Catholic Candle note: The article immediately below is part six of the study of the Choleric temperament.  The first five parts can be found here:

1.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #36:  About the Temperaments – Beginning our Study of the Choleric Temperament: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/08/27/lesson-35-about-the-temperaments-the-choleric-temperament/

2.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #37: About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study of the Choleric Temperament: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/09/26/lesson-37-about-the-temperaments-continuation-of-the-choleric-temperament/

3.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #38 — About the Temperaments – Continuing our Study of the Choleric Temperament – Their Spiritual Combat: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/10/24/lesson-38-temperaments-choleric-temperament-their-spiritual-combat/

4.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #39 About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study of the Choleric Temperament – That Temperament’s Spiritual Combat – Part IV: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/11/26/lesson-39-temperaments-choleric-temperament-their-spiritual-combat-part-iv/

 

5.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #40: Temperaments – Choleric Temperament – Their Spiritual Combat – Part V: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/12/30/lesson-40-temperaments-choleric-temperament-their-spiritual-combat-part-v/

 

Mary’s School of Sanctity

Lesson #41 – About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study of the Choleric Temperament: a Choleric’s Spiritual Combat — Part VI

Note: When referring to a person with a choleric temperament in this article we simply will refer to him as a choleric.

As we continue our study of the choleric temperament, we examine some aspects of anger more closely because anger is one of the most prominent features of the choleric temperament (and unreasonable anger is one of its greatest dangers).

In this present lesson, we will look more at what anger does to the body and the role that reason plays in anger.  This present examination of anger focuses on signs which a person can use to detect anger in himself.  We will see the importance of using these signs when we see (in a future article) what a great danger excess anger can be for a choleric.

What Does Anger Do to the Body?

St. Thomas explains that there is a bodily transmutation that occurs in the passions of the soul.  This transmutation is in proportion to the movement of appetite, that is, the desire.  He says that every appetite tends with greater force to repel that which is contrary to it.  Here is how he explains this concept with regards to the passion of anger:

Since the appetitive movement of anger is caused by some injury inflicted, as by a contrary that is present; it follows that the appetite tends with great force to repel the injury by the desire of vengeance; and hence ensures great vehemence and impetuosity in the movement of anger.   And because the movement of anger is not one of recoil, which corresponds to the action of cold, but one of prosecution, which corresponds to the action of heat, the result is that the movement of anger produces fervor of the blood and vital spirits around the heart, which is the instrument of the soul’s passions.  And hence it is that, on account of the heart being so disturbed by anger, those chiefly who are angry betray signs of it in their outer members.  For, as St. Gregory says [ De Moralis volume 30] the heart that is inflamed with the stings of its own anger beats quick, the body trembles, the tongue stammers, the countenance takes fire, the eyes grow fierce, they that are well-known are not recognized.  With the mouth indeed he shapes a sound, but the understanding knows not what it says.[1] 

How is reason involved with the passion of anger?

There are two aspects of the relationship of reason and anger that we will address at this time: 1) How anger requires an act of reason, and 2) how the heat of anger counteracts the proper use of the reason.

1) How anger requires an act of reason

In our last Lesson (#40), we discussed St. Thomas’s statement: “Anger is the desire to hurt another for the purpose of just vengeance.”  This just vengeance is as a repayment for an injury done.  There are a variety of types of injuries which we pointed out also in Lesson #40.  Reason is used in determining that an injury was done and what is proper to do about the injury.

St. Thomas explains for us how reason is involved in the passion of anger.  First, St.  Thomas quotes Aristotle saying, “Anger listens to reason somewhat,”[2] and afterward tells us the following:

Anger is a desire for vengeance.  However, vengeance implies a comparison between the punishment to be inflicted and the hurt done; wherefore the Philosopher says in Ethics Bk. 7 ch.6 #1149b1, that anger, as if it had drawn the inference that it ought to quarrel with such a person, is therefore immediately exasperated. However, to compare and to draw an inference is an act of reason.  Therefore, anger, in a fashion, requires an act of reason.[3]

Even though the passions are connected to our bodies in what is called the sensitive appetite or desire, St. Thomas makes it clear that our reason is certainly also involved in what we do with our passions, including anger.  He explains in these words:

The movement of the appetitive power may follow an act of reason in two ways.  In the first way, it follows the reason in so far as the reason commands: and thus the will follows reason, wherefore it is called the rational appetite.  In another way, it follows reason in so far as the reason denounces, and thus anger follows reason.  For the Philosopher says (De Problematibus section 28; probl. 3) that anger follows reason, not in obedience to reason’s command, but as a result of reason’s denouncing the injury.  Because the sensitive appetite is subject to the reason, not immediately but through the will.

We must keep in mind another aspect of anger, and that is, the second point given just above.

2) How the heat of anger counteracts the proper use of the reason.

St. Thomas relates what St. Gregory says in his De Moralis that anger “withdraws the light of understanding, since it [anger] confounds the mind by stirring it [the mind] thoroughly”.[4]

St. Thomas delves into the topic further as follows:

Although the mind or reason makes no use of a bodily organ in its proper act, yet, since it needs certain sensitive powers for the execution of its act, the acts of which powers are hindered when the body is disturbed, it follows of necessity that any disturbance in the body hinders even the judgment of reason; as is clear in the case of drunkenness or sleep. However, it has been stated (A. 2) that anger, above all, causes a bodily disturbance in the region of the heart, so much as to effect even the outward members. Consequently, of all the passions, anger is the most manifest obstacle to the judgment of reason, according to Ps. 30:10: “My eye is troubled with wrath.”[5]

St. Thomas adds:

“The beginning of anger is in the reason, as regards the appetitive movement, which is the formal element of anger.  But the passion of anger forestalls the perfect judgment of reason, as though it listened but imperfectly to reason, on account of the commotion of the heat urging to instant action, which commotion is the material element of anger.  In this respect it hinders the judgment of reason.[6]

St. Thomas gives us an additional explanation about reason being hindered by anger.  He begins by quoting St. Gregory as saying, “when anger does not vent itself outwardly by the lips, inwardly it burns the more fiercely.”[7]

Then St. Thomas continues as follows:

As stated above (A. 3; Q. 46, A. 4), anger both follows an act of reason, and hinders the reason: and in both respects it may cause taciturnity [that is, being uncommunicative by speech].  On the part of the reason, when the judgment of reason prevails so far, that although it does not curb the appetite in its inordinate desire for vengeance, yet it curbs the tongue from unbridled speech. Wherefore Gregory says (Moral. v, 30): Sometimes when the mind is disturbed, anger, as if in judgment, commands silence.  On the part of the impediment to reason because, as stated above (A. 2), the disturbance of anger reaches to the outward members, and chiefly to those members which reflect more distinctly the emotions of the heart, such as the eyes, face, and tongue; wherefore, as observed above (A. 2), the tongue stammers, the countenance takes fire, the eyes grow fierce.  Consequently, anger may cause such a disturbance, that the tongue is altogether deprived of speech; and taciturnity is the result.[8]

This is an ideal time to turn our attention to our next points of investigation.    In our next lesson we will look at the dangers that may occur if one does not watch his anger closely and/or does not confirm if his anger is just.

Catholic Candle note: The article immediately below is part five of the study of the Choleric temperament.  The first four parts can be found here:

1.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #36:  About the Temperaments – Beginning our Study of the Choleric Temperament: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/08/27/lesson-35-about-the-temperaments-the-choleric-temperament/

2.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #37: About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study of the Choleric Temperament: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/09/26/lesson-37-about-the-temperaments-continuation-of-the-choleric-temperament/

3.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #38 — About the Temperaments – Continuing our Study of the Choleric Temperament – Their Spiritual Combat: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/10/24/lesson-38-temperaments-choleric-temperament-their-spiritual-combat/

4.    Mary’s School of Sanctity – Lesson #39 About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study of the Choleric Temperament – That Temperament’s Spiritual Combat – Part IV: https://catholiccandle.org/2024/11/26/lesson-39-temperaments-choleric-temperament-their-spiritual-combat-part-iv/

Mary’s School of Sanctity

Lesson #40 About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study the Choleric Temperament: Their Spiritual Combat – Part V

Note: When referring to a person with a choleric temperament in this article we simply will label him as a choleric.

