#F467 Terapia das Doenças Espirituais.24- As três vias e as três conversões

Summary

This script discusses the spiritual journey towards sanctity, which is divided into three stages: the purgative, illuminative, and unitive ways. The purgative way is for beginners, focusing on combating capital sins and purifying the soul. The illuminative way is for the more advanced, characterized by mystical experiences and passive suffering of God's actions. The unitive way is for the elect, where the gifts of the Holy Spirit manifest. The speaker emphasizes overcoming spiritual ailments like pride and vanity to progress, and suggests further study on the gifts of the Holy Spirit for deeper understanding.

Takeaways

• 😇 The script discusses the spiritual journey through three stages: the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way, which is a concept recognized in various spiritual traditions.
• 📚 The purgative way is the starting point for beginners and is associated with the struggle against spiritual diseases and imperfections, which is likened to the course content on spiritual therapy.
• 🔥 The illuminative way represents progress in the spiritual journey, where individuals experience a more mystical aspect of their faith, characterized by a passive reception of God's actions.
• 🌟 The unitive way is the final stage, where individuals are said to be 'perfect' and experience a deep union with God, often marked by the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• 🛡️ The script emphasizes the importance of purifying one's faith to become free from the vices of pride and vanity, which can hinder spiritual growth.
• 💧 The concept of 'dark night of the senses' is mentioned, where God actively purifies the soul through passive experiences, leading to a deeper and purer faith.
• 🙏 The role of prayer and ascetic practices in the purgative way is highlighted, as they help in the initial struggle against sins and the development of virtues.
• 🌱 The script suggests that spiritual growth involves moving from active to passive participation in one's spiritual life, allowing God to act within the individual.
• 🔑 The gifts of the Holy Spirit are distinguished from charismatic gifts, with the former being integral to personal sanctification and the latter being common manifestations of spiritual life.
• 📖 Reference is made to the works of Padre Reginaldo Garrigou-Lagrange, a prominent figure in spiritual theology, whose writings could provide deeper insights into the stages of spiritual life.
• 🚀 The script concludes by encouraging the pursuit of sanctity and the embrace of purification processes as part of the spiritual journey towards a healthy Christian life.

Q & A

What are the three stages of spiritual life mentioned in the script?

The three stages of spiritual life mentioned are the purgative way, the illuminative way, and the unitive way.

What is the purgative way in the context of the script?

The purgative way is the stage for beginners in their spiritual journey, focusing on the initial struggle against spiritual diseases and imperfections.

What is the illuminative way and what does it signify in terms of spiritual growth?

The illuminative way is the stage where individuals begin to experience mystical aspects of their faith, characterized by a more passive role where they suffer the actions of God, moving from active participation to a more receptive state.

What is the unitive way and who typically enters this stage?

The unitive way is the final stage where individuals are referred to as 'perfect'. It is a stage that is more about God's choosing than one's actions, and it is where the gifts of the Holy Spirit are more clearly manifested.

Why is the book by Padre Reginaldo Garrigou-Lagrange mentioned in the script?

The book by Padre Reginaldo Garrigou-Lagrange is mentioned as a comprehensive guide that deeply explores the three stages of the interior life, providing a profound understanding of the spiritual journey.

What is the significance of the 'three conversions' in the spiritual journey as discussed in the script?

The three conversions refer to the transformative moments in one's spiritual life: the first conversion from sin to grace, the second to the illuminative way, and the third to the unitive way, each marking a significant step in spiritual growth.

How does the script describe the difference between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and charisms?

The script distinguishes the gifts of the Holy Spirit as those granted by God for personal sanctification, while charisms are common spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, or healing, which are not necessarily indicative of being on the path of sanctity.

What is the 'dark night of the senses' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to spiritual purification?

The 'dark night of the senses' is a passive purification process where God acts to strip away consolations and supports, leading to a purer faith that is not based on rewards or consolations but on trust in God alone.

How does the script address the issue of pride and vanity in the spiritual journey?

The script discusses pride and vanity as spiritual diseases that can hinder spiritual growth. It suggests that as individuals grow in virtue, they may become vain of their progress, which can lead to a spiritual trap. God may intervene through passive purification to help overcome these issues.

What is the role of the gift of fear of God in the spiritual journey according to the script?

The gift of fear of God, as described in the script, is a healthy reverence that arises from a deep love of God, leading to a desire not to offend Him. It is a foundational gift that combats pride and vanity and is crucial for spiritual growth.

What is the final message of the script regarding the pursuit of sanctity and the role of God's grace?

The final message of the script is an encouragement to pursue sanctity with God's grace, emphasizing that the spiritual journey is about growing in virtue and receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit, ultimately aiming for a state of health in one's spiritual life.