Striving After Perfection

"THE Spirit breatheth where it will," and the Spirit of God moves souls to aspire after perfection by divers ways. One feels that he is called to higher contemplation; another to an active life "Thou art careful, and art troubled about many things." Both are inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit. Many others devote themselves to both the active and the contemplative life, laboring not only for their own perfection, but also for the salvation of the neighbor; and this is the best, the most perfect. Yet it is one and the same Spirit that guides all and, by widely divergent ways, leads to one and the same end. 2. Everyone must resolutely go forward on the way by which the Spirit conducts him if he would please God and attain the perfection determined by Him. Whoever wastes his opportunities for perfecting himself, or embraces them sluggishly, will with difficulty gain life eternal, and merit the happiness promised the true servant of God. If he does not follow the path pointed out to him by the Holy Ghost, he will, with very great danger to his soul, seek another more in accord with his own tastes and inclinations. Many are called by the way of tribulation and persecution. Such would greatly err were they to seek peace before the time. 3. Many are called by the way of poverty and lowliness. These would run great risks should they strive after a life of comfort and honor. Others are invited to tread the path of silence and seclusion. Should they remain in the noise and bustle of the world, hardly shall they be saved. In short, one treads this way, another that, but all under the workings of thc same Spirit. Whom they follow, and by Whom they must let themselves be guided.