of the Holy Ghost; therefore, they also are habits. The gifts of the Holy Ghost fill the same rolewith respect to the Holy Ghost as the moral virtues do with respect to reason.

By reason of the necessity of the gifts for salvation. The gifts are necessary for salvation; therefore, they

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

230

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


44


charity; and these are virtues, not gifts.Having rejected the errors, St. Thomas proceeds to explain the positive doctrine. In the first place he cites

St. Gregory, who distinguishes perfectly the seven gifts from the theological and cardinal virtues. The gifts arerepresented by the seven sons of Job; the theological virtues are represented by his three daughters; and thecardinal virtues are represented by the four corners of the house. (ML. 75; 544) The exegesis of St. Gregory

may be dismissed as ingenious, but here can be no doubt of his conviction that the gifts are distinct from thevirtues; the point St. Thomas wished to prove. St. Thomas then states that, if we consider simply the name"gifts," we cannot find any difference between the infused virtues and the gifts because they are all giftsreceived gratuitously from God:

For that reason, in order to distinguish between the gifts and the virtues, we must be guided by themanner in which Sacred Scripture expresses itself, for we find that the term used there is "spirit" ratherthan "gift." For it is written thus (Isa. 11; 2 - 3): "The spirit of wisdom and of understanding shall rest uponhim"; from which words we are clearly given to understand that these seven are there set down as beingin us by divine inspiration, and inspiration denotes motion from without. But it must be noted that inman there is a twofold principle of movement; one within him, namely, the reason, and the other extrinsicto him, namely, God. ... Now it is evident that whatever is moved must be proportionate to its mover;and the perfection of the mobile as such consists in a disposition whereby it is disposed to be well moved

by its mover. Hence the more exalted the mover, the more perfect must be the disposition whereby themobile is made proportionate to its mover. Thus we see that a disciple needs a more perfect disposition inorder to receive a higher teaching from his master. Now it is evident that human virtues perfect manaccording as it is natural for him to be moved by his reason in his interior and exterior actions.Consequently, man needs yet higher perfections whereby he can be disposed to be moved by God. Theseperfections are called "gifts," not only because they are infused by God, but also because by them man isdisposed to become amenable to the divine inspiration, according to Isa. 50; 5: "The Lord God hathopened my ear, and I do not resist; I have not gone back." Even the Philosopher says ... that for those whoare moved by divine instinct there is no need to take counsel according to human reason, but only tofollow their inner promptings, since they are moved by a principle higher than human reason. This, then,is what some say, namely, that the gifts perfect man for acts which are higher than acts of virtue. (ST. I IIq.68 a.1)

There is no need to add any commentary to this clear exposition of the doctrine, but we shall investigatefurther the reasons for the specific difference between the virtues and the gifts. To do this, we need only listthe common characteristics of the virtues and the gifts and then point out their differences.

The principal common properties are the following:1) They are generically the same because both are operative habits.2) They have the same efficient cause, namely, God, and therefore they are both infused per se and are totallysupernatural.3) They have the same subject in quo: the human faculties.4) They have the same material object (materia circa quam): all moral matter.5) They have the same final cause (remote end): the supernatural perfection of man, incipient in this worldand consummated in the world to come.

The following are the differences between the virtues and the gifts:1) By reason of the motor cause. As habits, the virtues and the gifts have the same efficient cause, namely,God, the author of the supernatural order. But the motor cause or principle is completely distinct. In thevirtues it is human reason (for the infused virtues, reason illumined by faith and under the previous motion ofGod through an actual grace). The gifts, on the other hand, are under the motor principle of the Holy Ghost,who moves the habits of the gifts as His direct and immediate instruments. For that reason the habits of theinfused virtues can be used when we please, presupposing an actual grace, but the gifts of the Holy Ghost areactuated only when He wishes to move them.2) By reason of the formal object. As is known, the formal object is that which properly specifies an act or ahabit. Habits and acts may have in common the same two extrinsic causes (efficient and final) and even thesame material cause (which is a generic element and not specific), but if they differ by reason of their formalobject, the habits must be classed as specifically distinct, though they agree in all other respects. This is

precisely what happens with the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Ghost. They have, as we have seen,

