Some thoughts I had on vocation that I wrote in my journal...perhaps they'd be interesting to others who are also trying to figure out God's will for their lives.
March 29, 2009 - One good thing about all this, however [see-sawing between feeling called to marriage or to religious life] - I receive a greater understanding of all the graces and beauties of each vocation every time I consider it. I've received the grace of understanding a religious vocation more fully, and now I'm understanding the holiness of matrimony and family life as well.
Because I'm realizing it can be holy - not just can, but should, and must be! The family is the domestic Church, the image of the Trinity, the place where the future saints and scholars, popes and martyrs, religious and priests, parents of other families, are raised. The parents are entrusted with the incredible privilege of participating in the very act of creation, and the care and formation of souls destined for God alone. The husband and wife see the goodness of God in one another, and they will help one another reach the fullness of perfection.
I'm realizing that married life is every bit as much a spiritual and mindful thing as a physical and sensual one. The main purpose of marriage is you, your spouse, and your children reaching your God. And it is such a very beautiful vocation.
...Becoming a saint and serving God faithfully and truly and well need not be any more difficult here in the world than it is in the religious life.
...Every time I consider the religious life it brings me closer to God, and every time I consider marriage, it brings me closer to God's people and His world. And every time, the two become more closely entwined. Perhaps I will be able to do more for God by raising up more people to be His valiant defenders, by defending His truth through my writing, and by loving Him wholly and living only for His glory.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Truth Sall Set You Free
I wrote this story when I was about 12 years old, and I think it is one of my better ones. I was inspired to write it during Mass one morning when I read: "My brethren, if any one of you err from the truth and one convert him, he must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his ways shall save his soul from death." That would make a wonderful story! I thought. So I wrote this story. I think it has a certain beautiful simplicity that reminds me a bit of the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. I've been wanting to write some more short stories that were inspired by lines from Holy Scripture...none have jumped out at me lately, but I hope they will sometime again!
Once, long ago, in a great city there lived a man. He was neither young nor old. He lived a most holy and exemplary life. Everything he did glowed with his holy love for his neighbor and his God.
In this same city there lived a boy. He was in that time of life between childhood and manhood. He was an outcast, living in the streets, and leading a life of great ignorance and sin.
Now it is 20 years later. We are in the same great city, and entering a house in the slums. A house – nay, a tumbledown shack that seems to be falling at every wind.
On a hard, narrow bed, covered with a thin, dirty blanket, lies an old man. He is dying. On his face you see the marks of a hard life, filled with sin and distrust. But there is a heartbreaking sorrow in it as well.
Seated beside the bed, on a rickety old chair, is a priest. He is young, and on his face you read a life that has known pain and suffering, but knows the love of God and trusts in Him, bringing Him all his afflictions.
Let us listen to the words spoken between the two.
Yes, the priest was the former street urchin, and the man was his old friend!
The priest grasped one of the thin, cold hands. He looked into the man’s eyes.“Do you remember me, my friend?”
The man looked into the priest’s face. After a while he said, “Why, weren’t you that little street urchin I knew 20 years ago?”
“I was,” said the priest, “and you have given me the greatest gift that one could give, that if carefully treasured, will never fade or break. You have given me the gift of faith.”
The man looked into the priest’s face, and the priest now read in the eyes of the man a
“I would like to read you something,” said the priest, opening his Bible. “Listen. ‘My brethren, if any one of you err from the truth and one convert him, he must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his ways shall save his soul from death.’
“My friend, I was once a sinner and you converted me. But God, in His great mercy, will not let your soul be lost. He loves you
“How can He love one so wretched as I?” the old man muttered.
“It is the truth,” said the priest softly. “’Know ye the truth, and the truth shall set ye free.’”
Many moments passed – long, hard moments for the priest. He knew that a precious soul hung in the balance between Heaven and Hell. He had done all he could – now he would leave it to the grace of God.