In our last lesson we explained in general the passion of anger.  We saw that anger is caused by a concurrence of several passions so that anger involves a hope of vengeance (whether just or unjust).  We included the following lists of points which will need to be discussed in order to better understand anger as a passion and to see how crucial it is for anyone to be well aware of the proper use of anger.   

·         What does anger do and how does it move the soul to action?

 

·         What role does reason play in the use of anger?

·         How does justice fit in with the use of anger?

·         If anger can be unjust, and if can lead to many dangers; what are these possible dangers?

·         How should one fight his feelings of unjust anger?

Because cholerics are very prone to anger, they have a special need for caution regarding their anger.  Hence, it is so important that they have a good comprehension of the passion of anger.

So let us begin by giving some background information on anger and how it works in the soul.

What motivates anger?

St. Thomas Aquinas explains that anger arises in connection with something we suffer or that we perceive that we suffer. Here is his explanation:

Anger is the desire to hurt another for the purpose of just vengeance.  However, unless some injury has been done, there is no question of vengeance; nor does any injury provoke one to vengeance, but only that which is done to the person who seeks vengeance; for just as everything naturally seeks its own good, so does it [everything] naturally repel its own evil. But injury done by anyone does not affect a man unless in some way it be something done against him.  Consequently, the motive of a man’s anger is always something done against him.[1]

This anger as a result of something done to us can include something done to others as St. Thomas shows here:

If we are angry with those who harm others, and seek to be avenged on them, it is because those who are injured belong in some way to us: either by some kinship or friendship, or at least because of the nature we have in common.[2]

In addition to harm done to ourselves and/or others, we can also take offense if something we love is despised by another, as St. Thomas explains here:

When we take a very great interest in a thing, we look upon it as our own good; so that if anyone despise it, it seems as though we ourselves were despised and injured.[3]

St. Thomas also tells us about a concept that seems paradoxical but is nonetheless true.  He puts forth the objection as follows and then answers it:

Objection #4: Further, he that holds his tongue when another insults him, provokes him to greater anger, as Chrysostom observes (Hom. xxii, in Ep. ad Rom.)[4]. But by holding his tongue he does the other no harm.  Therefore, a man is not always provoked to anger by something done against him.

Reply #4: Silence provokes the insulter to anger when he thinks it is due to contempt, as though his anger were slighted and a slight is an action.[5]

Of course, when we are insulted, Our Lord would not want us to retaliate but to imitate Him by being meek.  He was insulted many times and did not open His Mouth.  So if someone takes offense because we silently take an insult, we need not worry about that person’s attitude.  We have an obligation to set a good example whether other people like it or not.

St. Thomas explains how the main cause of anger is someone slighting us or showing us contempt.  He quotes Aristotle saying that anger is “a desire, with sorrow, for vengeance, on account of a seeming slight done unbecomingly.”[6]

 St. Thomas explains being slighted as a motivation for anger as follows:

All the causes of anger are reduced to slight. For slight is of three kinds, as stated in [Aristotle’s work] Rhetoric Bk.2; ch.2, #1378a31 viz., contempt,   despiteful treatment, i.e., hindering one from doing one’s will, and insolence; and all motives of anger are reduced to these three.  Two reasons may be assigned for this.  First, because anger seeks another’s hurt as being a means of just vengeance, wherefore it seeks vengeance in so far as it seems just.  However, just vengeance is taken only for that which is done unjustly; hence, that which provokes anger is always something considered in the light of an injustice.

Wherefore the Philosopher says (Rhetoric Bk.2, ch. 3 #1380b16) that men are not angry if they think they have wronged someone and are suffering justly on that account; because there is no anger at what is just.  However, injury is done to another in three ways: namely, through ignorance, through passion, and through choice.  Then, most of all, a man does an injustice, when he does an injury from choice, on purpose, or from deliberate malice, as stated in Ethics Bk. 5, ch. 8 #1135b24 &1136a4.  Wherefore we are most of all angry with those who, in our opinion, have hurt us on purpose.  For if we think that someone has done us an injury through ignorance or through passion, either we are not angry with them at all, or very much less, since to do anything through ignorance or through passion takes away from the notion of injury, and to a certain extent calls for mercy and forgiveness.  Those, on the other hand, who commit an injury on purpose, seem to sin from contempt; wherefore we are angry with them most of all.  Hence, the Philosopher says (Rhetoric Bk.2, ch. 3 #1380a34) that we are either not angry at all, or not very angry with those who have acted through anger, because they do not seem to have acted slightingly.

The second reason is because a slight is opposed to a man’s excellence because men think little of things that are not worth much ado (Rhetoric Bk. 2, ch. 2 #1378b13). However, we seek for some kind of excellence from all our goods.  Consequently whatever injury is inflicted on us, in so far as it is derogatory to our excellence, seems to savor of a slight.[7]

St. Thomas tells us about various forms of being slighted, such as, being forgotten by others; that others should rejoice in our misfortunes; that they [others] should make known our evils; being hindered from doing as we like. He explains these in details as follows:

Each of those causes amounts to some kind of slight.  Thus, forgetfulness is a clear sign of slight esteem, for the more we think of a thing the more is it fixed in our memory.  Again, if a man does not hesitate by his remarks to give pain to another, this seems to show that he thinks little of him: and those too who show signs of hilarity when another is in misfortune, seem to care little about his good or evil.  Again, he that hinders another from carrying out his will, without deriving thereby any profit to himself, seems not to care much for his friendship. Consequently, all those things, in so far as they are signs of contempt, provoke anger.[8]

St. Thomas continues his treatment of the causes of anger still further in this section of the Summa.  One additional note we need to take from St. Thomas is his comment on the fact that, when a man excels in some aspect, e.g., he is wealthy or wise, he can be angered easily.  The reason he gives for this is:

However, it is evident that the more excellent a man is, the more unjust is a slight offered him in the matter in which he excels.  Consequently, those who excel in any matter, are most of all angry, if they be slighted in that matter; for instance, a wealthy man in his riches, or an orator in his eloquence, and so forth.[9]

On the other hand, St. Thomas explains that those who suffer from a lack of excellence in some way also become easily angered.  His comment follows:

Secondly, the cause of anger, in the man who is angry, may be considered on the part of the disposition produced in him by the motive aforesaid. However, it is evident that nothing moves a man to anger except a hurt that grieves him, while whatever savors of defect is above all a cause of grief since men who suffer from some defect are more easily hurt.  And this is why men who are weak, or subject to some other defect, are more easily angered, since they are more easily grieved.[10]

There is a connection we should briefly mention here between anger and humility.   One’s excellence – real or perceived – must be accompanied by humility.  Otherwise, a person would be greatly tempted to think he is better than he really is and he would fall into anger if others do not recognize his excellence.  Likewise, if someone has a defect which he could make efforts to overcome and he does not try to improve, he could also fall into anger if anyone attributes his defects to his refusal to make the necessary efforts.

A Preview…

In our next lesson we will look more at what anger does to the body and the role that reason plays in anger.

Mary’s School of Sanctity

Lesson #39 About the Temperaments – Continuing Our Study of the Choleric Temperament – That Temperament’s Spiritual Combat – Part IV

Note: In this article, when referring to a person with a choleric temperament, we simply call him a “choleric”.

In our last lesson we addressed the choleric’s type of pride.  We saw how pride is one of the main propensities that a choleric must be aware of in himself so he can be on guard against it.  His pride tends to drive him quickly to extremes.  One of the most dangerous things that his pride sparks in him is anger.   In this lesson we will delve into how anger, which is a natural human passion, is especially a problem area for the choleric.