240

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


45


the same efficient cause, final cause and material cause, and yet their specific difference is evident by reasonof the distinction between their formal objects. The formal object may be considered under a double aspect:

a) that by which the act is constituted in its proper nature and is distinct from every other act by reason ofa determined aspect or reason (objectum quo; ratio sub qua);

b) that which is a terminus of the act or habit under the precise aspect of being (objectum quod). For

example, the act of stealing has for its formal constitutive object (objectum quo) the taking of something whichis another's; it is this which is its formal cause and essentially constitutes this act an act of stealing. The formalterminative object of this act (objectum quod) is the object taken, the thing of another as such. Let us nowapply these notions to the questions of the gifts and the infused virtues.

The terminative formal object (objectum formale quod). The terminative formal object of human acts,considered as moral, is the honest good, in contradistinction to the useful or delightful good which, as such,cannot be a norm of morality. Under this aspect the gifts do not differ from the virtues, for both tend to thehonest good. But this honest good has two aspects, depending on whether it comes under this dictate ofreason illumined by faith or the rule of the Holy Ghost. But this aspect falls into the area of the formal quoobject or the ratio sub qua, which is the properly differentiating element and specifying element.

The constitutive formal object (objectum quod). The formal object quo or ratio sub qua is totally distinct inthe infused virtues and in the gifts. In the infused virtues the proximate and immediate rule is human reason

enlightened by faith, so that an act is good if it is in accord with this dictate and evil if it departs from it. In thegifts, on the other hand, the proximate and immediate rule of action is the Holy Ghost Himself, who directlygoverns and moves the gifts as His instruments, impressing on them His direction and causing the acts to beproduced for divine reasons which surpass even the level of reason illumined by faith.

Thus the acts of the gifts proceed from a formal motive which is completely distinct. This argues for aspecific distinction between the gifts and the virtues, for habits are specified by their acts and acts arespecified by their formal objects. Hence specifically distinct objects evoke specifically distinct acts, and theselatter correspond to specifically distinct habits.3) By reason of the human and divine mode. This difference necessarily follows from the foregoing. Anoperation must be of the same mode as the motor cause which impels it and the norm or rule to which it isadjusted. Since the infused virtues have man as their motor cause and reason illumined by faith as their rule,they necessarily impress their acts or operations with a human mode. On the other hand, and for the same

reasons, since the gifts have as their motor cause and as their rule or norm the Holy Ghost, their acts must bevested with a mode which corresponds to their motor cause and norm, namely, a divine or superhumanmode.

From this third difference flow two conclusions of exceptional importance in ascetical and mysticaltheology:

a) the radical imperfection of the infused virtues by reason of the human mode of their operation and theinevitable necessity that the gifts come to their aid to give them a divine mode of operation, without whichthe infused virtues can never reach full perfection;

b) the impossibility of an operation of the gifts of the Holy Ghost in a human mode or manner, whereastheir divine mode is precisely an element of specific differentiation between the virtues and the gifts. Anoperation of the gifts modo humano would be a contradiction.4) By reason of human will and divine will. We can use the infused virtues when we wish, but the gifts of

the Holy Ghost operate only when He wishes. These latter habits are not under our control as regards use,and the reason is clear. All the habits which are under the control of reason are subject to our will as to theirexercise because they are our acts in every sense of the word. But the gifts are habits which confer on the soulonly the facility to be moved by the Holy Ghost, who is the unique motor cause in those operations; the soulcan do no more than co-operate in these operations or movements, though it does so consciously and freely,by not placing any obstacle and by seconding the impulse of the Holy Ghost with its own docility.