“’…will set ye free,” repeated the man. “I am locked in the fetters of sin. Time is short. Death! I used not to fear it. It was only death of the body, but now it is the soul as well!”
Tears ran down the old man’s cheeks. He grasped the priest’s hand.
“I believe in God," he exclaimed fervently. "He was only joy in my life, and life was hideous without Him. Thank God for you, you little urchin! Father, please hear my confession.”
The priest heard the man’s confession and then gave him Holy Viaticum and Extreme Unction.
The old man clutched the crucifix the priest had given him. He was silent for several moments and his breathing became even more laboured. The priest knew his friend was in his last moments. Then the old man grasped the priest’s hand.
“Thank you, Father,” he whispered. “I…gave you…faith…you…gave it…back.
The old man’s voice faded to a whisper and he breathed his last, one hand holding the hand of the man he had brought to the Church, and who, in return, had brought him back. In the other hand was the only hope in this land of exile – a crucifix.
And the priest sat with bowed head, holding the lifeless hand of his friend. He pondered on those words.
‘Know ye the truth and the truth shall set ye free!’
Quo Vadis
A lament for all our friends...I'm sure we all have some...who have left the Truth to pursue the World.
Where are you going? she said to him softly.
Where are you going? I cannot find you.
I'm seeing the world - I'm tasting its pleasures.
And I'm going alone - you're not coming too.
Quo vadis, quo vadis,
Our world seems to cry;
Where have you gone, our brave young souls?
We're off to see the world - we'll be back, maybe never
We're going off, and you're staying here.
But don't you remember,
Remember the summer,
The sunlight, the laughter, the sky, and the trees.
Remember our voices,
Our hearts knit together.
Come back, oh come back.
Oh, please remember me.
Quo vadis, quo vadis,
Our world seems to cry;
Where have you gone, our brave young souls?
We're off to see the world - we'll be back, maybe never
We're going off, and you're staying here.
Brave selfish young souls!
There are no laurels on your brows.
What are you doing, seeing the world?
The world is good...but home is better.
You have deep roots here, though you may not know.
Ah, so you miss us? You miss your people?
You miss your life before the world came?
You can come back, but you'll always be different.
But our love is unchanging, as thick as our blood.
Quo vadis, quo vadis,
Our world seems to cry;
Where have you gone, our brave young souls?
We're off to see the world - we'll be back, maybe never
We're going off, and you're staying here.
Where are you going? she said to him softly.
Where are you going? I cannot find you.
I'm seeing the world - I'm tasting its pleasures.
And I'm going alone - you're not coming too.
Quo vadis, quo vadis,
Our world seems to cry;
Where have you gone, our brave young souls?
We're off to see the world - we'll be back, maybe never
We're going off, and you're staying here.
But don't you remember,
Remember the summer,
The sunlight, the laughter, the sky, and the trees.
Remember our voices,
Our hearts knit together.
Come back, oh come back.
Oh, please remember me.
Quo vadis, quo vadis,
Our world seems to cry;
Where have you gone, our brave young souls?
We're off to see the world - we'll be back, maybe never
We're going off, and you're staying here.
Brave selfish young souls!
There are no laurels on your brows.
What are you doing, seeing the world?
The world is good...but home is better.
You have deep roots here, though you may not know.
Ah, so you miss us? You miss your people?
You miss your life before the world came?
You can come back, but you'll always be different.
But our love is unchanging, as thick as our blood.
Quo vadis, quo vadis,
Our world seems to cry;
Where have you gone, our brave young souls?
We're off to see the world - we'll be back, maybe never
We're going off, and you're staying here.
Defendebo (I Will Defend)
Love...and it could apply to many different sorts of love. I think we all have that desire to defend and protect those we love, and to receive the same in return.
