Two Perfections Of Love

Duobus modis charitas perfecta dicitur: constantia et devotione. Constantia perfecta charitas, quando fortis est ad omnia adversa toleranda; devotione perfecta est, quando plene succensa est ad ea quae recta sunt appetenda. Constantia perfecta est, quando sic viget ut non possit superari: devotione perfecta est, quando sic ardet ut amplius non debeat inflammari. Prima perfectio aliquando huic vitae conceditur; secunda vero ad futuram reservatur. Constantia in Petro, ardor in Joanne. Constanti dicitur: Confirma fratres tuos; tenero: Sic eum volo manere, donc veniam. Hugo De Sancte Victore, Miscellanea, Liber I, Tit CLVI De Duplici Perfectione Charitatis Source: Migne PL 177.556a-b

Love is said to be perfected in two ways, by constancy and by devotion. Constancy is perfect love when it is strong in the endurance of every adversity. Devotion is perfect when it is wholly enflamed with the desire for the things which are right. Constancy is perfect when it so vigorous that it cannot be overcome, devotion is perfect when it is ardent for nothing but that for which it should be enflamed. The first perfection is sometimes allowed in this life, but the second perfection is reserved for the future life. There is constancy in Peter, ardor in John. It is said of constancy: 'Strengthen your brothers.' 1 It is said of devotion: 'So I wish him to remain until I come.' 2 Hugh Of Saint Victor, Miscellanea, Book 1, Chap 156, On The Twofold Perfection Of Love 1 Lk 22.32 2 Jn 21.22