The Way of Perfection is a 1946 book that will appeal to Catholics who want to learn about prayer from a great saint. St. Teresa of Avila lived and wrote the elements of The Way of Perfection almost four centuries ago; her inspiring classic on the practice of prayer is as fresh and meaningful today to practicing Catholics as it was when she first wrote it. The Way of Perfection is a practical prayer guide, setting forth the Saint’s counsels and directives for the attainment of spiritual perfection. Do you think you can learn from a four-hundred-year-old saint?
The Way of Perfection Summary
There are ten key themes to The Way of Perfection. If one follows the rules, one can become more holy. They are
1. Prayer
St. Teresa of Ávila teaches that every soul is a dwelling place for God, who resides within as a king in a palace of virtue. The more virtuous the soul, the more splendid this inner palace becomes: “Let us realize that we have within us a most splendid palace built entirely of gold and precious stones… Within this palace dwells the mighty King” (Page 163). Vocal prayer, when performed with full attention and devotion, is a powerful way to connect with God. Meditative prayer, which Teresa considers foundational for spiritual growth, allows for deeper encounters with God. These are the two main types of prayer in The Way of Perfection.
2. Poverty
For St. Teresa, poverty is not deprivation but a path to spiritual freedom. She finds peace in having little: “When I have least I am most free from anxiety” (Page 10). Teresa views poverty as a means to gain mastery over worldly goods: “Whoever despises all earthly goods holds dominion over them” (Page 12). Piverty is demanding for normal people, but easier for saints.
3. Detachment
St. Teresa teaches that true spiritual freedom comes from detachment from worldly things and total reliance on God. She asserts that when the soul clings solely to God, He infuses it with virtue: “If we cling to our Creator alone… His Majesty will infuse the virtues into us” (Page 52). Detachment, for St. Teresa of Avila, is an active discipline that requires Christians to guard their hearts against attachments to fleeting things.
4. Humility
For Saint Teresa, humility is the foundation of spiritual life, manifesting in a willingness to be blamed unjustly without defense. “Not to exculpate ourselves when unjustly accused is a sublime virtue” (Page 82). Humility invites God’s presence into the soul, enabling a deeper relationship with Him: “The greater our humility, the more entirely shall we possess Him” (Page 88).
5. Mortification
Mortification is the practice of denying bodily comforts to strengthen the spirit. She acknowledges that overcoming self-indulgence is challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth: “Our first effort must be to cease loving our bodies” (Page 61). Catholics regularly practice mortification.
6. Perseverance
Perseverance, according to St. Teresa, is essential for spiritual victory. She encourages believers to adopt a firm resolve, assuring them that as long as they do not give up, success is guaranteed: “Unless we allow ourselves to be defeated, we are sure to succeed” (Page 139). One thing about Catholics is that they are dogged.
7. Friendship
St. Teresa writes of holy friendship as a mutual pursuit of virtue. True friendship, she explains, is selfless and seeks the highest good of the other person: “There is no thought of self in this affection; its only wish and care is to see its favorite enriched with divine graces.” (Page 43)
8. Obedience
Obedience is the total surrender to God’s will. This is quite demanding. St. Thersa writes that the essence of the spiritual life is yielding completely to God’s plans: “My whole aim in writing this book has been to incite us to yield ourselves entirely to our Creator.” (Page 193) This requires humility and a recognition of our nothingness in light of God’s greatness. This is the one of the ten that will help people live in perfection.
9. Trials and Temptations
St. Teresa teaches that trials are signs of God’s love, with the heaviest crosses given to His dearest souls. She encourages believers to draw strength from Christ’s example, remembering His sufferings to endure their own: “Often recall His weariness and how much harder His labors were than your own.” (Page 151) Catholics often view suffering as a way to become more Christ-like.
10. The Eucharist
For St. Teresa, the Eucharist is a profound encounter with Christ, as transformative as His presence on earth. She encourages believers to savor this intimate communion, reminding them that Christ works miracles within us through the Eucharist: “Who can doubt that when He is dwelling in the very center of our being, He will work miracles on us if we have a living faith in Him?” (Page 208)
Conclusion
This is a good book because it shows people who a serious about growing their Catholic faith, it will not apeal to people who are not serious Catholics. This is a demanding book route to perfection that lays out how a person can get to heaven. It is a demanding rouyine and a demanding book, but the reward is great. The 400 year old dense manuscipt will not apoeal to everyone.