Where the sea meets the sky
Where the stars collide
There I will find you
There will I search
The old order passes
The world around us changes
But my love remains
In the falling rain
I will not leave you
In the darkest night
I won't leave you alone
Where the sun dare not go
You're in my arms
Though the whole world is changing
I am protecting you
And holding you closer
Where the sea meets the sky
Where the stars collide
There I will find you
There will I search
The old order passes
The world around us changes
But my love remains
In the falling rain
I will not leave you
In the darkest night
I won't leave you alone
Where the sun dare not go
You're in my arms
Though the whole world is changing
I am protecting you
And holding you closer
The Vase
A song I wrote recently, trying to express the longing to know what your true calling is. I've also tried to write music for it...I'll have to keep working on that.
Broken pieces,
Pieces of a vase.
A vase from your grandmother
Long ago.
The pieces are lying
So lovely and still.
Waiting and wondering,
Crushed and beautiful.
The bits of a soul,
All the ragged edges,
Are waiting and wondering,
Waiting for their cue.
For the night to end,
The dawn to break.
Breaking is painful,
But then it's beautiful.
Singing where
Where do I go now.
Something hold me together,
Bring the pieces back together.
Hold me tight
Don't let me go.
A prison can be beautiful,
Dedication.
A story is told
On the cold bleak walls.
A thousand voices,
A thousand more echoes.
They sing
And why can't I.
Singing where
Where do I go now.
Something hold me together,
Bring the pieces back together.
Hold me tight
Don't let me go.
And the broken pieces,
The memories are there,
The sweetest foundation,
Sweet roots of a tree.
The vase has been mended.
The pieces are singing.
They are echoing.
Echoing.
Broken pieces,
Pieces of a vase.
A vase from your grandmother
Long ago.
The pieces are lying
So lovely and still.
Waiting and wondering,
Crushed and beautiful.
The bits of a soul,
All the ragged edges,
Are waiting and wondering,
Waiting for their cue.
For the night to end,
The dawn to break.
Breaking is painful,
But then it's beautiful.
Singing where
Where do I go now.
Something hold me together,
Bring the pieces back together.
Hold me tight
Don't let me go.
A prison can be beautiful,
Dedication.
A story is told
On the cold bleak walls.
A thousand voices,
A thousand more echoes.
They sing
And why can't I.
Singing where
Where do I go now.
Something hold me together,
Bring the pieces back together.
Hold me tight
Don't let me go.
And the broken pieces,
The memories are there,
The sweetest foundation,
Sweet roots of a tree.
The vase has been mended.
The pieces are singing.
They are echoing.
Echoing.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Modesty - An Issue of Respect
Written July 2007 and published in my newsletter "Servants of the Queen"
Here in the midst of the summer months seems to be an appropriate time to address the touchy but nonetheless very important issue of modesty. I hope to show you some interesting points on this topic that you may not have considered before.
Modesty, as we all know, has a lot to do with what we wear, especially among ladies. It is important to realize that why we dress modestly has a lot to do with respect. We want to respect our own bodies, and not leave them on display for anyone and everyone to see. We also want to respect men, who see and think differently from women when it comes to certain things. They respond more then women do to visuals, and it is important to realize and respect that, and not make it any harder for them to safeguard their purity. Any sin against purity is very grave, and we certainly do not want to be the cause of someone’s mortal sin and possible loss of Heaven!
This may seem harsh, but it is true! That is one of the reasons it is so important to dress modestly and appropriately. But dressing modestly certainly does not mean wearing a sack or looking like a slob! To do this would, in fact, not be dressing modestly at all. The Vatican’s guidelines for decent dressing are that the neckline should not extend more than two fingers’ breadth beneath the pit of the neck (the little dip in the center of your collarbone in the front) or on either side of the neck, the sleeves should cover the upper part of the arm, and the skirt should reach at least two inches below the knee. These are really quite sensible and doable guidelines. Of course, we must also be careful to not wear clothes (skirts or shirts) that are too tight and revealing. These are not only inappropriate looking, but also uncomfortable!
