Meditation for August 31, Rigid Virtue

Certain religious [and others] add a supplementary severity to that required by the rule, on account of their exaggerated and rigid interpretation of it.

Not only do they forbid in themselves all shortcomings, which would certainly be praiseworthy, but they manifest so much harsh­ness and lack of good nature in their virtuous attitude as to make it unattractive, and by that very fact, no virtue at all. They con­centrate rigorously, and often with bitterness, upon the failings and weaknesses of others, thus wounding charity under pretext of defending the rights of fidelity to the Rule, without making fidelity loved.

To such overly harsh and rigorous persons, St. Theresa of Avila said, "Believe me, our Rule does not want severe persons, it is sufficiently so itself."

We must not, however, tolerate any easy-going discipline; any offhandedness manifested in a breezy take-it-or-leave-it attitude; any easy indulgence for self which readily pardons everything thus condoning mediocrity.

Neither should we adopt a tense and strenuous spirituality, fatiguing not only for the one who lives it, but likewise for all those who see him or her live it; nor should we harbor in our personality any tartness that love has not sufficiently mellowed; or that cannot see the saving side of any situation, or its most favorable interpretation.

"O Jesus, do not allow me to practice a morose and peevish virtue; let my virtue be living and solid, but serene and attractive as well."

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Adapted from Meditations for Religious
by Father Raoul Plus, S.J. (© 1939, Frederick Pustet Co.)