(The rocky path up Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo, Ireland)

Yesterday, we compared the spiritual life to exercise and physical exertion. Today, I offer you the comparison of an earthly journey to our pilgrimage Heavenward.

Dom Lawrence Scupoli, in his 16th-century classic, The Spiritual Combat, tells us that there is one major difference.

"Such is the difference of a journey on earth and that which tends to Heaven. In the former we may frequently stop, without going back, and rest is moreover necessary to enable us to hold out to the journey's end. But in the latter, which leads to perfection, the more we advance, the more our strength increases."

If we pause on a physical journey, it is to gain strength. But if we pause in our striving after virtue and our pulling for Heaven, we actually lose ground and lose energy. This saintly priest recommends "a steady application to our spiritual advancement." Just keep moving. Just keep trying. Just keep making small acts of virtue, and it will become easier!