A word on pants – I personally find nothing wrong with wearing pants on some occasions (i.e. when you’re going to be playing some sort of game that requires running, when doing outdoor work, etc) when a skirt would be down right impractical and possibly immodest. However, they should be modest, nothing like the skin-tight jeans common today. One kind of pants I’ve found to be both modest and to look nice is cargo pants, which are quite easy to find at pretty much any store. But for the most part, skirts are preferable. Not only are pants inappropriate for the reasons mentioned earlier in this
article, they also de-feminize women when they wear them. It is very interesting – you really do feel different, more feminine, when wearing a skirt! In our culture, which is attacking and demeaning women on all sides, all under the cover of “women’s rights”, “women’s liberation”, “feminism”, it is very important to maintain who we truly are – women, what and who God made us to be!
Upholding the dignity of humans and showing respect for all life is a big part of modesty. The point of being modest is not only avoiding making ourselves into near occasions of sin (although this is a big part!), but also to show respect to the fact that we are women, human beings with dignity, and not objects. When we dress in an appropriate manner, we are showing that we respect our body, we respect others around us, and we respect God Who made us.
So, please consider these thoughts. How you choose to respond to them is up to you, but I do think that if we bring back more wholesome styles, one person at a time, we will begin to see a difference in our world. People will recall the sacredness of their bodies and we won’t see so much blatant irreverence for God’s gifts to us. Women will recover their lost femininity – in essence, who they are, and perhaps, someday, the world will regain some of the order it lost towards the middle of the last century.
One last point. It is well put in something that champion boxer Muhammad Ali once told his daughter: “Where do you find diamonds? Deep down in the ground, covered and protected. Where do you find pearls? Deep down at the bottom of the ocean, covered up and protected in a beautiful shell. Where do you find gold? Way down in the mine, covered over with layers and layers of rock. You’ve got to work hard to get to them… Your body is sacred. You’re far more precious than diamonds and pearls, and you should be covered, too.” (I found this quote in “Dressing With Dignity” by Colleen Hammond) By not showing very much of our bodies, we are showing how much we value them. I repeat, this does not mean wearing sack-like clothing. That would not look nice, and wearing beautiful clothing also shows great respect to our bodies – another important thing to remember. But rather, our bodies should be hidden like the great treasures that they are. Look in our churches; the greatest of all Treasures is hidden – within the tabernacle. Our bodies are one of the most precious treasures that this great Treasure has given us, and we should respect them.
The Four Temperaments
Knowing your temperament is very helpful to the spiritual life. It also assists you in understanding yourself and understanding and getting along with others.
But what is a temperament?
There are four temperaments – choleric, melancholic, sanguine, and phlegmatic. The idea of four temperaments may have begun with Hippocrates. He believed that people behaved in certain ways because there was an imbalance of bodily fluids. This is where the names of the temperaments come from. Hippocrates believed that if a person had too much yellow bile from the liver he was a choleric. Too much blood from the heart indicated a sanguine, and a melancholic had too much black bile from the kidneys. A phlegmatic had too much phlegm from the lungs. This theory, however, is rather unlikely.
Throughout the ages, though, people made variations on Hippocrates’ idea of all people being divided into four main personalities (even though personality is a different thing from temperament). The four temperaments are indeed a predominately Catholic idea.
Now let’s take a look at each of the four temperaments.
Choleric- Cholerics react very quickly to situations, and the reaction is of a very long duration. They tend to have a very strong will. They usually have a problem with controlling their anger. They are the “my way or the highway” type, and are sure their ideas are the best and woe to anyone who disagrees! They make good leaders because they’re strong-willed and logical, and like to take charge. This wish to always be in charge can lead to dire consequences, however! They are headstrong and impatient, and are not always careful of other peoples’ feelings. They can be overly critical of others, and tend to blame others rather than themselves. They enjoy arguing and are inclined to retaliation. They have a very strong pride, and feel that they would prefer to die rather then humble themselves.
