Salesian Literature

Chapter 10:  How to strengthen the heart against temptations

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Reflect sometimes on what are your dominating passions. After discovering them, adopt a way of life completely contrary to them in thoughts, words and deeds.  For example, if you feel inclined to vanity, think often of the misery of this human life; consider how troublesome these vanities will be to the conscience on the day of your death; how unworthy they are of a generous heart; that they are but toys and amusements of little children; and so on.  Speak often against vanity, and even though you feel reluctant, do not cease to despise it.  By this means you will commit yourself against this vanity even as regards your honour.  By repeatedly speaking against a thing we come to hate it, though at the beginning we were attached to it.  Do lowly and humble works as often as you may feel a dislike for them.  Thus you will accustom yourself to humility and weaken your vanity.  In this way when temptation comes your inclination will not favour it much, and you will have more strength to resist it.

 

If you are inclined to avarice, think often of the folly of this sin which makes us slaves of that which is created only to serve us; when we die we have to leave all our possessions and put them in the hands of some one else who may squander them, or use them for his ruin and damnation;  and similar thoughts.  Speak strongly against avarice, praise highly the contempt of the world.  Force yourself to give alms often, and to do works of charity, sometimes let opportunities of gathering wealth slip by.

 

If you are inclined to give or receive insincere love think often how dangerous such a pastime is, both for you and for others.  How unworthy it is to profane the spirit’s most noble affection for amusement!  Indeed, it is a matter for blame as it is extreme frivolity of spirit.  Speak often in praise of purity and simplicity of heart, conforming your actions to such words and avoiding all affectations and flirtations.

 

Finally, in time of peace, that is, when temptations to sins to which you are inclined do not trouble you, make many acts of the contrary virtue.  If opportunities do not arise, go boldly to meet them.  In this way you will strengthen your heart against future temptations.

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