Anger – a Natural Dispositional Inclination for the Choleric

St. Thomas Aquinas explains in his Summa Theologica[1] how the choleric temperament is prone to anger.  First of all, St. Thomas explains the causes of anger.  Anger is an irascible passion in man.

St. Thomas discusses the causes of the passion of anger.  He tells us that passions can be caused in two ways: 1) on the part of the objects of what a man desires; and 2) on the part of the subject who does the action of desiring.  In what we are studying now in these lessons, the subject is man.

We must remember that man is a rational animal and when it comes to the objects of what a man desires, we find that man seeks certain things because he is, by nature, an animal.  Thus, he seeks the bodily pleasures which are necessary to preserve not only his own life, but also those pleasures which are meant to be used to propagate the species of man.  So St. Thomas explains that if we consider man simply as an animal, then bodily desires are stronger than anger.

On the other hand, St. Thomas tells us that when considering man as a rational being, then anger is more natural to man than his bodily desires, in so far as anger follows reason more than desire does.  St. Thomas says, “It is natural to everything to rise up against things contrary and hurtful.”  (In a future lesson, we will discuss reason’s role in anger.)

St. Thomas shows how the temperament is another cause of anger, in the following words:

[I]f we consider the nature of the individual, in respect to his particular temperament, thus anger is more natural than desire; for the reason that anger is prone to ensue from the natural tendency to anger, more than desire, or any other passion is to ensue from a natural tendency to desire, which tendencies result from a man’s individual temperament.  Because disposition to anger is due to a bilious temperament; and of all the humors, the bile moves quickest; for it is like fire.  Consequently, he that is temperamentally disposed to anger is sooner incensed with anger than he that is inflamed with desire; and for this reason, the Philosopher[2] says (Ethics Bk. 7; ch. 6 #1126b30) that a disposition to anger is more liable to be transmitted from parent to child, than a disposition to desire [i.e., bodily desires].[3]

So let us set up a plan of study about this inclination that the choleric has.  We have all heard of just anger.  Our Lord used this when He kicked the money changers out of the Temple.  Yet, unfortunately more often we see that anger is not used justly. Therefore, it is very important to understand anger and to moderate this passion.  In order to learn how to use anger properly, we need to see the following:

·         Basically, what does anger do insofar as how it moves the soul into action?

·         What role does reason play in the use of anger?

·         How does justice fit in with the use of anger?

·         If anger is unjust, it can lead to many dangers.  What are these dangers?

·         How can one rid himself of feelings of unjust anger?

Understanding Anger as a Passion

St. Thomas explains to us that anger is a special passion because anger is caused by a concurrence of several passions, “because the movement of anger does not arise except on account of some pain inflicted, and unless there be desire and hope of revenge: for, as the Philosopher says in Rhetoric Bk. 2 ch. 2 #1378a31, ‘the angry man hopes to punish; since he craves for revenge as being possible.’”[4]

St. Thomas, quoting St. Augustine, tells us, “Anger craves for revenge,” and revenge belongs to justice.  Hence, anger is something good.  Furthermore, St. Thomas says that “Anger is always accompanied by hope, wherefore it causes pleasure, as the Philosopher says (Rhetoric Bk. 2; ch. 2 #1378b1).  But the object of hope and of pleasure is a good.  Therefore, good is also the object of anger.”[5]

A little after thins explanation, St. Thomas teaches how man can desire both good and evil either simply by following and adhering to the good or recoiling from evil, or man can desire in a more complex way by desiring some good or evil being in another or done to another, and either seeking this deed or recoiling from this deed.

St. Thomas then continues:

This is evident in the case of love and hatred: for we love someone, in so far as we wish some good to be in him; and we hate someone, in so far as we wish some evil to be in him.  It is the same with anger; for when a man is angry, he wishes to be avenged on someone.  Hence, the movement of anger has a twofold tendency: viz., 1) to vengeance itself, which it desires and hopes for as being a good, wherefore it takes pleasure in it; and 2) to the person on whom it seeks vengeance, as to something contrary and hurtful, which bears the character of evil.

We must, however, observe a twofold difference in this respect, between anger on the one side, and hatred and love on the other. The first difference is that anger always regards two objects: whereas love and hatred sometimes regard but one object, as when a man is said to love wine or something of the kind, or to hate it. The second difference is that both the objects of love are good: since the lover wishes good to someone, as to something agreeable to himself: while both the objects of hatred bear the character of evil: for the man who hates, wishes evil to someone, as to something disagreeable to him.  Whereas anger regards one object under the aspect of evil, viz., the noxious person, on whom it seeks to be avenged.  Consequently, it is a passion somewhat made up of contrary passions.[6]

Because, anger is driven by the hope of revenge, we can see how great care must be taken when one is using anger because we are obliged in conscience make sure our anger is just.

 A Preview …

In our next lesson we will pick up with the bullets points given above and continue our investigation of the importance of using our reason when dealing with all aspects of anger.  In this way, we will be better acquainted with one of the major challenges the choleric has in dealing with the weaknesses of his temperament.

Mary’s School of Sanctity

Lesson #35:  About the Temperaments – Beginning our Study of the Choleric Temperament

In this lesson we begin our study of the choleric temperament.

As we stated in lesson #34, we speak of four basic types of temperaments.  Yet we usually see that a person is a combination of two.  There is a predominant temperament and a secondary one.  One curious and very interesting thing we find when we get to know more about the temperaments, and when we discover our own particular temperament or blend of temperaments, is that we wouldn’t want to trade temperaments.  We are used to ourselves and only really know what it is like being just the temperament(s) we are – in other words, we have no experiential knowledge of actually being another temperament.

So how do we recognize the other temperaments?  The answer is that all the temperaments have certain key traits that are recognizable.  Suppose someone were to think, “What is all this stuff about temperaments?” or  “I have gotten along fine not knowing about them.”  In such a case, we respond that we are examining in a more careful and refined manner the same distinctions that society at large often makes about how some people are naturally outgoing and are called extroverts.  There are others who are quieter and reserved and are called introverts.  Thus, society commonly recognizes the traits called the temperaments, although in a less precise way than is our goal in this series of articles.

In this lesson we will be discussing the general descriptions of the typical strengths and weaknesses of the choleric temperament.  Of course, no two persons are exactly alike so we must to be careful and not think that if someone has the typical traits of the choleric temperament that he is exactly like another person who has these same traits.

In Lesson #35 we set forth the overall scheme in examining each temperament.  The first point we said we would investigate is the typical strengths and weaknesses of each of the four temperaments.

General Strengths and Weaknesses[1]

Strengths of the Choleric temperament:

·         Great energy and activity

·         Sharp intellect

·         Strong and resolute will

·         Good powers of concentration

 

·         Constancy

·         Magnanimity

 

·         Liberality/Generosity

·         Good at planning projects

·         Industrious

·         Strong leadership abilities

Weaknesses of the Choleric Temperament:

·         Hardness

·         Nurtures hatred and desire for revenge

 

·         Obstinacy

·         Insensibility

·         Anger

·         Pride

·         Ambition

·         Violence, cruelty, and arrogance upon meeting with resistance

·         Lack of delicacy of feeling, insensitive to the feelings of others

·         Coldness

·         Indifference

·         Impetuosity

In General – Ways to Use Strengths and Conquer Weaknesses[2]

Humans are expected by God to want to live a moral and reasonable life.  If one is disposed to live correctly, then he is said to be of good will.  In order to foster good will for a person with the choleric temperament, he should in general do the following:

·         Mistrust his first inclinations

·         Cultivate true humility

 

·         Develop compassion for the weak and uninstructed

·         Refrain from exerting superiority

·         Practice detachment from self

·         Manifest a generous love towards others

·         Restrain and moderate himself

So far we have only given general lists about the choleric temperament and indeed, it is surely important to explain the lists given above.  Before explaining the list, however, let us take a quick peek at a couple of unique facts about people with the choleric temperament.  