On their good side, however, cholerics are very dedicated and determined. They will dauntlessly go through all sorts of difficulties to attain their goal. They tend to be optimistic. They are good workers and thrive on activity. They are very enthusiastic and independent. They are very frank and direct, which is not always good, as they frequently display a lack of prudence! They set high goals and standards for themselves. They are very decisive. They have a very keen mind and are often very intelligent. The virtues the choleric needs to increase in particular are compassion and humility. They are extroverted (I will explain this later).
Saint with this temperament: St. Paul
Melancholic- Melancholics are very slow to react to a situation, but their reaction grows and becomes very strong and long lasting over time. They tend to be perfectionists, and spend a lot of time carefully considering every little detail of plans. They have a very pessimistic outlook on life and are very sensitive and easily hurt, but tend to keep their feelings to themselves (unlike a choleric). They can be very moody, and like to be alone. They are more of thinkers than doers. They can be very indecisive, and are prone to being self-pitying and are easily discouraged. They make friends slowly and don’t always really want any. They have a tendency to hold grudges, as do cholerics.
Some strengths of the melancholic temperament are that they are attracted to beauty, nobility, and all ideals even more than any other temperament. They long for perfection. They have a natural love of prayer and meditation. They have a very strong will, but they can be so cautious that it seems as if they have no courage. Some things that would be useful for the melancholic person to increase are their self-confidence, optimisim, and nfeeling of self-worth. Melancholics are introverted (this will be explained later).
Saint with this temperament: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Sanguine- The sanguine is a fun-loving, cheerful person with a very eager, unembarrassed, and carefree manner. They have quick reactions to situations, but the reactions are of short duration. They make friends easily, but seem to prefer to have lots of friends over a few close ones. Friends and relationships are important, and sanguines want to please everyone. They lack follow-through and are very impulsive. They are very attuned to their senses and notice and enjoy clothes and details. However, if they are not careful, they are prone to becoming very materialistic. They may be rash or imprudent, but this is most often not entirely willfully. They can be superficial, and tend to talk without thinking and hurt people, somewhat like cholerics. However, it’s easier for the sanguine to apologize, because they just want to be loved.
Some of the good traits of the sanguine temperament are their generous and forgiving nature. Sanguines are very co-operative and accepting and work well in groups. They are very friendly and outgoing. They enjoy change, new things, and people. They love having friends and being with people, and are often the “life of the party” because they enjoy being the center of attention.They have a strong sense of humor and enjoy teasing people. They are very optimistic and look at everything from the bright side. They are very energetic and self-sacrificing, and will do anything for someone they love. Sanguines should try to be less superficial and acquire more follow-through, and to develop the energetic, caring part of their nature. The sanguine is an extroverted temperament.
Saint with this temperament: St. Peter
Phlegmatic- Phlegmatics are quiet people who react slowly and with a low intensity. They don’t get angry easily, but their feelings are easily hurt. However, they usually don't say anything to retaliate because they would rather do what others want than their own desires. They have a tendency towards being lazy and indifferent to everything. They are very accepting of rules and tradition, even if it doesn’t make sense or is unjust. Even though they often try to avoid things like people and mental or manual exertion, they think relationships are important.
Good things about phlegmatics is that they tend to be very peaceful and hate strife and arguing. They are very patient and can control their feelings very well, and tend to be well liked. They are very calm, low-key, and easy-going. They have a large store of common sense. They have a special gift of being good mediators, as they want to preserve peace almost at any cost. Phlegmatics should try to become less dispassionate and uninterested. They are introverted.
Saint with this temperament: St. Thomas Aquinas
Introverted: This means the person is less sociable, is more comfortable with his thoughts and emotions than material things, reserved, and more distant.
Extraverted: This means the person is very comfortable in a sociable environment, is comfortable with people and events, is livelier, and more enthusiastic.
But how can you discover your temperament? The two books I mention at the end of the article both have very thorough tests you can give yourself. I personally prefer the test in the latter book. Even though you may be pretty sure you can tell what your temperament is from this article, it is a good idea to take the test. You may be surprised!
When taking the test, you need to remember to put down the traits you naturally posses, not the ones you want! This is difficult but doable. Pray to the Holy Ghost to help you.
