Growing In Goodness

We all reflect like mirrors the glory of the Lord, and are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3: 18

Whenever I give moral instruction, I first try to demonstrate the inherent power and quality of human nature. I try to show the wonderful virtues which all human beings can acquire. Most people look at the virtues in others, and imagine that such virtues are far beyond their reach. Yet God has implanted in every person the capacity to attain the very highest level of virtue.

But people cannot grow in virtue on their own. We each need companions to guide and direct us on the way of righteousness; without such companions we are liable to stray from the firm path, and then sink into the mud of despair. At first a companion who has achieved a high level of virtue can seem utterly different from oneself. But as friendship grows, one begins to see in the companion a mirror of oneself. The reason is that, in moral capacities, God has created us all the same: we are each capable of achieving the same degree of moral goodness. Once people perceive this truth, they are filled with hope, knowing that in the fullness of time they can share the moral virtue of Christ himself.
Pelagius in a letter to Demetrius.

The best thing we can do is to prepare for the five encounters we shall all have: an encounter with disappointments, an encounter with death, an encounter with God’s people, an encounter with devils, an encounter with resurrection on Judgement Day.
Colman mac Beognae The Alphabet of Devotion

God, I am bathing my face in the sun
In the nine rays of the sun
As Mary bathed her Son
In generous milk fermented
Love be in my countenance
Benevolence in my mind
Dew of honey in my tongue
My breath as the incense
Carmina Gadelica