Since the choleric temperament is the most extraverted of the four temperaments, the traits of this temperament are extremely prominent.  With this in mind one can readily see that a choleric person can have a great impact on the lives of others.  Therefore, his influence is widely felt for good or for ill.  If he has virtue and holiness, he can be an instrument for much good to society.  On the other hand, if he is vicious, he can cause great harm to souls!

If the choleric is of good will then his strengths shine out and one does not notice that he has weaknesses.  It is often said that the choleric temperament makes great saints.  Indeed, many of the greatest saints were choleric, e.g. St. Paul, and St. Peter.

By contrast, if the choleric is of bad will, then his strengths are used for ill and his weaknesses are so enhanced that only his weaknesses are noticeable.  We can easily bring to mind the worst tyrants in human history and see that they were vicious men with a choleric temperament.

So out of all the four temperaments, when Our Lord says, “By their fruits you can know them,” persons with the choleric temperament show their fruits in the most noticeable way.  We can easily see these external fruits of the “choleric” because his face is expressive and his interior attitude shows up readily in his body language.  Thus, a choleric person’s good will or bad will is easily detected.  In this way we can see that his will seems to play a much bigger role in determining his exterior actions and his impact on others.

It is interesting to note that the strengths and weakness of the other temperaments do not show as extreme an opposition as we find in the choleric temperament.  This opposition is directly related to good will versus bad will in the choleric.

So, let’s start by briefly analyzing the strengths listed above and seeing some of the effects they can cause.  We will be focusing here on the “choleric” of good will, keeping in mind what we have just said above that if the “choleric” does not use these strengths with proper caution and Fear of the Lord, then the strengths will easily turn into the bad tendencies, namely the weaknesses listed above.  At a later point, after likewise treating the weaknesses and some of their effects, we will delve into more of the spiritual aspects of this temperament.   

Great energy and activity

The “choleric” seems to never sit still.  He has lots of energy; some would say ‘nervous energy’.   “Cholerics” are always on the go.  They don’t seem to run out of things to do.  A “choleric” with good will has great zeal to work for God.   For example, look at St. Paul in his epistle to the Corinthians where he lists the many sufferings he had on his numerous missionary journeys.  He had a great love for God so he wanted to accomplish many things for souls. 

Keen intellect

Those with the choleric temperament have good intellects.  They can readily draw proper conclusions.   They can spread the truth and the Catholic faith with ardor.  Again, we take the example of St. Paul who had a philosophical mind and was an eloquent preacher and writer.

Strong and resolute will

The choleric person is well recognized for his strong and resolute will.  As we stated above, it is crucial that the will be trained in the good.  We especially see the need for a life of virtue for a choleric person because he is bound to attract attention and he must not lead others to a life of sin.

Good powers of concentration

A person having the choleric temperament has a lot of determination and therefore, he focuses strongly on his goals.  One might say that they have a one track mind, but of course, this is an exaggeration.  If their attention is properly placed, they can achieve their goals with tremendous success.

Constancy

The choleric person can handle pressure and stress.  They have fortitude in the face of duress.  This is why the “choleric” makes a good leader.  He can lead when others are discouraged or confused.

Magnanimity

The choleric person has high ideals and noble pursuits.  He is very enthused about his ideas and this, too, makes him a sort of “born leader”.

Liberality/Generosity

The choleric person is very giving.  He is sometimes considered “generous to a fault”.  He would give someone “the shirt off his own back” (as the saying goes).  He of course has to use prudence to moderate himself.

Good at planning projects

The choleric person is said to be a “go-getter”.  He likes to plan projects.  He has good organizational skills.

Industrious

Having an abundance of energy, the choleric person likes to accomplish tasks and goals.  He is an asset for an employer and he also makes a driven entrepreneur.

Strong leadership abilities

Because the choleric person is an extravert who is enthusiastic about plans and goals he has set, he naturally has leadership skills.  He is a “take-charge” type of person.

A Preview …

In our next lesson we will briefly analyze the typical weaknesses of the choleric temperament given in our list above.  We will also discuss the results of these weaknesses.   After making this analysis, it will be easier for us to see the spiritual needs of the person with the choleric temperament and efficacious strategies that should be used for one’s salvation.

Mary’s School of Sanctity

Lesson #35 About the temperaments – further reasons why we study them

More about why we study the temperaments – what’s the point?

Because we humans were made to praise, revere, and serve God[1], and because we carry out this precept in the way we deal with our neighbor, it is important to try to understand ourselves and our neighbor well.  To better understand our neighbor, we should start with self-knowledge, which includes knowing our own inclinations.

We can and do know that by our fallen human nature we humans have general tendencies, i.e. concupiscence of the flesh, concupiscence of the eyes, and the pride of life,[2]  but we must not forget that each of us also has his own natural dispositions and inclinations.   Hence, we study the inclinations people naturally have when we study the basic four temperaments.  One important aspect of our study of the temperaments, AND a goal we have in our study, is to find our own strengths and weaknesses and to use our strengths to overcome our weaknesses.  This is a means to our perfection. 

Each of the temperaments has a set of typically found strengths and weaknesses.  So, our challenge in our life is to work out our salvation by discovering our strengths and weaknesses, and with God’s help, of course, to use our strengths to overcome our weaknesses.  Thus, God intends for us to hew away at the things of our temperaments which are not favorable to a charitable relationship with Him and our neighbor.  In this way, too, He wills us to use the God-given strengths we have to glorify Him.  This is indeed what the saints did.[3]

Therefore, when we study the temperaments, we can come to better appreciation of our neighbor by recognizing his temperament and thereby seeing how we can work more harmoniously with him.  Another beneficial aspect of this knowledge is that it helps us to avoid rashly judging our neighbor, and in turn, this fosters our practice of compassionating our neighbor.   

With all this in mind, we can easily see that there are many good reasons to learn about the four basic temperaments and the possible combinations of these, and how people with the temperaments interact with each other.

One important additional consideration to make is to reflect upon Our Lord and Our Lady.  Both Our Lord and Our Lady had in their genetic make-up a perfect mixture of the four temperaments.  How do we know this?  They were both immaculately conceived and without any stain of sin for the entire duration of their lives.   It is also fitting that they would both be a perfect blend and balance of the four temperaments and would have nothing that would stand out as a genetic weakness.  God intended that they both would be models for us to imitate.

Setting forth the overall scheme of looking at each of the temperaments.

·         For each temperament, we will set out a listing of its general strengths and weaknesses.

 

·         We will discuss how a person with each temperament, who is of good will, uses the strengths to overcome the weaknesses.

 

·         We will discuss how a person with each temperament, who is of bad will, does not use the strengths to overcome the weaknesses.

 

·         We will discuss aspects of the prayer life/spiritual life of each temperament.

 

·         We will discuss the typical temptations which impact each temperament and how the temptations can be counteracted.

 In our next lesson, we will begin our treatment of the choleric temperament

Mary’s School of Sanctity

Lesson #34  About the Temperaments – An Introduction

There are many things one can say about the subject of temperaments.  In the next series of lessons, we will be investigating this topic.  We will set about probing the following questions:

1.    What is the definition of temperament?

2.    What is the definition of character?

 

3.    What is the definition of personality?

4.    Why do we bother learning about temperaments?

a.    Because we can know ourselves better by knowing our own temperament.

b.    Because the knowledge of temperaments can help us understand others    better and, thus, improve our relationships with other people.

5.    Can knowing one’s own temperament help a person with the work he must do for his salvation?

 

a.    Yes, because one can see the typical strengths and weaknesses of his temperament and thus, he can see how to foster the strengths of his temperament in order to overcome his weaknesses.

b.    Yes, because a person’s temperament will incline him to view spirituality in a particular way.

