Episode 2469: From Fear to Perfection in Christ - Morning Episode

From Fear to Perfection in Christ
Today, we will explore the journey of conversion—a path that every Christian must walk as we grow in our relationship with God. Our focus will be on three stages of conversion as described by Pope St. Gregory the Great: the beginning, the middle, and the fullness of perfection. We will also reflect on the nature of contrition, both imperfect and perfect, as described by Vinny Flynn, and how it leads us deeper into the heart of God.
As we meditate on these themes, we will also turn to scripture for encouragement and assurance, especially from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, reminding us that if God is for us, who can be against us?

The Three Stages of Conversion
Pope St. Gregory the Great, one of the most influential popes in Church history, beautifully articulated the stages of conversion that every Christian must go through. He said, “There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection.”
In the beginning of our conversion, we often experience a deep sense of God’s love and mercy. This is the stage where we are captivated by the sweetness of His grace. Everything seems new, and our hearts are filled with joy and zeal for the faith. This initial fervor is a gift from God, drawing us closer to Him and helping us break away from our old ways.
However, as Pope St. Gregory reminds us, the middle stage is where we encounter the trials of temptation. As we grow in faith, we are tested, and it is here that we must fight the good fight. Temptations, doubts, and struggles arise, and it can be easy to lose sight of that initial sweetness. But these trials are not meant to discourage us they are a necessary part of our purification. It is in the struggle that we learn to rely more deeply on God’s grace, realizing that we cannot win the battle on our own.
Finally, the fullness of perfection is the goal of every Christian. This is the stage where, through God’s grace, we are brought into deeper union with Him. It is the completion of our sanctification, where we become conformed to the image of Christ. As St. Paul writes in Romans 8:29-30, “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.”
This glorification is the perfection that awaits us when we fully surrender to God’s will and are transformed by His love.
The Nature of Contrition
As we journey through these stages of conversion, it is essential to understand the role of contrition in our spiritual growth. Vinny Flynn offers a profound reflection on the two levels of contrition: imperfect and perfect. He explains, “The first level of contrition is a contrition of fear. It's called, ‘imperfect contrition’ or ‘attrition,’ because it's motivated by awareness of the ugliness of sin and by fear of eternal damnation. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, it begins a process of inner conversion that disposes us to grace and is completed by sacramental absolution.”
Imperfect contrition, while motivated by fear of punishment, is still a gift from the Holy Spirit. It is the beginning of our conversion, where we recognize the seriousness of our sins and the consequences they carry. This type of contrition is sufficient for receiving God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession, and it opens the door to deeper conversion.
However, Flynn also describes a second, higher level of contrition: perfect contrition. He says, “The second level of contrition, called ‘perfect contrition,’ [is] motivated not by a self-oriented fear, but by love for God and the awareness of how good He is. This is much more personal, leading to a deeper relationship with God and a growing desire to avoid anything that might offend Him.”
Perfect contrition comes from a heart that is not just afraid of hell but is in love with God. It is the contrition that arises when we are so moved by the goodness of God that we are genuinely sorrowful for having offended Him. This deeper sorrow leads us into a more intimate relationship with God, where we desire to avoid sin, not out of fear, but out of love for Him.
As we strive for perfection in our spiritual lives, we must pray for the grace to move from imperfect to perfect contrition, allowing our hearts to be fully transformed by God’s love.

Conclusion
The journey of conversion is not an easy one. It begins with the sweetness of God’s grace, continues through the trials of temptation, and ends in the perfection of union with Him. Along the way, we must cultivate both imperfect and perfect contrition, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us deeper into the heart of God.
But through it all, we have the assurance that God is with us. St. Paul’s words remind us of this powerful truth: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). As we continue on our journey, let us trust in His grace, knowing that He who has begun the good work in us will bring it to completion.
Closing Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of conversion and for the grace that draws us closer to You. Help us to persevere through the trials of temptation and lead us to the perfection You desire for us. Grant us both imperfect and perfect contrition, so that our hearts may be fully conformed to Your will.
We ask for the intercession of Pope St. Gregory the Great, that we may journey through the stages of conversion with courage and trust in Your mercy. May we grow in love for You each day, seeking to avoid anything that offends You, and striving for holiness in all that we do.
We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.