In the actuation of these habits, we do no more than dispose ourselves (for example, by restraining thetumult of the passions, affection for creatures, distractions and phantasms which impede God's action, etc.),so that the Holy Ghost can move us as and when He pleases. In this sense we may say that our acts are thedispositive causes for the actuation of the gifts. That is what St. Teresa of Avila means when she says: "Thefirst kind of prayer I experienced which seems to me supernatural I should describe as one which cannot, inspite of all our efforts, be acquired by industry or diligence; but we can certainly prepare for it, and it must be

a great help if we do." (Spiritual Relations V)

245

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


46


Moreover, in a certain sense our actions can also be a meritorious cause for the actuation of the gifts,although in a remote manner, in the sense that by our supernatural acts we can merit the increase of grace, ofthe infused virtues, and of the gifts of the Holy Ghost as habits. And in the measure that the gifts of the HolyGhost grow in perfection, they will be more readily actuated and will operate with greater intensity and will,in turn, conquer and resist more easily the obstacles or impediments, much as fire more quickly consumes

dry wood than wet wood. But however great the degree of habitual perfection which the gifts may attain inus, their actuation will always be entirely beyond the scope of our powers and free will.5) By reason of activity and passivity. This difference also follows from the first difference between thevirtues and the gifts. In the exercise of the infused virtues, the soul is fully active; its acts are produced in ahuman manner or mode, and the soul is fully conscious that it works when and how it pleases. The exercise ofthe gifts is entirely different. The Holy Ghost is the unique motor cause of the gifts, and the soul passes to thecategory of a simple recipient, though conscious and free. The soul reacts vitally on receiving the motion ofthe gifts, and in this way we preserve freedom and merit under the operation of the gifts. And the action ofthe gifts will be the more pure and perfect as the soul succeeds in seconding the divine motion with greaterdocility, without trying to divert it by movements of human initiative, which would be to impede or obstructthe sanctifying action of the Holy Ghost.

It follows from this that the soul, when it feels the action of the Holy Ghost, should repress its own

initiative and reduce its activity to seconding the divine movement. This has absolutely nothing to do with thesterile inactivity of Quietism.

Mode of OperationThe thought of St. Thomas on this question is clear: he has repeatedly affirmed that one of the most

characteristic notes of difference between the virtues and the gifts is their distinct mode of operation."The mode of a thing is taken from its measure. Hence the mode of operation is taken from the rule or

measure of the action. Therefore, since the gifts are meant to operate in a divine mode, it follows that theoperations of the gifts are measured by another rule than the rule of human virtue, which is the divinityparticipated by man in such a way that he does not operate humanly but as God by participation.Therefore, all the gifts share in this measure of operation." (III Sent., dist. 34 q.1 a.3 resp.)

Necessity of the GiftsWe shall here establish three propositions of which the first is the most important in mystical theology.The gifts of the Holy Ghost are necessary for the perfection of the infused virtues. The general argument

is simple and clear. The gifts are necessary for the perfection of the infused virtues, if these have certaindefects which cannot be corrected by themselves but only under the influence of the gifts. But this is preciselythe case with the infused virtues. Therefore, the gifts are necessary for the perfection of the infused virtues.

The major premise is evident. If the virtues cannot of themselves correct certain imperfections whichaccompany them and if these imperfections disappear under the activity of the gifts, it is evident that the giftsare necessary for the perfection of the infused virtues. What must be proved is the minor premise. Above all,we should not forget that the infused virtues are habits, and it is necessary to examine the types ofimperfection which can be found in habits and see which of these, if any, are found in the infused virtues.

There are five principal sources of imperfection in any given habit:

1) When a habit does not attain its complete material object. Such is the case of the student of theology whohas not yet studied certain tracts. He knows something of theology and he has the habit of theology, butincompletely and imperfectly.2) When the habit lacks the intensity by which it should attain its object. For example, the student who hasgone over an entire assignment, but superficially and carelessly.3) When the habit is weakly rooted in the subject (e.g., through lack of sufficient use).

These three imperfections are found in the infused virtues but can be corrected by the virtuesthemselves. They do not need the influence of the gifts to be extended to new objects, to increase inintensity, or to multiply their acts.

4) By reason of an intrinsic imperfection, essential to the habit itself. This occurs, for example, in the habit offaith (de non visis) and hope (de non possessis). Neither the virtues themselves nor the gifts can correct theseimperfections without destroying the virtues themselves.

