Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange takes great pains to distinguish these two kinds of grace because this distinction protects the higher nature of Sanctifying Grace. He constantly stresses the importance of growing in sanctifying grace as the pre-eminent theme of our life here on earth. It is important, therefore, to know what we ought to pray for and what we should rejoice in when it is given, but it is also important to know what we ought not pray for or glory in when given.
“As St. Thomas shows, sanctifying grace and charity are much more excellent than these charisms; the former unite us immediately to God, our last end, whereas the charisms are ordained chiefly for the benefit of our neighbor and only prepare him to be converted, without giving him divine life. As a rule, they are not essentially supernatural like sanctifying grace, but only preternatural like a miracle and prophecy,” (436).
Garrigou-Lagrange’s teaching is impressive because it is at once consonant with St. Paul, St. John of the Cross, St. Thomas, the Church’s teaching, and many other saints and spiritual writers as well (St. Catherine of Siena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Philip Neri, St. John Vianney, etc.). Christian Perfection and Contemplation, as well as many of his other works are masterpieces when it comes to making these proper and important distinctions.
Citations:
Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange, Christian Perfection and Contemplation: According to St. Thomas Aquinas and St. John of the Cross. Trans. Sr. M Timothea Doyle. Rockford, IL: Tan, 2003.
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