"The Spiritual Combat" is a manual of the spiritual life written by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, an Italian abbot, in the 16th Century. Early in his life, St. Francis de Sales was given a copy of this book, and for the next 20 years St. Francis kept a copy on him constantly, reading small passages on a daily basis. This book was his spiritual handbook, and with an endorsement like that, who can argue that this book is a classic?



This book is a how-to manual on how to grow on the road to holiness. Just as

"The Spiritual Combat" is a manual of the spiritual life written by Dom Lorenzo Scupoli, an Italian abbot, in the 16th Century. Early in his life, St. Francis de Sales was given a copy of this book, and for the next 20 years St. Francis kept a copy on him constantly, reading small passages on a daily basis. This book was his spiritual handbook, and with an endorsement like that, who can argue that this book is a classic?



This book is a how-to manual on how to grow on the road to holiness. Just as a soldier carries a book of tactics which shows him how to engage the enemy in any given circumstance, so this book gives the Catholic practical advice about how to pray, how to practice the virtues, and how to avoid evil in one's life. Even though this book was written by an abbot for monks, it is very applicable to the lives of lay people as well. And even though it was written 500 years ago, it's relevance today is still amazing.



Scupoli pulls no punches in this book. He reminds the Christian that nobody should be surprised when he finds himself in sin. Everyone sins, and without the Grace of Christ we are powerless to resist it. The important thing is not to rely on our own good works or virtues, rather it is to rely on God with the same vigor that a baby relies on its parents for its basic needs.



I would highly recommend that all Christians read this book as frequently as possible. When you read it, do as St. Frances de Sales did, in small chunks with lots of meditation on each reading. Let the words sink in, and practice its good counsels as often as you can. In doing this, even the greatest sinner can reach the heights of sanctity.