Monday, October 13, 2008

More on Human Qualities and Apostolic Charity

In raising man to the supernatural plane, God did not intend to destroy in him what had already been created, but only to sublimate and to elevate it. In the light of these principles, we understand why it has been said that the apostle, as well as the priest, must be a "perfect gentleman" (Cardinal Newman). We also grasp why the saints are the more perfect men, in the sense that they have carried the natural virtues to their highest perfection and sublimation. It follows that the saints are more capable than others of surrounding men with amiability, delicacy, and understanding, while loving them with a purely supernatural love; thus they more easily win their hearts. This perfect courtesy, ever self-possessed, even with the importunate and even in moments of weariness, can only flow from great supernatural virtue and delicate charity.
~from Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD., p.1010 Share

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