5. The basic defect in my character

[Manuel]

Have I discovered what is the basic defect in my character? In other words, do I know what is my predominant fault? If not, do I submit myself to self-examination to discover it? Or do I try to avoid the issue?

[Marlicia]

This is a difficult process for me. I have asked a priest about this and he said one way is to see what sins keep popping up in Confession. I think part of the difficulty is that I have trouble figuring out which capital sins my predominant or most consistent falls 'fall under'.

God bless...

[John]

Marlicia wrote: "This is a difficult process for me. I have asked a priest about this and he said one way is to see what sins keep popping up in Confession. I think part of the difficulty is that I have trouble fig..."

For me as well, Marlicia. Part of the problem for me is figuring out which one of the ones that keep popping up in confession is truly predominant.

[Jill]

He writes a lot about how to discover this but I don't find it very illuminating.
He does have good practical suggestions for rooting out sins, e.g. praying for the happiness and success of person you're tempted to be jealous of, or imitating him.

[John]

Jill wrote: "He writes a lot about how to discover this but I don't find it very illuminating.
He does have good practical suggestions for rooting out sins, e.g. praying for the happiness and success of person ..."

I agree with that. Also his suggestions about each exercise of discipline being a victory that brings grace and improves the virtue being sought.

[Mariangel]

Jill mentioned in the quotes section that "sin is crowded out" and I found this helpful - I hadn't thought about it this way before.

[John]

Mariangel wrote: "Jill mentioned in the quotes section that "sin is crowded out" and I found this helpful - I hadn't thought about it this way before."

I agree. There is a similar concept in skiing in trees. When skiing in trees one must focus not on the trees, but on the gaps between the trees. Our bodies (and our wills?) tend to go in the direction our eye (mind) is focused. So if you focus on the trees so as to avoid them, you will continually hug them. Perhaps it is similar in the spiritual life, so that if you focus on your sins so as to avoid them, you inevitably run into them. The key then is to focus on God and on the virtues that are the counter to the sin you wish to avoid, then by focusing on God and virtue you crowd out and leave no room for sin.

[Jill]

I love that metaphor!

[Marlicia]

John wrote: "Marlicia wrote: "This is a difficult process for me. I have asked a priest about this and he said one way is to see what sins keep popping up in Confession. I think part of the difficulty is that I..."

Exactly! I wonder if we have a predominant and then an auxiliary fault or two?

God bless...