 

6.    Can understanding the temperaments help parents and others in positions of authority guide those in their care?

a.    Yes, understanding the temperaments can help superiors see the best way to deal with those in their care.

b.    Yes, superiors can teach those in their care about the temperaments and help them to understand how to use strengths to overcome weaknesses.

7.    Can understanding the temperaments help spouses live more harmoniously together?

a.    Yes, the couple can get along better by knowing how the particular temperaments interact with each other.

b.    Yes, the couple can also strategize better in the raising of their children by observing and studying the temperaments of their children.

8.    Can understanding the temperaments help a young adult find a more compatible spouse?

a.    Yes, because the young adult will be able to find out what temperament might best suit his/her own.

b.    Yes, knowing the temperaments will help the young adult see how crucial it is to find a compatible spouse and one who is working with the strengths of his/her temperament to overcome the weaknesses of that temperament. 

Getting started – 1) What is the definition of temperament?

We learn in our catechism that man is composed of body and soul.  The body is made of matter and the soul is spiritual.  Each human souls are created like every other one, although each soul is a separate creation of God.  At conception, when the parts of matter are united, God creates the soul which informs that particular matter.  Therefore, souls are individualized by the matter in which they are placed.  Each person has a separate soul in separate matter.

With this information in mind, we can begin our investigation of the matter which distinguishes persons[1] and determines a person’s temperament.  This matter is genetic and so our temperaments are derived from the genetic code which we inherit from our parents.  Each temperament has a typical set of traits. 

The word temperament comes from the Latin word temperamentum, meaning “a mixing in due proportion” and this word in turn comes from the Latin word tempare, meaning “to combine or mingle in due proportion.”  Temperament refers to “the peculiar physical and mental character of an individual, as the sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric (or bilious), or melancholic temperament, denoted types formerly believed to be due the preponderance of one or the other of these humors; Frame of mind or type of mental reactions characteristic of an individual”.[2]  

The humors referred to here are “In old physiology, a fluid or juice, especially one of the four fluids—blood, phlegm, choler (yellow bile), and melancholy (black bile)—conceived as disposition or state of mind; mood.”[3]

Hence, it is with reference to these four bodily humors that there springs the idea of the four basic temperaments listed below:

Sanguine –very generous, giving all [characterized by having an abundant circulation of blood; warm; ardent; disposed to be hopeful; anticipating the best.

Melancholic [melas-anos, black + chole, gall, bile] a thick, dark, acrid bile formerly imagined to be a secretion of the kidneys or spleen, and the cause of gloominess, irascibility, or mental dejection, later, extreme depression of spirits, painful delusions, or brooding [Sadness].

Choleric [characterized by choler or bile] hot-tempered, easily angered or irritated, also angry.

Phlegmatic [one of the four “humors” of early physiology.] It was supposed to be cold and moist, and to cause sluggishness.  Sluggishness of temperament; apathy; calmness, equanimity.[4]

There are various schools of thought of how these humors actually influence our bodies and determine what temperament we each have.  Nevertheless, these humors can be thought of as follows:

Fourfold classification seems fairly to represent certain markedly contrasted types of disposition, though they leave room for subdivision and intermediate forms. Moreover, though scientists are still far from being agreed as to the precise elements in the organism on which the temperament depends, the fact that different forms of temperament have an organic basis seems certain.  The transmission from parent to offspring of hereditary dispositions, therefore, involves no conflict with the doctrine of the creation of each human soul.[5]

2) What is the definition of character?

The Catholic Encyclopedia discusses character as follows:

Although our original temperament is thus given to us independently of our will, we ourselves play an important part in the molding of our character, and we thus become responsible for certain ethical qualities in it.  Character has been defined as “a completely fashioned will.”  It would be more accurate to say that character is “natural temperament completely fashioned by our will.”  It is in fact, a resultant of the combination of our acquired habits with our original disposition [temperament] ….

Among the acquired elements to which the building up of character may be distinguished are those pertaining to cognition, whether sensuous or intellectual, and those belonging to the emotional and volitional activities of the soul.  Exercise strengthens the power and widens the range of each faculty, creating, not uncommonly, a craving for further exercise in the same direction.  The regular use of the intellect, the reflection, contributes to the formation of habits of mind more or less thoughtful and refined. The frequent indulgence in particular forms of emotion, such as anger, envy, sympathy, melancholy, fear, and the like fosters tendencies towards these sentiments which give a subconscious bent to a large part of man’s behavior.  But finally, the exercise of the will plays the predominant part in molding the type of character which is being formed.   The manner and degree in which currents of thought and waves of emotion are initiated, guided, and controlled by the will, or allowed to follow the course of spontaneous impulse, has not less effect in determining the resultant type of character than the quality of the thoughts or emotions themselves.  The life of the lower animal is entirely ruled by instinct within, and by accidental circumstances from without.   It is therefore incapable of acquiring a character.  Man, through the awakening of reason and the growth of reflection, by the exercise of deliberate choice against the movements of impulse, gradually develops self-control; and it is by the exercise of this power that moral character is especially formed.  Character is in fact the outcome of a series of volitions, and it is for this reason we are responsible for our characters, as we are for the individual habits which go to constitute them [viz., characters].[6]

3) What is the definition of personality?

Personality is: 1) Quality or state of being personal, or of being a person; personal existence or identity. 2) Quality of referring directly to an individual. 3) Distinction or excellence of personal and social traits.[7]

Personality also applies to the aggregate of qualities which distinguish an individual, but the term differs from character in that it implies his [the individual’s] being distinguished as a person rather than as a moral being.   In general, personality may be said to be revealed in unconscious as well as in conscious acts or movements, in physical and emotional as well as in mental and moral behavior, and especially, in a person’s relations to others; thus, one may know very little about the character of an acquaintance, yet have a very definite idea of his personality.   Therefore, personality is qualified as not as good, bad, or the like, but by an adjective implying the extent to which it pleases, displeases, or otherwise impresses the observer.  …Hence, personality often distinctively means personal magnetism or charm.[8] 

Now that we have made the necessary distinctions concerning these three words, that is, temperament, character, and personality, let us briefly consider our 4^th question from above.

4) Why do we bother learning about temperaments?

    a) Because we can know ourselves better by knowing our own temperament.

     b) Because the knowledge of temperaments can help us understand others    better and thus improve our relationships with our neighbors.

With our fallen human nature, we are not inclined to want to know ourselves better. We have a kind of fear to see our defects, but self-knowledge has been spoken of by the saints repeatedly as being a very crucial part of our salvation and sanctification.  Acquiring self-knowledge is worth all the efforts one can make—especially because it helps us obtain humility.  Self-knowledge of the inclinations found in our temperament and knowledge of the tendencies of other people help us to avoid misjudging others.  In addition to this favorable result, we can make more allowances for others and also be more forgiving of others. 

So, let’s set about getting to know ourselves.

We have given the classes or types of temperaments that are most commonly spoken of.  Of course, there have been many who have studied the temperaments and have tried to classify them into more subdivisions with different names.  Each of us has a primary temperament and a secondary one.  In other words, we are usually a combination of two temperaments with one of them being predominant in us and the other one a clear second. What percentage is our predominant temperament?  We will need to study all four temperaments in order to discover our combination.

In upcoming Lessons concerning temperaments:

We will be discussing each of the four historically accepted temperaments incorporating the list of queries noted above.  We will likewise endeavor to give the spiritual difficulties that each temperament has as well as its positive spiritual traits. We will discuss the typical combinations found of the four types of temperaments.  In this way we can improve our interactions with others, discover our own temperament if we do not already know it, and assist ourselves in our life’s work, namely, the salvation or our souls.  After treating each of the four temperaments we will supply a couple of comparative charts so all the temperaments can be viewed side by side for analysis and a better understanding of how they interact.

