A Reason for Hope The THREE Ways to Grow in Holiness as a Catholic
Feb 2, 2026
Dr. David Hajduk, Director of Theology and Catholic theologian, outlines the ancient Three Ways of the Spiritual Life. He unpacks the Purgative, Illuminative, and Unitive Ways in short, vivid terms. Conversation touches on humility, confession, fasting, dark nights of the soul, and how steady discipline and grace move a soul toward union with God.
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Humility Is The Essential Starting Point
- Humility is the necessary starting point because we must acknowledge we need saving and cannot save ourselves.
- Recognize original sin's wounds and rely on God's grace while cooperating with it to grow in holiness.
Begin With Confession And Mortification
- Do go to confession to remove mortal sin before seriously beginning the spiritual life.
- Practice fasting, almsgiving, and prayer to mortify senses and detach from inordinate desires.
Threefold Concupiscence And Targeted Remedies
- The threefold concupiscence targets flesh, eyes, and pride and requires different remedies.
- Acting against disordered desires (agere contra) via fasting, alms, and prayer builds mastery.
