Thought for the Day – 8 May – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
LX: … Concerning the Examination of Conscience
“In the Examination of Conscience, consider three things:
- The faults committed on the particular day.
- The occasions of these faults.
- Your need of alacrity in amending those faults and acquiring the contrary virtues.
With regard to the faults committed each day, recall the commendations of Chapter Twenty Six (XXVI: See Links below) which treats of the mode of behaviour to be adopted by one who has fallen into sin.
It goes without saying that you must strive, with the greatest caution and circumspection, to avoid the occasions of these faults.
And as to the amendment of these faults and the acquisition of the
requisite virtues, you must fortify your will by a firm confidence in God, Who will aid you in remedying the evil habits.
If, however, you find that you have triumphed in the struggle over self or excelled in the performance of a good work, beware of vainglory. Even the memory of such victories should not be too much in your thoughts, lest presumption and vanity steal quietly and insidiously, into your heart.
Leave, therefore, your good works, whatever they maybe, to the mercy of God and, forgetting the triumphs of the past, fortify yourself for the struggles of the future.
As to your thanksgiving for the gifts and favours which the Lord has bestowed upon you in the course of the day, humbly acknowledge Him to be the Author of all good and your Protector against myriad unseen foes.
Thank Him for having inspired you with good thoughts and for having given you the opportunities of practicing virtue.
And finally, thank Him for all His unknown gifts of which you will never know!”
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
Chapter Twenty Six (XXVI):
XXVI: … What Are We To Do When Wounded?
(Part One) XXVI: … What Are We To Do When Wounded?
(Part Two)
AnaStpaul 