 

 

                    Mary’s School of Sanctity                   

Lesson #33  The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius –—ST. IGNATIUS’S ADDITIONAL MEDITATION POINTS ON THE LIFE OF OUR LORD

This lesson might be viewed as a kind of appendix.

LIST OF ALL THE IGNATIAN POINTS FOR THE MYSTERIES OF THE LIFE OF OUR LORD

THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LADY                                                                          (Luke 1:26-38)

First Point – The Angel, St. Gabriel, greeted Our Lady and announced to her the conception of Christ Our Lord.  And when the Angel had come to her, he said: “Hail, full of grace…Thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son.”

 

Second Point— The Angel confirms what he had said to Our Lady by announcing the conception of St. John the Baptist, saying to her: “And behold, Elizabeth thy kinswoman also has conceived a son in her old age.”

 

Third Point—Out Lady replied to the Angel: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.”

 

THE VISITATION OF OUR LADY TO ELIZABETH

(Luke 1: 39-56)

 

First Point—When Our Lady visited St. Elizabeth, St. John the Baptist, in his mother’s womb, felt the visitation made by Our Lady.  When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe in her womb leapt. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost, and cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!”

 

Second Point— Our Lady chants the canticle, saying: “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

 

Third Point— And Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her own house.

 

THE BIRTH OF CHRIST OUR LORD

(Luke 2: 1-14)

 

First Point—Our Lady and her spouse, St. Joseph, go from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  And Joseph also went from Galilee to Bethlehem, in obedience to Caesar, with Mary his espoused wife who was with child.

 

Second Point—And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.

 

Third Point—And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host prainsing God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest.”

 

THE SHEPHERDS

(Luke 2: 8-20)

 

First Point—The birth of Christ Our Lord is made known to the shepherds by an angel: “I bring you god news of great joy, for today a Savior has been born to you.”

 

Second Point—The shepherds go to Bethlehem.  So they went with haste, and they found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

 

Third Point—And the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God.

 

THE CIRCUMCISION

(Luke 2: 21)

 

First Point—They circumcise the Child Jesus.

 

Second Point—His name was called Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

 

Third Point— They return the Child to His Mother, who felt compassion at the blood shed by her Son.

 

THE THREE MAGI KINGS

(Matt. 2: 1-12)

 

First Point—The three Magi Kings, guided by the star, came to adore Jesus, saying: “We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

 

Second Point—They adored Him and offered Him gifts. And falling down they worshipped Him, and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

 

Third Point—And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another way.

 

THE PURIFICATION OF OUR LADY AND THE PRESENTATION OF THE CHILD JESUS

(Luke 2: 22-39)

 

First Point—They take the Child Jesus to the Temple to be presented to the Lord as the firstborn, and they offer for Him a pair of turtle doves and two young pigeons.

 

Second Point—Simeon, coming into the Temple, also received Him into his arms, saying: “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word, in peace.”

 

Third Point—Anna, coming up at that very hour, began to give praise to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

 

THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

(Matt. 2: 13-15)

 

First Point—Herod wanted to kill the Child Jesus, and so he slew the Innocents.  Before their slaughter an angel warned Joseph to fly into Egypt: “Arise and take the child and his mother and flee into Egypt.”

 

Second Point—He set out for Egypt. So he arose, and took the child and his mother by night, and withdrew into Egypt.

 

Third Point— There he remained until the death of Herod.

 

 

THE RETURN FROM EGYPT

(Matt. 2:19-23)

 

First Point— The angel admonishes Joseph t return to Israel: “Arise, and take the child and his mother and go into the land of Israel.”

 

Second Point—So he arose…and went into the land of Israel.

 

Third Point—Since Archelaus, the son of Herod, ruled in Judea, he withdrew to Nazareth.

 

 

JESUS COMES TO THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE

(Luke 2:41-50)

 

First Point—When Christ Our Lord was twelve years old, He went up from Nazareth to Jerusalem.

 

Second Point—Christ Our Lord remained in Jerusalem and His parents did not know it.

 

Third Point—After three days had passed, they found Him in the Temple, seated in the midst of the doctors and disputing with them.  When His parents asked where had he been, He replied, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

 

THE LIFE OF OUR FROM THE AGE OF TWELVE TO THE AGE OF THIRTY

(Luke 2: 51-52)

 

First Point—He was obedient to His parents.

Second Point—Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace.

Third Point—He seems to have practiced the trade of a carpenter, as St. Mark seems to indicate in Chapter VI: “Is not this the carpenter?”

 

THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST

(Matt. 3: 13-17)

 

First Point—After He took leave of His Blessed Mother, Christ Our Lord, went from Nazareth to the River Jordan where St. John the Baptist was.

 

Second Point—St. John baptized Christ Our Lord.  When he wanted to excuse himself, considering that he was unworthy to baptize Him, Christ said to him: “Let it be so now, for so it becomes us to fulfill all justice.”

 

Third Point—The Holy Ghost descended upon Him, and the voice of the Father testified from Heaven: “This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.”

 

THE TEMPTATION OF CHRIST

(Luke 4: 1-13; Matt. 4:1-11)

 

First Point—After Jesus was baptized, He went to the desert where he fasted for forty days and nights.

 

Second Point—He was tempted by the enemy three times. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If thou art the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread….Throw thyself down, …All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.”

 

Third Point—Angels came and ministered to Him.

 

THE VOCATION OF THE APOSTLES

 

First Point—It appears that St. Peter and St. Andrew were called three times.  They were first called to some knowledge, as is shown in the first chapter of St. John [35-42].  They were called a second time to follow Christ in some way, with the intention of returning to the possessions which they had left, as St. Luke relates in Chapter 5: 10-11.  The third time they were called to follow Christ Our Lord forever, in St. Matthew 4: 18-22 and St. Mark, 1:16-18.

 

Second Point—He called Philip, as described in the first chapter of St. John [43], and Matthew, as Matthew himself relates in Chapter 9:9.

 

Third Point— He called the other Apostles of whose particular vocation no mention is made in the Gospel.

            Three other points are also to be considered:

                        1. The Apostles were uneducated men, from a low station of life.

                        2.  The dignity to which they were so gently called.

                        3. The graces and gifts by which they were raised above all the Fathers                  of the Old and New Testament.

 

THE FIRST MIRACLE, PERFORMED AT THE MARRIAGE FEAST OF CANA IN GALILEE

(John 2: 1-11)

 

First Point—Christ Our Lord and His disciples were invited to the marriage feast.

 

Second Point— The Mother calls her Son’s attention to the lack of wine, saying: “They have no wine,” and she tells the attendants: “Do whatever He tells you.”

 

Third Point—He changed the water into wine…and He manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

 

CHRIST DRIVES THE SELLERS OUT OF THE TEMPLE

(John 2: 13-16)

 

First Point—He drove all of the sellers from the temple with a scourge made of cord.

 

Second Point—He overturned the tables and scattered the money of the rich money changers that were in the temple.

 

Third Point—To the poor who were selling doves, He gently said: “Take these things away, and do not make of the house of My Father a house of business.”

 

THE SERMON CHRIST DELIVERED ON THE MOUNT

(Matt. 5)

 

First Point—He speaks apart to His beloved disciples, about the eight beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…the meek…the merciful… they who mourn…they who hunger and thirst for justice…the clean of heart…the peacemakers…they who suffer persecution.”

 

Second Point—He exhorts them to use their talents well: “Even so let our light shine before men, in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

 

Third Point—He shows that He is not a transgressor of the law but a fulfiller.  He explains the precept not to kill, not to commit adultery, not to swear falsely, and to love our enemies; “ I say to you, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

 

CHRIST CALMS THE STORM AT SEA

(Matt. 8: 23-27)

 

First Point—While Our Lord was sleeping in the boat a great storm arose.

 

Second Point—His terrified disciples awakened Him; He reproved them for their little faith, saying to them: “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?”

