# Perfection ## The Way of Perfection PERFECTION. The path to perfection is prayer ([[tj-way-ccel-19|19.2]]; [[tj-way-ccel-20|20.2]]–[[tj-way-ccel-20|3]]). Perfection has its roots in a clear experiential knowledge given by God of the nature of the Creator and of the creature, of the world that is eternal and that which is a dream ([[tj-way-ccel-06|6.3]]). It requires the strength to be totally occupied in loving God ([[tj-way-ccel-04|4.5]]). With this perfect love, one does not stop in the creature but praises the Creator for the creature ([[tj-way-ccel-06|6.4]]). Persons who are perfect have trampled the good things and comforts offered by the world underfoot; they cannot tolerate having them apart from God ([[tj-way-ccel-06|6.6]]); they are drawn by God to give up everything for him ([[tj-way-ccel-12|12.5]]). Detachment is perfect when one embraces the Creator and cares not at all for the whole of creation; it includes all else required for perfection because the Lord then infuses the virtues ([[tj-way-ccel-08|8.1]]). The perfect soul doesn't think of anything else but the Lord; nor, because it knows him, can it cease loving him ([[tj-way-ccel-30|30.5]]). In what is for God's greater service, the perfect are so forgetful of self, they can't even believe that things usually felt as an affront are so in fact ([[tj-way-ccel-36|36.10]]). Giving our wills to God and forgiving others are elements of perfection that everyone, in whatever state of life, can practice; there is a more and a less in the degree to which this is done, and so greater and less perfection; we must do what we can, the Lord receives everything ([[tj-way-ccel-37|37.3]]). Those who have reached perfection do not ask the Lord to free them from trials or temptations or persecutions or struggles; this is a certain effect of the contemplation and favors given by the Lord ([[tj-way-ccel-38|38.1]]). ## Divine Intimacy Meditations - God alone is infinitely perfect [[53-jesus-the-teacher-of-sanctity#Meditation 1|53,1]]; - by stripping the — of the creature of all limits and defects, we can form a faint idea of the infinite — of God: [[227-the-divine-perfections#Meditation 2|227,2]]; - the Mount of -—: [[7-the-mount-of-perfection#Meditation 1|7,1]], [[7-the-mount-of-perfection#Meditation 2|7,2]]; - not to be satisfied with — already acquired: [[53-jesus-the-teacher-of-sanctity#Meditation 2|53,2]]; [[99-conversion#Meditation 2|99,2]]; - precept to tend to — has no limits: [[53-jesus-the-teacher-of-sanctity#Meditation 2|53,2]]; - Christian — consists in union with God by charity: [[100-sin#Meditation 1|100,1]]; - few attain — because few welcome purification [[132-love-of-the-cross#Meditation 1|132,1]]; - importance of nourishing generous desires in order to attain — promptly [[289-magnanimity#Meditation 1|289,1]], [[289-magnanimity#Meditation 2|289,2]]; [[290-generosity#Meditation 2|290,2]]; - a perfect man does much more than a great number of imperfect men: [[330-the-formation-of-apostles#Meditation 2|330,2]]; - the first thought should not be personal —, but the glory of God, His pleasure, and approval: [[256-the-life-of-love#Meditation 1|256,1]]. - [[7-the-mount-of-perfection|7. The Mount of Perfection]] - [[53-jesus-the-teacher-of-sanctity|53. Jesus the Teacher of Sanctity]] - [[99-conversion|99. Conversion]] - [[100-sin|100. Sin]] - [[132-love-of-the-cross|132. Love of the Cross]] - [[227-the-divine-perfections|227. The Divine Perfections]] - [[256-the-life-of-love|256. The Life of Love]] - [[289-magnanimity|289. Magnanimity]] - [[290-generosity|290. Generosity]] - [[330-the-formation-of-apostles|330. The Formation of Apostles]]