Self-Conquest
Once a day, at least, recall very earnestly that
I Cor. iii. 15Ꚛ Twenty-third Day of December
In the practice of the four cardinal virtues, we find abundant opportunity to exercise self-denial and self-control.
Prudence is a virtue which teaches us in all things what is right and what is wrong, what ought to be done and what ought to be left undone; ever setting before our eyes the one great business of our life and our last end, it always makes a proper choice of the means for the fulfilment of our destiny, and applies them accordingly with unflinching resolution.
Justice teaches us to love and serve God faithfully and to refrain from doing anything that militates against the Golden Rule: “As you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner” (Luke vi. 31).
Fortitude arms the soul with invincible courage in her warfare against her spiritual enemies, and gives her strength to do her duty fearlessly, and to suffer everything rather than to sin.
Temperance restrains all immoderation in eating or drinking; it curbs all our evil inclinations. Ho«/ admirable are these virtues! We stand in need of them every day. Pray that you may obtain them, and spare no pains to acquire them.
Ask yourself: how does this matter affect me personally, what lesson does it convey to me, what suggestion for a better life, how can I improve my conduct; resolve to become a saint at any cost; think upon the eternal years; pray to the Holy Ghost that He may lead you in the way of perfection; finally recite attentively and devotedly the following Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit:
Oh Holy Spirit, divine Spirit of light and love, I consecrate to Thee my understanding, heart, and will, my whole being for time and for eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to Thy heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching of the Church, of which Thou art the infallible guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtue of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom with the Father and Thee be honor and glory forever. