October 15

Thirteenth Tuesday after Trinity

Let us go on unto perfection. Hebrews 6:1.

A SAINT of old once said: "I hear of nothing but perfection on every side, so far as talk goes, but I see very few people who really practise it. Everybody has his own notion of perfection. One man thinks that it lies in the cut of his clothes, another in fasting, a third in almsgiving, in meditation, in some special gift of contemplation, or in extraordinary gifts or graces; but they are all mistaken, as it seems to me, because they confuse the means or the results with the cause. For my part, the only perfection I know is a hearty love of God, and to love one's neighbour as oneself. Without these there can be no real perfection. Charity is the only 'bond of perfectness' between Christians, the only virtue which rightly unites us to God and man. Such union is our final aim and end. No virtues, however great they seem, are worth anything without charity. Discipline and meditation are admirable means whereby to advance towards perfection so long as they are carried on in and through charity. But it will not do to seek perfection in any such means, rather in the end to which they do but lead. The only way to attain that love of God is by loving. If you want to love God, go on loving Him more and more."

And wouldst thou reach, rash scholar mine, Love's high unruffled state?

Awake! thy easy dreams resign, First learn thee how to hate.

Hatred of sin and zeal and fear Lead up the holy hill;

Track them, till charity appear A self-denial still.

T