Lesson 5: Forgetting the Past and Striving Forward
“I forget the things that are behind, and stretch forth myself to those that are before.”
1. Every Day Must Be a New Beginning
Doctrine: A Christian must never consider past progress as sufficient but must continually aim at greater holiness.
Key Idea:
Spiritual life demands constant renewal—yesterday’s virtue is not enough for today.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Revelation 22:11 — “He that is just, let him be justified still”
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Philippians 3:13 — Forgetting what is behind
Theological Principle:
Sanctification is progressive, requiring continual growth rather than resting on past achievements.
2. The Danger of Looking at Past Good
Doctrine: Focusing on past good works can lead to pride and self-satisfaction.
Key Idea:
Remembering past virtue may inflate the ego and cause comparison with others.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Luke 18:11–14 — Pharisee vs. publican
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1 Corinthians 10:12 (principle) — Let him that stands take heed
Theological Principle:
Pride distorts spiritual perception, turning past grace into a source of self-exaltation instead of humility.
3. Past Success Can Lead to Spiritual Laziness
Doctrine: Holiness, humility, and virtue are more important than intelligence, success, or external achievements.
Key Idea:
When we think we have done enough, we lose the urgency to continue striving.
Supporting Scriptures:
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1 Corinthians 9:24 — Run to obtain the prize
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Psalm 38:7 (principle) — Awareness of need drives effort
Theological Principle:
Complacency undermines perseverance, replacing diligence with spiritual stagnation.
4. The Right Focus—What Still Remains
Doctrine: The soul should focus on what is still lacking and strive to complete the journey.
Key Idea:
Like a traveler or debtor, we must fix our attention on what remains, not what is finished.
Supporting Scriptures:
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Luke 19:13 — “Trade till I come”
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Proverbs 2:4 — Seek as for hidden treasure
Theological Principle:
Spiritual growth requires forward focus, keeping the ultimate goal (perfection in God) always before the soul.
Applicable Reflections
Self-Examination Questionnaire:
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Do I rely on past efforts instead of striving for present growth?
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Do I compare myself with others based on my past achievements?
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Have I become satisfied with “good enough” in my spiritual life?
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What areas still require growth that I may be neglecting?
Spiritual Application:
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Practice daily spiritual reset — treat each day as a new beginning without relying on yesterday’s efforts.
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Identify unfinished growth areas — write down virtues you still lack and revisit them regularly.
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Shift your focus during reflection — when reviewing your life, emphasize what still needs work rather than what has been accomplished.
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Turn challenges into “spiritual profit” — actively look for gain in difficulties, interruptions, or corrections.
What does Rodriguez have to say?
"St. Gregory and St. Bernard declare this more in detail. This practice has two principal parts. The first is to for- get the good we have done hitherto and never set our eyes on it. It is necessary to give this warning in particular, because it is natural to turn our eyes readily on what pleases us and withdraw them from what may give us trouble."
Alphonsus Rodriguez, The Practice of Perfection and Christian Virtues, trans. Joseph Rickaby, Vol. I (Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1929), p. 33.