 

Third Point—He commanded the winds and the sea to cease, at once the wind ceased and the sea became calm.  The men marveled at this, saying: “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

 

CHRIST WALKS UPON THE SEA

(Matt. 14:22-33)

 

First Point—While Christ Our Lord remained upon the mountain He made His disciples get into the boat, and when He had dismissed the crowd He began to pray alone.

 

Second Point—The boat was buffeted by the waves, Christ came to them walking  upon the water, and the disciples thought it was an apparition.

 

Third Point—And Christ said to them: “It is I, fear not.” St Peter, at His command, came to Him, walking upon the waters, but when he doubted, he began to sink, and Christ Our Lord saved him, and reproved him for his little faith.  Afterwards, when He entered the boat, the wind ceased.

 

THE APOSTLES ARE SENT FORTH TO PREACH

(Matt. 10: 1-16)

 

First Point—Christ calls His beloved disciples and gives them power to cast out devils from the bodies of men and to cure all infirmities.

 

Second Point—He instructs them in prudence and patience. “Behold, I am sending you forth like sheep in the midst of wolves. Be therefore wise as serpents and guileless as doves.”

 

Third Point—He tells them how they are to go: “Do not keep gold nor silver.  Freely you have received, freely give.” And He tells them what they are to preach: “And as you go, preach the message, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ”

 

THE CONVERSION OF MAGDALENE

(Luke 7: 36-50)

 

First Point—Magdalene enters the house of the Pharisee where Christ Our Lord is reclining at table.  She is carrying an alabaster vessel full of ointment.

Second Point—Standing behind the Lord near His feet, she began to bathe them with her tears and to wipe them with her hair.  And she kissed His feet and anointed them with ointment.

 

Third Point—When the Pharisee accused Magdalene, Christ defended her, saying: “I say to thee, her sins, many as they are, shall be forgiven her, because she has loved much”…and he said to the woman: “Thy faith has saved thee; go in peace.”

 

 

CHRIST FEEDS FIVE THOUSAND MEN

(Matt. 14:13-21)

 

First Point—The disciples asked Christ to dismiss the multitude who were with Him, since it was now late.

 

Second Point—Christ Our Lord commanded them to bring the loaves to Him, and ordered the multitude to sit down to eat.  He blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to His disciples and they gave them to the multitude.

 

Third Point—And all ate and were satisfied; and they gathered up what was left over, twelve baskets full of fragments.

 

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST

(Matt. 17: 1-9)

 

First Point—Christ Our Lord took with Him His beloved disciples Peter, James, and John.  And He was transfigured before them and His face shone as the sun and His garments became white as snow.

 

Second Point—He spoke with Moses and Elias.

 

Third Point—While St. Peter was saying that they should build three tabernacles, a voice from heaven was heard, saying: “This is my beloved Son…hear him.” When the disciples heard this voice, they fell on their faces in great fear.  Jesus came and touched them, and said: “Arise and do not be afraid… Tell the vision to no one till the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

 

 

 

THE RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS

(John 11:1-45)

 

First Point—Martha and Mary make known to Christ Our Lord the illness of Lazarus.  After Jesus heard of this He remained two days longer in the place where He was, that the miracle might be more evident.

 

Second Point—Before He raises Lazarus, He asks Martha and Mary to believe, saying : “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he die, shall live.”

 

Third Point—He raises Lazarus after He had wept and said a prayer.  The manner of raising him was by the command, “Lazarus, come forth.”

 

THE SUFFER IN BETHANY

(Matt. 26: 6-13)

 

First Point—Our Lord takes supper in the house of Simon the leper together with Lazarus.

 

Second Point—Mary pours the precious ointment upon the head of Christ.

 

Third Point—Judas murmurs, “To what purpose is this waste of ointment?” But Jesus again excuses Magdalene saying: “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done me a good turn.”

 

PALM SUNDAY

(Matt. 21: 1-11)

 

First Point—Jesus sends for the ass and the colt, saying: “Loose them and bring them to me , and if anyone say anything to you, you shall say that the Lord hath need of them and immediately he will sent them.”

 

Second Point—He mounts the ass which is covered with the garments of the Apostles.

 

Third Point—The people come forth to meet Him, spreading their garments and branches along the way, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest.”

 

JESUS PREACHES IN THE TEMPLE

(Luke 19:47)

 

First Point—And He was teaching daily in the Temple.

 

Second Point—After His teaching, since there was no one to receive Him in Jerusalem, He returned to Bethany.

 

THE LAST SUPPER

(Matt. 26:17-30; John 13:1-30)

 

First Point—Jesus ate the Paschal Lamb with His twelve Apostles, to whom He foretold His death: “Amen I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”

 

Second Point—He washed the feet of His disciples, even those of Judas.  He began with St. Peter, who, considering the majesty of the Lord and his own lowly estate, would not permit it.  He said, “Lord, dost thou wash my feet?” Peter did not understand that Jesus was giving them an example of humility by this.  Jesus therefore said to him, “I have given you an example, that as I have done for you, so you also should do.”

 

Third Point—He instituted the most Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist, as the greatest proof of His love, saying, “Take and eat.” When the supper was finished, Judas went forth to sell Our Lord.

 

 

FROM THE SUPPER TO THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN, INCLUSIVE

(Matt. 26:30-46; Mark 14:26-42)

 

First Point—After they had finished supper and sung a hymn, Our Lord went to Mount Olivet with His disciples, who were full of fear.  He left eight of the in Gethsemane, saying to them: “Sit down here while I go yonder and pray.”

 

Second Point—Accompanied by Peter, James, and John, He prayed to the Father, saying, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; yet not as I will, but as thou willest.” And falling into an agony he prayed the more earnestly.”

 

Third Point—So great was the fear that possessed Him, that He said: “My soul is sad, even unto death” and He sweated blood so copiously that St. Luke says: “His sweat became as drops of blood running down upon the ground.” This supposes that His garments were now saturated with blood.  

 

 

FROM THE AGONY IN THE GARDEN TO THE HOUSE OF ANNAS, INCLUSIVE

(Matt. 26: 47-56; Luke 22: 47-53; Mark 14:43-52; John 18: 1-23)

 

First Point—Our Lord allows Himself to be kissed by Judas, and to be seized like a thief.  He says to the crowd: “As against a robber you have come out, with swords and clubs, to seize me.  I sat daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not lay hands on me.” And when He said: “Whom do you seek?” His enemies fell to the ground.

 

Second Point—St. Peter wounded a servant of the high priest.  The meek Lord said to him: “Put back thy sword into its place.” And He healed the servant’s wound.

 

Third Point—Jesus is abandoned by His disciples and dragged before Annas.  There St. Peter, who had followed him at a distance, denied Him the first time. Then a servant struck Christ in the face, saying to Him: “Is that the way thou answer the high priest?” 

 

FROM THE HOUSE OF ANNAS TO THE HOUSE OF CAIPHAS, INCLUSIVE

(Matt. 26: 57-75; Mark 14: 53-72; Luke 22: 54-65)

 

First Point—Jesus is led bound from the House of Annas to the House of Caiphas where Peter denied Him twice.  And when Jesus looked upon Peter, He went out and wept bitterly.

 

Second Point—Jesus was left bound the entire night.

 

Third Point—And those who held Him prisoner blindfolded Him, and struck Him and buffeted Him, and asked Him, “Prophesy, who is it that struck thee?” And in like manner they continued to blaspheme Him.

 

 

FROM THE HOUSE OF CAIPHAS TO THE HOUSE OF PILATE, INCLUSIVE

(Matt. 27: 1-26; Luke 23:1-5; Mark 15:1-15)

 

First Point—The whole multitude of the Jews brought Him before Pilate and accused Him, saying: “We have found this man perverting the nation, and forbidding the payment of taxes to Caesar.”

 

Second Point—After Pilate had examined Him several times, he said: “I find no crime deserving of death in Him.”

