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Sensus Fidelium
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Overcoming Lukewarmness. St Thomas Aquinas teaches that there are three stages to the Christian Life: beginners, advanced and perfected. St Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross will develop this …More
Overcoming Lukewarmness.

St Thomas Aquinas teaches that there are three stages to the Christian Life: beginners, advanced and perfected. St Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross will develop this thought further. The first stage is purifying from sin and establishing convictions. The second stage is being enlightened by Christ and thus growing in virtue and loving Christ. The last stage is characterized by deep union with God in Christ. Here one has been purified so thoroughly that most now what remains is to avoid semi-deliberate imperfections. Now, during the second stage the devil launches an attack against the soul. There is an awakening to the seven capital sins and the soul needs to react against it. If the soul is not careful he can fall into lukewarmness. Being lukewarm is a spiritual disease, where one gradually slips from fervor due to a lessening of effort in prayer and other crucial acts of piety. If he doesn't correct this, he will prepare himself for mortal sin. The best remedy against lukewarmness is (i) devotion to Blessed Mary, (ii) obey a good spiritual director and (iii) recommit to the duties of ones state of life. For more please visit www.reginaprophetarum.org & remember to say 3 Hail Marys for the priest