Every person has a temperament. However, as we are all completely different, we usually have traits from more than just one temperament. One temperament usually predominates, and this is called the primary temperament. Another temperament we may have many traits from, but not as many as the primary. This is the secondary temperament. For example, I am a melancholic-sanguine. This means my primary temperament is melancholic, but I also have many sanguine traits. We usually have a few other traits from different temperaments as well. However, the primary and secondary are the most important to focus on.
But why should you “know thyself”? This is an important thing because you need to know what sins you are most inclined to. I’ll use myself as an example. As I am a melancholic-sanguine one of my worst faults is saying too much too frankly and out of turn. Before I knew my temperament, I was not nearly as aware of this fact. But now that I know my temperament, I also have a better understanding of my weaknesses. I know that I must be on my guard for talking too much, being too proud and argumentative, being materialistic and self-centered, and all the other faults that come with my temperaments.
You also should know your temperament because of the positive things. It will help you know your capabilities. If you think you’re “no good” because you aren’t as good of a leader as one of your friends, you are good in a different way. Perhaps you can restore peace between people, or simply listen to them. The temperaments help us understand that God created us all in a very different and special way for His use. If you know your temperament you have a valuable key that will help you know what is wanted of you on earth. You will understand yourself, and see that God made you in this way for His Own purposes. You will understand why you have inclinations to do certain things. If they are bad, you can weed them out. If they are good, you can cultivate them. But you will see all your faults and good points so much more clearly if you know yourself.
If you understand the temperaments, you can also understand other people much better. We will know what not to say to a sensitive melancholic, that we can’t step all over the peaceful phlegmatic, that the choleric is prone to anger, that the sanguine often says all those hurtful things in jest. If we have an understanding of the way others view the world, we will not be so inclined to do some things that would be hurtful to them. We can also understand more when they hurt us. If they need help in any way we will know better how to give it. We can help each other to Heaven so much better if we truly understand each other.
I think the temperaments are an important and often neglected part of the spiritual life. If you found this article interesting, you may want to read more on the four temperaments. There are many books on it, but I have read two that I can recommend. One is a booklet entitled The Four Temperaments, by Father Conrad Hock. It can be obtained from the Pallotine Fathers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The other is a book called The Temperament God Gave You, by Art and Larraine Bennet. It is also written by Catholics from an entirely Catholic point of view. It can be obtained from the Leaflet Missal Company. Both are very good, informative books.
I hope this article gave you some help in “knowing thyself”. St. Teresa of Avila once said, “Self-knowledge is so important that, even if you were raised right up to the heavens, I should like you never to relax your cultivation of it.” In the preparation for the St. Louis de Montfort consecration to Our Lady, one of the weeks is devoted to knowledge of self. In his book, The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis reminds us of the importance of this. All through the ages the saints have repeated this – to know God you must know yourself!
True knowledge of self will never lead to pride. Instead, it will lead to humility. We will know our infirmities and, seeing our weakness and imperfections, know that we must fly to God and that only He can give us the necessary strength. If we do not know ourselves we will have a difficult time seeing that we truly need the help of God in our lives. Without Him we are nothing and can do nothing.
But what is a temperament?
There are four temperaments – choleric, melancholic, sanguine, and phlegmatic. The idea of four temperaments may have begun with Hippocrates. He believed that people behaved in certain ways because there was an imbalance of bodily fluids. This is where the names of the temperaments come from. Hippocrates believed that if a person had too much yellow bile from the liver he was a choleric. Too much blood from the heart indicated a sanguine, and a melancholic had too much black bile from the kidneys. A phlegmatic had too much phlegm from the lungs. This theory, however, is rather unlikely.
Throughout the ages, though, people made variations on Hippocrates’ idea of all people being divided into four main personalities (even though personality is a different thing from temperament). The four temperaments are indeed a predominately Catholic idea.
Now let’s take a look at each of the four temperaments.