5) Because of the disproportion between the habit and the subject in which it resides. This is precisely the case

250

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

255

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


47


with the infused virtues. The infused virtues are supernatural habits, and the subject in which they arereceived is the human soul, or, more exactly, its powers and faculties. But according to the axiom, quidquidrecipitur ad modum recipientis recipitur, (whatever is received, is received according to the mode of thereceiver) the infused virtues, on being received into the soul, are degraded, so to speak, and acquire ourhuman mode of operation, because of their accommodation to the psychological operations of man. This is

the reason why the infused virtues, in spite of being much more perfect in themselves than the correspondingacquired virtues, do not give us the facility in operation which we obtain from the acquired virtues. This isclearly seen in the sinner who repents and confesses after a life of sin; he could easily return to his sins in spiteof having received all the infused virtues with grace.

Now it is evident that if we possess imperfectly the habit of the infused virtues, the acts which proceedfrom them will also be imperfect unless some superior agent intervenes to perfect them. This is the purpose ofthe gifts of the Holy Ghost. Moved and regulated, not by human reason, as are the virtues, but by the HolyGhost, they bestow on the virtues, and especially the theological virtues, that divine atmosphere which theyneed in order to develop all their supernatural virtuality.

This necessity is also seen from the formal motive which impels the act of the infused virtues. As long asthe object or motive does not surpass human reason, even enlightened by faith, it will always be an imperfectmotive; even though materially the act is the same as that of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

This does not mean that the infused virtues are imperfect in themselves; on the contrary, they are mostperfect realities, strictly supernatural and divine. In fact, the theological virtues are more perfect than the giftsof the Holy Ghost. (ST. I II q.68 a.2) But we possess them imperfectly by reason of the human modality whichinevitably attaches to them because of their accomodation to the natural psychological functions under thecontrol of simple reason enlightened by faith. Hence the imperfection of the infused virtues is not inthemselves, but in the imperfect mode with which we possess them.

From this flows the necessity for the gifts of the Holy Ghost to come to the aid of the infused virtues,disposing the faculties of our soul to be moved by a superior agent, the Holy Ghost, who will actuate them ina divine mode, in a mode completely proportioned to the most perfect object of the infused virtues. Under theinfluence of the gifts, the infused virtues will be, so to speak, in their proper milieu.

Of all the infused virtues, those which most need the aid of the gifts are the theological virtues, in whichChristian perfection essentially and principally consists when they have reached their full development. By

their very nature they demand the divine mode of the gifts. These virtues give us a participation in thesupernatural knowledge which God has of Himself (faith) and of His very love of Himself (charity), and makeus desire Him for ourselves as our supreme good (hope). These lofty objects, absolutely transcendent anddivine, are necessarily constrained to a modality that is human as long as they remain under the rule andcontrol of reason, even though enlightened by faith. They demand, by their own divine perfection, aregulation or rule which is also divine; that of the gifts. This is the argument used by St. Thomas to prove thenecessity of the gifts for salvation:

"But as regards the supernatural end, to which reason moves man so far as it is somehow andimperfectly informed by the theological virtues, the motion of reason does not suffice unless it receive inaddition the prompting or motion of the Holy Ghost, according to Rom. 8; 14: `Whoever are led by theSpirit of God, they are the sons of God."' (loc. cit)

This argument is also valid for the infused moral virtues. Although they do not transcend the rule of

reason as regards their immediate objects (since they do not refer immediately to the supernatural end but tothe means to the end), they are ordered to a supernatural end and receive from charity their form and theirlife in that transcendent order. Therefore, to be perfect, they must receive a divine mode which will adapt andaccommodate them to this orientation to the supernatural end. Therefore, the gifts embrace all the matter ofthe infused virtues, both theological and moral. We shall complete this proposition by answering oneobjection:

How can the gifts perfect the theological virtues when they are inferior to the theological virtues?Reply: They cannot perfect the theological virtues intrinsically and formally but only extrinsically, byremedying the imperfection of the subject in which the virtues reside. The gifts elevate the subject to thedivine plane which is proper to the theological virtues and thus give man a full and perfect possession ofthem. They eliminate the human mode of operation and bestow a divine mode. Hence the gifts do not perfectthe theological virtues as such, but the faculties in which those virtues reside.

