Of course it is. But for the maturing Christian, it is of secondary concern. I teach that "We are to become another Christ". That is the primary point of moral theology in Catholicism now. Those who love God and neighbors will automatically be going beyond the Law, fulfilling it especially through the Beatitudes. Following the commandments because we fear hell is no longer love.
Regards
"Those who love God and neighbors will automatically be going beyond the Law, fulfilling it especially through the Beatitudes. Following the commandments because we fear hell is no longer love."
Oh, I agree 100%, especially with the last sentence. I agreed with what you first posted also. My point is merely that obedience to the commandments is always a part of theosis, whether it is in the effort to initially attain an indwelling of the Holy Spirit or in an effort to maintain the soul as a place for a continual indwelling of the Spirit. We agree; I'm just saying it a bit differently than you are.