Choleric- Cholerics react very quickly to situations, and the reaction is of a very long duration. They tend to have a very strong will. They usually have a problem with controlling their anger. They are the “my way or the highway” type, and are sure their ideas are the best and woe to anyone who disagrees! They make good leaders because they’re strong-willed and logical, and like to take charge. This wish to always be in charge can lead to dire consequences, however! They are headstrong and impatient, and are not always careful of other peoples’ feelings. They can be overly critical of others, and tend to blame others rather than themselves. They enjoy arguing and are inclined to retaliation. They have a very strong pride, and feel that they would prefer to die rather then humble themselves.
On their good side, however, cholerics are very dedicated and determined. They will dauntlessly go through all sorts of difficulties to attain their goal. They tend to be optimistic. They are good workers and thrive on activity. They are very enthusiastic and independent. They are very frank and direct, which is not always good, as they frequently display a lack of prudence! They set high goals and standards for themselves. They are very decisive. They have a very keen mind and are often very intelligent. The virtues the choleric needs to increase in particular are compassion and humility. They are extroverted (I will explain this later).
Saint with this temperament: St. Paul
Melancholic- Melancholics are very slow to react to a situation, but their reaction grows and becomes very strong and long lasting over time. They tend to be perfectionists, and spend a lot of time carefully considering every little detail of plans. They have a very pessimistic outlook on life and are very sensitive and easily hurt, but tend to keep their feelings to themselves (unlike a choleric). They can be very moody, and like to be alone. They are more of thinkers than doers. They can be very indecisive, and are prone to being self-pitying and are easily discouraged. They make friends slowly and don’t always really want any. They have a tendency to hold grudges, as do cholerics.
Some strengths of the melancholic temperament are that they are attracted to beauty, nobility, and all ideals even more than any other temperament. They long for perfection. They have a natural love of prayer and meditation. They have a very strong will, but they can be so cautious that it seems as if they have no courage. Some things that would be useful for the melancholic person to increase are their self-confidence, optimisim, and nfeeling of self-worth. Melancholics are introverted (this will be explained later).
Saint with this temperament: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Sanguine- The sanguine is a fun-loving, cheerful person with a very eager, unembarrassed, and carefree manner. They have quick reactions to situations, but the reactions are of short duration. They make friends easily, but seem to prefer to have lots of friends over a few close ones. Friends and relationships are important, and sanguines want to please everyone. They lack follow-through and are very impulsive. They are very attuned to their senses and notice and enjoy clothes and details. However, if they are not careful, they are prone to becoming very materialistic. They may be rash or imprudent, but this is most often not entirely willfully. They can be superficial, and tend to talk without thinking and hurt people, somewhat like cholerics. However, it’s easier for the sanguine to apologize, because they just want to be loved.
Some of the good traits of the sanguine temperament are their generous and forgiving nature. Sanguines are very co-operative and accepting and work well in groups. They are very friendly and outgoing. They enjoy change, new things, and people. They love having friends and being with people, and are often the “life of the party” because they enjoy being the center of attention.They have a strong sense of humor and enjoy teasing people. They are very optimistic and look at everything from the bright side. They are very energetic and self-sacrificing, and will do anything for someone they love. Sanguines should try to be less superficial and acquire more follow-through, and to develop the energetic, caring part of their nature. The sanguine is an extroverted temperament.
Saint with this temperament: St. Peter
Phlegmatic- Phlegmatics are quiet people who react slowly and with a low intensity. They don’t get angry easily, but their feelings are easily hurt. However, they usually don't say anything to retaliate because they would rather do what others want than their own desires. They have a tendency towards being lazy and indifferent to everything. They are very accepting of rules and tradition, even if it doesn’t make sense or is unjust. Even though they often try to avoid things like people and mental or manual exertion, they think relationships are important.
Good things about phlegmatics is that they tend to be very peaceful and hate strife and arguing. They are very patient and can control their feelings very well, and tend to be well liked. They are very calm, low-key, and easy-going. They have a large store of common sense. They have a special gift of being good mediators, as they want to preserve peace almost at any cost. Phlegmatics should try to become less dispassionate and uninterested. They are introverted.
