Episode 3 -- Treatise on Peace of Soul c3 -- Building a Peaceful Interior Habitation by Degrees

Can this peaceful heart be produced all at once?

Having put before us the untold consolations that can be ours if we pay attention to the movements of our hearts, Fr Scupoli turns in chapter 3 of A TREATISE on PEACE of SOUL to those who are impatient to obtain such a peaceful heart. He uses the Scriptural analogy of a building to help us understand the process involved. What is the foundation of this spiritual building? Can we put up a large building in a day? Who is the ultimate Architect of the building that is our spiritual lives? Let us remember St Philip Neri’s advice: “Saints are not made in four days.”

Last episode Fr Scupoli encouraged us not to be afraid of the attention, toil, attacks, and inward chaos we must endure. He proposed that wonderful results await those who strive after a peaceful heart through careful and gentle attention to their feelings. He exhorted us to pray in the most difficult times, if we want to regain serenity of heart. He showed us that living in the world with jobs and business affairs does not rule out having a peaceful heart. As long as we are not too eager to be finished with our duties or in a pointless hurry, we can carry out these tasks with God before our minds. The ultimate secret to serenity of heart is staying close to God and remembering His Holy Presence.