Attaining Salvation

Book excerpt: The promise of Eternal life has been a clarion call to the Saints for centuries, rousing them to action and heroic virtue. Some have retreated into the deserts to undergo every sort of torment so that they would be more sure of reaching Heaven. The knew that, compared with Eternity, this life is but a shadow. St Alphonsus Liguori's Attaining Salvation is a timeless, priceless compass for that journey. Written when the great Doctor of the Church was 77 years old, this treasury of reflections shines with the mature learning of a brilliant mind and a life filled with the study and service of God. With 45 short chapters filled with provocative Scripture quotes, this book is at once challenging and easy to understand. It can be read a little at a time or all at once with equal benefit. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including: The Thought of Eternity, We Are Pilgrims on Earth, I Must One Day Die, Necessity of Mental Prayer, The Mercy of God, Detachment from Creatures, Lukewarmness, and Purity of Intention. Attaining Salvation is a beautiful gem that will instruct and inspire every reader because it is written with the commanding insight of one of the Church's great saints. Its words do not just feed the intellect; they nurture the soul. It is St Alphonsus Liguori at his best.