It follows from this that the gifts are necessary for Christian perfection. Without them, the infused virtues,

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

260

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


48


especially the theological, could develop in all their virtuality but would always remain imperfect in theiroperations; not by any defect of the virtues, but because of the subject in which they reside. In this sense thetheological virtues have a special need of the corresponding gifts, because their inherent supernaturalperfection demands a divine modality which only the gifts can bestow.

The gifts of the Holy Ghost are necessary for salvationThe Angelic Doctor expressly asks this question and answers in the affirmative. In order to prove hisanswer, he emphasizes the imperfection with which we possess the infused virtues, as we explained in thepreceding proposition:

The gifts are perfections of man by which he is disposed to be amenable to the promptings of God.Hence in those matters where the promptings of reason are not sufficient and there is need for theprompting of the Holy Ghost, there is consequently a need for a gift. Now man's reason is perfected byGod in two ways: first, with its natural perfection, namely, the natural light of reason; secondly, with asupernatural perfection, the theological virtues. And though this latter perfection is greater than theformer, the former is possessed by man in a more perfect manner than the latter; for man has the formerin his complete possession, but he possesses the latter imperfectly, because we know and love Godimperfectly. But it is evident that anything that possesses a nature or a form or a virtue perfectly can of

itself work according to them (although not excluding the operation of God, who works interiorly inevery nature and in every will). But that which possesses a nature or form or virtue imperfectly cannot ofitself work unless it be moved by another. Thus the sun, which possesses light perfectly, can shine ofitself; but the moon, which has the nature of light imperfectly, sheds only a borrowed light. Again, aphysician who knows the medical art perfectly can work by himself, but his disciple, who is not yet fullyinstructed, cannot work by himself unless instructed by him.

Accordingly, in matters subject to human reason and directed to man's connatural end, man canwork through the judgment of his reason; and if a man receives help even in these things by way ofspecial promptings from God, it will be out of God's superabundant goodness. Therefore, according tothe philosophers, not everyone who had the acquired moral virtues had also the heroic or divine virtues.But in matters directed to the supernatural end, to which reason moves insofar as it is in a manner andimperfectly informed by the theological virtues, the movement of reason does not suffice, unless there be

present in addition the prompting and movement of the Holy Ghost. This is in accord with Rom. 8; 14:"Whoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God"; and in Ps. 142; 10 (Douay) it is said, "Thygood Spirit shall lead me into the right land," because no one can ever receive the inheritance of that landof the blessed unless he be led and moved thither by the Holy Ghost. Therefore, in order to accomplishthis end, it is necessary for man to have the gifts of the Holy Ghost." (ST. I II q.68 a.2)

To many theologians this doctrine has seemed excessive, but that is because they confuse the questionde jure with the question de facto. As a matter of fact, many are saved without any operation of the gifts ofthe Holy Ghost, but never without the habits of the gifts. But this is completely per accidens and in no waycompromises the general thesis. In the development of the Christian life the actuation of the gifts, more or lessintense, is morally and sometimes physically necessary in order to preserve grace, and in this sense theactuation of the gifts would be necessary for salvation. Such is the case of the martyr; either he makes a heroicact of fortitude in giving his life for his faith (which can scarcely be realized without the help of the gift of

fortitude to make this most difficult act possible), or he commits a mortal sin by apostatizing. There are manyother cases in which one must perform a heroic act of virtue or lose sanctifying grace. The reason is given bySt. Thomas: the insufficiency of human reason, enlightened by faith, to lead us to the supernatural endwithout obstructions.

