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TL;DR: Catholic theology describes Christian perfection as a journey that involves sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual struggle, emphasizing reliance on God's grace through prayer, the sacraments, and Scripture. Readers are invited to explore these ideas and draw their own conclusions about the nature of spiritual growth and perfection.
The teaching of the Catholic Church often states that "the way of perfection passes by way of the Cross." This statement, sourced from Vatican teachings (vatican.va), highlights a key principle within Catholic spirituality: the belief that holiness is closely tied to experiences of sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual struggle.
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2015): “The way of perfection passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. Spiritual progress entails the ascesis and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes.”
According to Catholic theology, Christian perfection refers to achieving complete alignment with God's will, as seen in the life of Jesus Christ. Believers who pursue this form of perfection typically attempt to mirror Christ’s attributes of love, humility, and obedience—qualities symbolized by the Cross. This pursuit often involves acts of self-denial, which the tradition views as choosing God's purposes over personal desires.
St. Teresa of Ávila: “The lukewarm do not embrace the cross; they merely drag it along.”
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Within this theological context, sacrifice is presented as the voluntary offering of one's own desires and comforts to deepen one's connection with God and serve others. Self-denial is similarly viewed as consciously aligning one’s life with the teachings and example set by Jesus Christ, particularly reflected in His Passion and Crucifixion.
Catholic theology also speaks of spiritual battles, describing these as continuous internal struggles against what theologians term "concupiscence"—defined as a natural human tendency towards sin. This internal conflict is a widespread experience, even described in the Christian Scriptures by Apostle Paul, who acknowledges such struggles: "For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing" (Romans 7:19 NIV).
Additional voices from the Fathers: “Do not seek the perfection of the law in human virtues, for it is not found perfect in them. Its perfection is hidden in the Cross of Christ.” — St. John Chrysostom
For many who engage with these theological ideas, the most challenging aspect might be the ongoing internal conflicts and personal limitations they encounter. Common issues highlighted by Catholic spiritual teachings include overcoming personal weaknesses, breaking ingrained habits, resisting persistent temptations, and maintaining consistency in faithfulness and prayer amidst life's various distractions and challenges.
According to Catholic teachings, believers facing these struggles may find support through grace, which, as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is "a participation in the life of God" (CCC, 1997). Catholic theologians suggest that it is through grace that individuals can potentially find the strength to endure spiritual struggles, offer personal sacrifices, and practice authentic self-denial.
St. John of the Cross (on self-denial and the cross): “If individuals resolutely submit to the carrying of the cross … they will discover in all of them great relief and sweetness.”
Catholic tradition proposes practical steps such as regular prayer, participating in sacraments—especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation—and engaging with Scripture. Historical figures within Catholicism, such as St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, emphasized the role of prayer in accessing spiritual strength.
Additionally, the lives of various saints within the Catholic tradition, such as St. Francis of Assisi and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, are often cited as examples demonstrating the connection between sacrifice, self-denial, and spiritual growth.
The Catholic concept of perfection, as presented in official teachings, focuses not on the flawless execution of religious duties, but on surrendering and aligning oneself fully with God’s will, as seen most clearly in Christ's sacrifice. Those exploring this theology are often directed to reflect on Christ’s statement: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23 NIV). In reflecting upon this theological viewpoint, readers are invited to consider their own conclusions regarding the relationship between sacrifice, grace, and spiritual development.
