July 10

On Our Predominant Defect.

Preparation. - In order successfully to combat our self-love, it especially behooves us to master our predominant passion. Wherefore we shall consider, first, why, and secondly, how we should conquer it. And then we shall resolve never to enter into any truce with out defects, and often to ask of Jesus the spirit of self-denial, of which He imposes on us the command: “If any one wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself” (Luke 9. 23).

I. Why We Should Combat Our Predominant Defect.

The predominant passion often indicates each one’s distinctive character, and is the first source of our sins. How many faults and imperfections it daily causes us to commit! It keeps our soul in a kind of slavery so much the more dangerous, as we are far from being aware of it, since we are accustomed to being governed thereby. Hence we deceive ourselves and are ever ready to defend the defect which soils our heart the most, and at times exposes us to great excesses.

Is not our predominant inclination the ordinary cause or seat of our temptations? Easily aroused on favorable occasions, it excites in us struggles which the devil, ever on the alert to compass our ruin. Should not such continual dangers urge us to watch and pray? to watch, in order to check the first motions of passion; to pray, in order to obtain the divine assistance, so necessary against our enemies. By overcoming the defect which upholds the rest in us, we deprive the latter of all power and of their chief support. What better means securely to sanctify ourselves in a short time!

Wherefore, let us every morning, first, propose always to keep recollected and control ourselves, in order not to lose our peace, which imparts to our soul so much power over her perverse inclinations. Our reason, indeed, is never better enlightened or better fitted to subject our passions than by avoiding to be disturbed, whilst every thing around it seems confused, both in the senses and in the imagination. Secondly, let us be determined to resist every evil inclination which might seek during the day to seduce and overcome us. “For,” says the Imitation, “if we were courageously to strive to keep firm in the combat, we should certainly behold heavenly assistance coming down to us, and then we could easily do all that is required.”

O Jesus crucified, give me the strength to subdue the vice or the evil propensity predominating in me, be it pride with its pretensions and susceptibilities, or anger with its aversions, vivacity and rudeness, or insubordination with its whims, fancies and discontent; or finally sensuality with its cowardice, sloth, want of mortification and dangerous attachments. Impart to me the spirit of prayer, that I may draw therefrom the courage to deny myself on all occasions, as Thou commandest. “If any one will come after Me, let him deny himself.”

II. How To Overcome Our Predominant Defect.

Some habitually mortify their body and their senses, but never seriously combat their principal inclination; this is an illusion opposed to spiritual progress. Whoever wishes to go forward in real perfection, must concentrate his efforts on the weak point of his heart, so as to secure it against the wiles of its foes. Wherefore he ought to direct his meditations, spiritual readings and examinations against the evil inclination that besets him the most.

Then he should at once resist every attack, for is it not easier to conquer a weak and unarmed foe, than one that has become powerful and well provided with means of defense? In the beginning temptation is almost powerless; but when given time to grow, it becomes formidable, and exposes us to heavy falls. Some one, for instance, feels inclined to answer bitterly when contradicted, or to look at a person that pleases him, when the occasion presents itself. It behooves him to resist at once, “otherwise,” says St. Ephrem, “the little scratch, if not at once closed, will become an incurable sore.”

The last condition of a final victory consists in never entering into a truce with our predominant defect. When we imagine it is asleep, it frequently awakes and assails us afresh. It behooves us, therefore, to repress it, not merely on important occasions, but also on those of minor importance, when it would seem less necessary to do so. It is even indispensable for us to anticipate its attacks, by keeping it in constant subjection by means of unceasing watchfulness and mortification.

Are these our tactics? Do we not flatter, instead of combating, this evil propensity which is so dear to us? And it is dear to us, because it is natural to us, or more in conformity with our temperament, our feelings, our character, our self-esteem and self-love. Let us take care; for it may betray and poison us, when we spare it the most.

O Jesus, give me the courage to conquer myself with the aid of prayer and self-watchfulness. Enable me always to have recourse to Thee and to Mary in my struggles against my defects, especially against that one which furnishes me with the most matter for accusing myself in the sacrament of penance.