Episode 2 -- Treatise on Peace of Soul c2 -- Acquiring Serenity of Soul

What kind of care is needed to produce a wonderful tranquility of heart?

In chapter 2 of Treatise on Peace of Soul, Fr Scupoli encourages the following:

1. Mild, peaceful, constant attention to the feelings of the heart
2. Being ready: much toil is necessary to gain serenity of heart.
3. Prayer will be necessary to regain peace, especially in times of great turmoil.
4. When at work and very busy, calmly attend to business affairs
5. Watch out for too rigid a schedule and too great eagerness to be done.
6. Keep before us God’s holy presence.

In this episode we will read about how Fr Scupoli develops these basic pieces of advice for gaining and maintaining serenity of heart.

Last episode, we read the opening chapter of this new little book, Treatise on Peace of Soul. It was one of the favourite books of Dom John Chapman, OSB, one of the great guides in the 20th century on the beginning stages of contemplative prayer. In chapter 1, Fr Scupoli places great emphasis on the importance of the human heart. The human heart, the centre of the human person, is where we decide for or against God, where we love God and are loved by Him. Our first obligation, Fr Scupoli writes, “is to direct the heart to place its affection in proper things, that exterior acts might flow from interior dispositions of the heart.” External practices will not help us grow in the spiritual life unless they flow from a heart that is at peace with God. Fr Scupoli stresses mildness, gentleness in our efforts to quiet our hearts.