But there is still another reason, based on the corruption of human nature as a consequence of original sin.The infused virtues do not reside in a sound nature but in a nature inclined to evil, and although the virtueshave sufficient power to conquer all temptations opposed to them, they cannot de facto overcome some ofthem without the help of the gifts, especially those violent temptations which arise unexpectedly. In thosecircumstances in which resistance or a fall are a decision of the moment, a man cannot depend on the slowdeliberation and discursus of reason but must act quickly, as if by a supernatural instinct, that is, under theinfluence and movement of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Without this movement of the gifts, a fall is almostcertain, granted the vicious inclination of human nature wounded by original sin. It is true that these

situations are not usually frequent in the life of a man, but it does not follow from this that the gifts of the

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

265

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


49


Holy Ghost are not necessary for salvation, even though they may not be necessary for each and everysalutary act.

The gifts of the Holy Ghost are not necessary for each and every salutary act. This question seems to havearisen in modern times by reason of a false interpretation of the doctrine of St. Thomas as stated in theSumma, I II q.68 a.2 ad 2. There are some who hold for the necessity of the gifts for every salutary act, and

they base their opinion on the citation which follows:"By the theological and moral virtues man is not so perfected in relation to the supernatural end thathe does not always need to be moved by the instinct of the Holy Ghost."

But what St. Thomas seems to mean here is that man is not so perfected by the theological and moral virtuesthat he does not need, at times, to be inspired by the interior Master. The word semper can have twomeanings: always and in every instant (semper et pro semper ), and always but not in every instant (semper sednon pro semper ). Undoubtedly, St. Thomas is using the word in the second sense. We admit that the text isobscure and difficult to translate, but the thought of the Angelic Doctor is clear if we keep in mind the generalcontext of the article as a whole and the doctrine of the Summa.

The following are the proofs of the proposition as stated:1) St. Thomas says in this article that the gifts are necessary because without them we know and love Godimperfectly. Then without the gifts we do know and love God; even though imperfectly. Therefore, the gifts

are not necessary for every salutary act.2) Without the gifts, human reason cannot avoid all folly, ignorance and other defects (cf. loc. cit., ad 3). Butthe fact that it cannot avoid all defects implies that human reason can avoid some. Therefore, the gifts are notnecessary for every act of virtue. On the other hand, it is certain that one can perform a supernatural act offaith with the help of an actual grace and without any help from the gifts. Such is the case of a Christian in thestate of mortal sin, who has lost the gifts of the Holy Ghost togehter with Sanctifying grace and charity andcan nevertheless make acts of supernatural faith under the impulse of Actual grace.

Actual Grace

Its NatureActual graces may be defined as those which dispose or move in a transient manner for doing or

receiving something in regard to eternal life. Ordained by their nature to the infused habits, they serve todispose the soul to receive those infused habits when it does not yet possess them or to put them intooperation when it already possesses them. Actual graces are received into the faculties of the soul, sometimeselevating them so that they can produce indeliberate supernatural acts; as happens with operating grace( gratia operans); and at other times to produce them in a deliberate manner (cooperating grace; gratiaco-operans).

Actual graces cannot be reduced to any determined species since they are transitory qualitiescommunicated by God and impressed on the faculties of the soul after the manner of transient movements orpassions. Each actual grace is reduced to the species of habit or act which it moves, for example, to faith,hope, etc. From these general notions we can readily discern the differences between actual and habitualgrace:

1) Habitual graces (sanctifying grace, the infused virtues and the gifts of the Holy Ghost) are permanentqualities or habits which produce effects in a continual and indefectible manner in the subject in whichthey reside, namely, the essence of the soul or the faculties of the soul. Actual graces are fluid andtransient movements whose final effect is often frustrated.2) Habitual graces are limited to disposing for action (radically or proximately, depending on whetherone speaks of grace itself or the virtues and gifts). Actual graces prompt and produce the act itself.3) The virtues and the gifts have a restricted area which affects determined faculties or determined objectsand operations. Actual graces extend to the entire supernatural life and all its operations.

270

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99


50


Necessity of Actual GraceActual graces are absolutely necessary in the dynamic supernatural order.

