The Three Stages of the Spiritual Life

The journey toward God is like climbing a mountain: challenging, humbling, and breathtakingly beautiful. The Catholic tradition has long described this ascent in three stages—the Purgative, the Illuminative, and the Unitive. These stages aren’t rigid steps; they’re more like seasons of the soul, each drawing us closer to the heart of God.

Let’s explore these stages together, not just as lofty ideas but as the lived experience of anyone seeking holiness.

1. The Purgative Stage: Leaving the Old Behind

We all start somewhere, and more often than not, it’s messy. The Purgative stage is where we wake up to the reality of sin in our lives and begin the hard work of turning away from it. It’s a season of repentance, a time to clear out the clutter that keeps us from hearing God’s voice.

Does this stage hurt? Absolutely. But it’s the kind of hurt that heals. Like pulling a thorn from your foot, it stings at first, but soon you’re walking freer and lighter.

St. John of the Cross describes this beautifully:
"The soul must pass through the dark night, in which it strips itself of its old self to be clothed in the light of God."

And the Catechism reminds us:
"Man cannot fully respond to the divine love unless he freely accepts to purify himself from all that separates him from God" (CCC 1472).

This is where it all begins—by letting God’s light into the darkest corners of our hearts.

2. The Illuminative Stage: Living in the Light

As we leave sin behind, something amazing happens. We begin to see the world differently. The Illuminative stage is where God’s light shines brighter, and our love for Him deepens. We hunger for His truth, not just in our minds but in our daily lives.

Here, prayer changes. It’s no longer just asking God for things; it becomes a conversation, a delight. Virtues start to take root—patience, humility, generosity—and we realize that God is shaping us into something beautiful.

St. Teresa of Avila calls this stage a time of growing intimacy:
"The soul begins to desire to spend time alone with its Beloved, to dwell on His goodness, and to reflect on His mercy."

It’s in this stage that we learn to trust God more deeply, even when life gets hard. The Catechism puts it simply:
"The grace of Christ heals and sanctifies us, preparing us for the fullness of divine love" (CCC 1999).

3. The Unitive Stage: Resting in God

Then comes the stage we long for: union with God. This is where the soul finds rest—not because life is perfect, but because it’s anchored in Him. In the Unitive stage, we stop striving and simply abide.

This stage isn’t about doing; it’s about being. Being loved, being transformed, being one with the God who made us for Himself. It’s what the saints tasted in their most profound moments of prayer and sacrifice.

St. Catherine of Siena said it best:
"The soul in union with God becomes another Christ, fully alive in love."

The Catechism reminds us that this is the goal of the spiritual life:
"The entire Christian life is meant to lead us to perfect union with God, participating in His divine life" (CCC 260).

Where Are You on the Journey?

The truth is, we all move through these stages in different ways. Some days feel like the purgative—full of struggles and starts. Other days, the light of the illuminative stage breaks through. And then, in rare and precious moments, we catch a glimpse of the unitive, resting in God’s peace.

Wherever you are today, take heart. The journey isn’t about how far you’ve climbed; it’s about who’s climbing with you. And God is right there, step by step, drawing you closer to Him.

As St. Augustine said:
"You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."

Keep climbing. The view at the top will be worth it.