 

Third Point—Barabbas the robber was preferred to Him. The whole mob cried out together saying, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas!”

 

FROM THE HOUSE OF PILATE TO THE HOUSE OF HEROD

(Luke 23: 6-10)

 

First Point—Pilate sent Jesus the Galilean to Herod, the Tetrarch of Galilee.

 

Second Point—Herod, through curiosity, asked Jesus many scribes and priests unceasingly accused Him.

 

Third Point—Herod and his entire court mocked Jesus, clothing Him in a white garment.

 

FROM THE HOUSE OF HEROD TO THAT OF PILATE

(Matt. 27: 24-30; Luke 23: 12-23;Mark 15: 15-19; John 19: 1-11)

 

First Point—Herod sent Him back to Pilate.  Because of this, they became friends, although before this they were enemies.

 

Second Point—Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him, and the soldiers mad a crown of thorns and placed it upon His head.  They put a purple cloak about Him, and came before Him, saying: “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they struck Him.

 

Third Point—Pilate had Him brought forth before all the people; Jesus came forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And Pilate said to them: “Behold the man.” When they saw Him, the chief priests cried: “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

 

FROM THE HOUSE OF PILATE TO THE CROSS, INCLUSIVE

(John 19:12-24)

 

First Point—Pilate, sitting as judge, delivered Jesus to the Jews to be crucified, after they had denied that He was their king, saying: “We have no king but Caesar.”

 

Second Point—He carried the cross upon His shoulders, and as He could not carry it, Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry it after Jesus.

 

Third Point—They crucified Him between two thieves placing this title above Him: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.

 

JESUS UPON THE CROSS

(John 19: 23-37; Matt. 27: 35-39; Mark 15: 24-38; Luke 23: 34-46)

 

First Point—He spoke seven words on the Cross.  He prayed for those who crucified Him; He pardoned the thief; He entrusted His Mother to St. John; He said in a loud voice: “I thirst,” and they gave Him gall and vinegar; He said that He was forsaken; He said: “It is consummated!”; He said, “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.”

 

Second Point—The sun was darkened; rocks rent, graves opened; the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

 

Third Point—They blasphemed Him, saying: “Thou who destroyed the Temple…come down the Cross.” His garments were divided; His side was pierced with a lance, and blood and water flowed forth.

 

 FROM THE CROSS TO THE SEPULCHER, INCLUSIVE

(John 19: 38-42)

 

First Point—He was taken down from the Cross by Joseph and Nicodemus in the presence of His sorrowful Mother.

 

Second Point—His body was carried to the sepulcher, and buried with aloes placed around it.

 

Third Point—Guards were set.

 

THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND HIS FIRST APPARITION

 

First Point—He appeared to the Virgin Mary.  Although this is not mentioned in Scripture, it is considered as mentioned when the Scripture says that He appeared to so many others, for the Scripture supposes that we have understanding, as is written “Are you also without understanding?”

 

 THE SECOND APPARITION

(Mark 16: 1-11)

 

First Point—Very early in the morning Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome go to the tomb.  They say to one another: “Who will roll the stone back from the entrance of the tomb for us?”

 

Second Point—They see the stone rolled back and an angel who says: “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth… He has risen, He is not here.”

 

Third Point—He appeared to Mary, who remained near the tomb after the others had departed.

 

THE THIRD APPARITION

(Matt. 28: 8-10)

 

First Point— The other two women go from the tomb with great fear and joy.  They want to announce the resurrection of the disciples.

 

Second Point—Christ Our Lord appeared to them on the way, and said to them, “Hail!” and they came up to Him, and prostrated themselves at His feet, and adored Him.

 

Third Point—Jesus said to them: “Do not be afraid; go, take word to my brethren that they are to set out Galilee: there they shall see Me.”

 

THE FOURTH APPARITION

(Luke 24:10-12; and 33-34)

 

First Point—When Peter heard from the women that Christ had risen, he hastened to the tomb.

 

Second Point—He entered the tomb and saw nothing but the linen cloths with which the Body of Christ Our Lord had been covered.

 

Third Point—While Peter was thinking about these things, Christ appeared to him.  Therefore the Apostles said: “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon.”

 

THE FIFTH APPARITION

(Luke 24: 13-35)

 

First Point—He appeared to the disciples, who were on the way to Emmaus and were talking of Christ.

 

Second Point—He reproaches them, and shows them by the Scriptures that Christ had to die and rise again: “O foolish ones and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Did not Christ have to suffer these things before entering into His glory?”

 

Third Point—At their entreaties, He remained with them until He gave them Communion; then He disappeared.  And they returned to the disciples and told them how they had known Him in the Communion.

 

THE SIXTH APPARITION

(John 20: 19-23)

 

First Point—The disciples, except Thomas, were gathered together, “for fear of the Jews.”

 

Second Point—Jesus appeared to them, the doors being closed, and standing in their midst said: “Peace be to you.”

 

Third Point—He gives them the Holy Ghost saying to them: “Receive the  Holy Ghost; Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them, and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.”

 

THE SEVENTH APPARITION

(John 20: 24-29)

 

First Point—Thomas was incredulous since he had not been present at the preceding apparition, and said: “Unless I see…I will not believe.”

 

Second Point—Eight days later Jesus appeared to them, the doors being shut, and said to Thomas: “Bring here thy finger and see… and be not unbelieving, but believing.”

 

Third Point—Thomas believing, said: “My Lord and my God.” And Christ said to him: “Blessed are they who have not seen, and have believed.”

 

THE EIGHTH APPARITION

(John 21: 1-17)

 

First Point—Jesus manifested Himself to seven of His disciples who were fishing.  They had been fishing all night and had caught nothing.  At His command they cast forth the net and now they were unable to draw it up the great number of fishes.

 

Second Point—John recognized Him by this miracle, and said to Peter “It is the Lord.” Peter cast himself into the sea and came to Christ.

 

Third Point—He gave them part of a broiled fish and bread to eat.  After he had questioned Peter three times on his love for Him, He commended His sheep to him, saying: “Feed My sheep.”

 

THE NINTH APPARITION

(Matt. 28: 16-20)

 

First Point—At the command of the Lord, the disciples went to Mount Thabor.

 

Second Point—Christ appeared to them, and said: “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

 

Third Point—He sent them to preach throughout the world, saying: “Go, therefore, and make disciple of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

 

THE TENTH APPARITION

(1 Corinth 15: 6)

 

Then He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at one time.

 

THE ELEVENTH APPARITION

(1 Corinth 15:7)

 

After that He was seen by James.

 

THE TWELFTH APPARITION

 

He appeared to Joseph of Arimathea,as may be piously thought, and as we read in the Lives of the Saints

 

THE THIRTEENTH APPARITION

(1 Corinth 15:8)

 

After His Ascension He appeared to St. Paul:— And last of all, as by one born out of due time, He was seen also by me.

He appeared also in soul to the holy fathers in Limbo, and after He had freed them and take His Body again, He appeared many times to the disciples and discoursed with them.

 

THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST OUR LORD

(Acts 1:1-11)

 

First Point—After Christ Our Lord had manifested Himself for forty days to His Apostles, giving them many proofs and signs, and speaking of the Kingdom of God, He commanded them to await in Jerusalem the Holy Ghost that He had promised them.

 

Second Point—He led them to Mt. Olivet And He was lifted up before their eyes, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.

 

Third Point—While they were looking up to heaven, angels said to them: “Men of Galilee why do you stand looking up to heaven? This Jesus Who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall come in the same way as you have seen Him going up to heaven.”

 

This work has been a labor of love brought to our readers by the staff of Catholic Candle.  It is our desire that many will draw spiritual fruit from St. Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises.  For this reason we have tried to preserve them for the future.  These Exercises have had a huge impact on the lives of many including many of the Church’s saints and our staff longed to make them available to the public.