1) It is impossible for a purely natural impulse to put the infused habits into operation, since the natural ordercannot determine the operations of the supernatural order.2) Nor is it possible that the supernatural powers actuate themselves, because a habit can be actuated only by

the power and action of the agent which caused it; and, in regard to the infused supernatural habits, onlyGod, who produced them, can put them in motion. The action of God in this respect is as necessary as is theinfluence of a being already in act to reduce a potency to act. Absolutely speaking, God could develop andperfect sanctifying grace, which is infused into the essence of our soul, simply and solely through actualgraces, without infusing any supernatural operative habits into the faculties. But this would be a kind ofviolence. On the other hand, God could not develop sanctifying grace without using the actual graces,although He has given us the infused supernatural habits, since those habits could not be reduced to actwithout the previous divine motion, which in the supernatural order is nothing other than an actual grace.Every act of an infused virtue and every operation of the gifts of the Holy Ghost presupposes a previousactual grace which has set that virtue or gift in motion, although not every actual grace infallibly produces anact of virtue (e.g., a sufficient grace rejected by a sinner).

The actual grace is nothing other than the divine influence which has moved the infused habit to its

operation.

Division of Actual GraceTheologians through the centuries have drawn up lengthy lists of distinctions between the various actual

graces. We list only the principal ones.1) Operating grace and cooperating grace.

Operating grace is that in which the movement is attributed only to God; the soul is moved but does notmove itself.Cooperating grace is that in which the soul is moved and moves at the same time. This is according to thedefinitions of St. Augustine and St. Thomas.

2) Gratia excitans and gratia adjuvans.Gratia excitans impels us to act when we are dormant or static;

Gratia adjuvans assists or aids us in the act once we are moved to perform it.3) Prevenient grace, concomitant grace and consequent grace.

Prevenient grace precedes the act of man by disposing or moving the will;Concomitant grace accompanies the act by concurring with man in producing the effect;Consequent grace bespeaks a relation to some anterior effect produced by some other grace.

4) Internal grace and external grace.Internal grace intrinsically aids the faculty and concurs formally in the production of the act;External grace influences only extrinsically, moving the faculty by means of the objects which surround it(e.g., by the examples of Christ and the saints).

5) Sufficient grace and efficacious grace.Sufficient grace impels us to work;efficacious grace infallibly produces the act. Without the first, we cannot act; with the second, we act

freely but infallibly. The first leaves us without any excuse before God; the second is an effect of Hisinfinite mercy.

As can be seen, these divisions of actual grace can easily be reduced to operating and cooperating grace.The gratia excitans and gratia preveniens are really operating graces; gratia adjuvans and gratia subsequens arecooperating graces; and sufficient grace and efficacious grace will be either an operating or a cooperatinggrace, depending on the particular situation in which they are given. But all these graces are transitoryqualities which move the faculties of the soul to supernatural acts, either deliberate or indeliberate.

Function of Actual GraceActual graces have three functions:a) to dispose the soul for the reception of the infused habits of sanctifying grace and the virtues;

b) to actuate these infused habits, and;

275

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

8/14/2019 SPI-PRT1 99



c) to prevent their loss.A word on each function:

We say that actual grace disposes the soul for the reception of the infused habits either when the soul hasnever possessed them or when the soul has lost them through mortal sin. In the latter case actual grace carrieswith it a repentance for one's sins, the fear of punishment, confidence in the divine mercy, etc. Actual grace

also serves to actuate the infused habits when they are already possessed, together with sanctifying grace (orwithout it, as in the case of unformed faith and hope). This actuation, presupposing the possession ofsanctifying grace, carries with it the perfecting of the infused virtues and, consequently, the increase andgrowth of the supernatural life.

The third function of actual grace is to prevent the loss of the infused habits through mortal sin. It impliesa strengthening in the face of temptations, an awareness of special dangers, mortification of the passions,inspiration through good thoughts and holy desires, etc.

It is evident, therefore, that actual grace is a priceless treasure. It gives efficacy to sanctifying grace andthe infused virtues and gifts. It is the impulse of God which places our supernatural organism in operationand prevents us from forgetting that our soul, in the state of grace, is the temple of the Blessed Trinity.

280

5

10

15

SPI-PRT1 99

Documents

Transcript of SPI-PRT1 99