Upon the recommendation of a friend, I recently started reading The Spiritual Combat by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, a sixteenth century Theatine born in Otranto, Apulia. First published in 1589, Father Scupoli’s handbook provides insightful and practical guidance for spiritual growth and discipline. Made up of sixty-six succinct chapters "based on the maxim that in the spiritual life one must either 'Fight or die,'" The Spiritual Combat instructs the reader how to successfully battle one's inner demons. A valuable resource, I thought I would share a few snippets I highlighted on my morning commute.
From Chapter Sixteen: The Soldier of Christ Must Prepare Early for the Battle*
“THE FIRST thing to do when you awake is to open the windows of your soul. Consider yourself as on the field of battle, facing the enemy and bound by the iron-clad law—either fight or die.”
* * *
“It does not matter how weak you are—how strong the enemy may seem, either in number or in power. Do not be discouraged. The help you have from Heaven is more powerful than all that Hell can send to destroy the grace of God in your soul. God, the Creator and the Redeemer, is Almighty and more desirous of your salvation than the devil can be of your destruction.
“Fight courageously, then, and do not neglect to mortify yourself. Continual war on your inordinate inclinations and vicious habits will gain the victory, acquire the kingdom of Heaven, and unite your soul to God forever.”
* * *
“There is a great lack of vision in one who does not avoid a great deal of trouble in this life, followed by endless agony in the next, and yet shirks small difficulties which will soon end in an eternity of happiness and the never ending enjoyment of God.”
* Quoted from The Spiritual Combat and A Treatise on Peace of Soul by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, Tan Books, 2010, pages 51-52
