Spiritual Practices & Prayer

The Three Duties
of
The Spiritual Life

by
St. Thomas Aquinas

Edited and Adapted
by
Orison de Corde

from
SUMMA THEOLOGIA
II-II, Q. 24, Art.9

The first duty which is incumbent on man in the spiritual life is to give up sin and to resist concupiscence (sinful thoughts and desires) which are opposed to charity; this belongs especially to spiritual beginners, in whose hearts charity is to be nourished and protected lest it be destroyed or corrupted.  Therefore, their chief care is to resist the sins which disturb them by their onslaught.  Afterwards, when this onslaught of sinful tendencies has lessened, they begin to tend to perfection with greater security.   

The second duty of man in the spiritual life is to apply his energies to pursuing the good and advancing in virtue, yet with one hand doing the work of practicing virtue, and the other holding the sword of self-mortification, as is said of those who built up Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 4:17—Douay)  This belongs especially to those who are making progress as spiritual proficients and who are principally concerned that charity be increased and strengthened in them. 

The third endeavor and pursuit of man in the spiritual life should be to rest in God and enjoy Him; and this belongs especially to the perfect in charity who “desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ” completely in the Beatific Vision above, as they have already been dissolved and united to Christ as far as possible here below in the transforming union and Flame of Love. (Phil. 1:23)  Having reached spiritual maturity, their principal care is now simply—loving union with God, which is the whole goal of life, and which, of itself, produces supernatural fruit for the salvation of souls and the glory of God.