Saint with this temperament: St. Thomas Aquinas
Introverted: This means the person is less sociable, is more comfortable with his thoughts and emotions than material things, reserved, and more distant.
Extraverted: This means the person is very comfortable in a sociable environment, is comfortable with people and events, is livelier, and more enthusiastic.
But how can you discover your temperament? The two books I mention at the end of the article both have very thorough tests you can give yourself. I personally prefer the test in the latter book. Even though you may be pretty sure you can tell what your temperament is from this article, it is a good idea to take the test. You may be surprised!
When taking the test, you need to remember to put down the traits you naturally posses, not the ones you want! This is difficult but doable. Pray to the Holy Ghost to help you.
Every person has a temperament. However, as we are all completely different, we usually have traits from more than just one temperament. One temperament usually predominates, and this is called the primary temperament. Another temperament we may have many traits from, but not as many as the primary. This is the secondary temperament. For example, I am a melancholic-sanguine. This means my primary temperament is melancholic, but I also have many sanguine traits. We usually have a few other traits from different temperaments as well. However, the primary and secondary are the most important to focus on.
But why should you “know thyself”? This is an important thing because you need to know what sins you are most inclined to. I’ll use myself as an example. As I am a melancholic-sanguine one of my worst faults is saying too much too frankly and out of turn. Before I knew my temperament, I was not nearly as aware of this fact. But now that I know my temperament, I also have a better understanding of my weaknesses. I know that I must be on my guard for talking too much, being too proud and argumentative, being materialistic and self-centered, and all the other faults that come with my temperaments.
You also should know your temperament because of the positive things. It will help you know your capabilities. If you think you’re “no good” because you aren’t as good of a leader as one of your friends, you are good in a different way. Perhaps you can restore peace between people, or simply listen to them. The temperaments help us understand that God created us all in a very different and special way for His use. If you know your temperament you have a valuable key that will help you know what is wanted of you on earth. You will understand yourself, and see that God made you in this way for His Own purposes. You will understand why you have inclinations to do certain things. If they are bad, you can weed them out. If they are good, you can cultivate them. But you will see all your faults and good points so much more clearly if you know yourself.
If you understand the temperaments, you can also understand other people much better. We will know what not to say to a sensitive melancholic, that we can’t step all over the peaceful phlegmatic, that the choleric is prone to anger, that the sanguine often says all those hurtful things in jest. If we have an understanding of the way others view the world, we will not be so inclined to do some things that would be hurtful to them. We can also understand more when they hurt us. If they need help in any way we will know better how to give it. We can help each other to Heaven so much better if we truly understand each other.
I think the temperaments are an important and often neglected part of the spiritual life. If you found this article interesting, you may want to read more on the four temperaments. There are many books on it, but I have read two that I can recommend. One is a booklet entitled The Four Temperaments, by Father Conrad Hock. It can be obtained from the Pallotine Fathers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The other is a book called The Temperament God Gave You, by Art and Larraine Bennet. It is also written by Catholics from an entirely Catholic point of view. It can be obtained from the Leaflet Missal Company. Both are very good, informative books.
I hope this article gave you some help in “knowing thyself”. St. Teresa of Avila once said, “Self-knowledge is so important that, even if you were raised right up to the heavens, I should like you never to relax your cultivation of it.” In the preparation for the St. Louis de Montfort consecration to Our Lady, one of the weeks is devoted to knowledge of self. In his book, The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a Kempis reminds us of the importance of this. All through the ages the saints have repeated this – to know God you must know yourself!
True knowledge of self will never lead to pride. Instead, it will lead to humility. We will know our infirmities and, seeing our weakness and imperfections, know that we must fly to God and that only He can give us the necessary strength. If we do not know ourselves we will have a difficult time seeing that we truly need the help of God in our lives. Without Him we are nothing and can do nothing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)