“Some who judge only by appearances, make it consists in penances in hair shirts, austerities of the flesh, vigils, fasting, and similar bodily mortifications” Others, particularly women, fancy themselves extremely virtuous when they indulge in long vocal prayers, hear several Masses, spend many hours in Church, and frequently receive Communion” (Scupoli, Spiritual Combat). In the coming weeks, we shall explore the various teachings of Dom Scupoli as it concerns our need to grow in spiritual things, and begin to pay less attention to the externals of our religion. I am equally recommending this book to all those who would love to attain some level of perfection, peace of the soul, and a mastery of the spiritual life. St Francis de Sales (1576- 1622), Doctor of the Church and master of the spiritual life, read it every day and recommended it to everyone under his direction. The spiritual Combat first published in 1589, provides timeless guidance in spiritual discipline. Scupoli was a 16th century writer and mystic who was born in Otranto, Italy in 1530 and died in Naples in 1610. In the course of my readings lately, I came across the works of Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, titled: The Spiritual Combat and A Treatise on the Peace of Soul. He indeed is perfect, as being omnipotent man, as being aided by the Omnipotent”. Saint Remigius (437 – 533) said, “because the utmost perfection of love cannot go beyond the love of enemies, therefore as soon as the Lord has bid us love our enemies, He proceeds, ‘Be ye then perfect, as your Father which is in heaven is perfect’. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5: 43-48). He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
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