Solution: Know yourself. What temperament does one have? Then pick the opposite virtue and practice it frequently.
In the example of pride, humility is the opposite of it. From Aquinas Summa we see humility is spiritual temperance: Moreover, for the reason given above (II-II:160:2), among the various parts of temperance, the one under which humility is comprised is modesty as understood by Tully (De Invent. Rhet. ii, 54), inasmuch as humility is nothing else than a moderation of spirit[1]
Live peacefully, avoid criticism, see the good in everybody. Pray to be humble (grace). 55
- A third method of rooting out the vices personal to us is to Look to Jesus for the opposite action or virtue. Fr. Emile
Fr. Emile begins in the same way as Fr Aumann and Fr. McElhone, know yourself, carefully observe your dominant tendency. Learn to recognize its multiple forms, apparent and hidden, the circumstances it causes the greatest harm. Then start a relentless fight against it. (44-45)
Note there is order, self-awareness, plan, courageous persistence.
Fr. Emile strategy, which he considers the easier and most efficacious, is to study in Jesus the virtue directly opposed to your predominant tendency. Ex/ pride, consider His humility. Make us of your daily talks with Jesus in order to study in Him the disposition one lacks. Set you heart on Jesus your Model; fill your enthusiasm for it. Ask Jesus and ask Mary, to change you into Him.
WWJJD easy to twist into what Jesus would do what I want Him to do. Time for prayer. Need to spend time with Him to know what He would do. Relationships need time.
Christ is not a myth. A living Divine person, authentic relationship. Most beautiful and most demanding of the person. Make vulnerable to how He would see you.
Priest, alter Christus. Our Lady remake us in image of her son, truly become like Him, a son of God in His image.
- Opposite virtue
- Predilection
- Look to Jesus
The elements of study of temperament, vices, and virtues are still critical. There is a presumption of a regular prayer and a familiarity with the life and attitudes of Jesus. This can only be had by grace and fundamentally an understanding of the Gospel. It is not necessarily reading SS. The early Church knew Jesus before the Matthew was first written. But someone had to hand on, teach, catechize the soul about Christ.
Temperaments
Matter form
Character building, become better person
Purely natural virtuous person lowest bar
Engagement with sin, must have face meeting who we are and what God wants us to be
Last study, Jesus relationship, to be happy with Him in the next life
Progression life of spiritual life to God
>>Grow natural virtues how much better the world would be
[1] https://www.newadvent.org/summa/3161.htm#article4 accessed January 4, 2024