Principles and Practices - October 31

The Road To Perfection

Abbot Moses, having met with a monk called Zachary, asked him to tell him what he should do to acquire perfection. The latter, con­fused and full of astonishment at such a question, fell at his feet, saying, 'Why, Father Abbot, do you ask that of me which I ought to learn of you?'

­'Wonder not,' replied the Abbot, 'for, as I have seen the Holy Ghost descend upon you, I am obliged to put you this question.'

Finding himself thus com­pelled, Zachary drew off his cowl, and, casting it on the ground, began to trample it underfoot, saying, 'Until one is thus trodden underfoot by temptations and crosses, he cannot be a perfect monk.'

So, too, as long as you have not been the butt of many tribulations, you cannot hope to make much pro­gress in Christian perfection. Bear, then, patiently with affliction, in its diverse shapes; and the more you find yourself burdened, the closet will you cleave unto God by a holy conformity to His will.

-J. B. Scaramelli, S.J.
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From Principles and Practices
Compiled by Rev. J. Hogan of The Catholic Missionary Society
Published by Burns Oates & Washbourne Ltd., Publishers To The Holy See
Nihil Obstat; Eduardus J. Mahoney, S.T.D. Censor deputatus.
Imprimatur; Edm. Can. Surmont, Vicarius generalis.
First printed in 1930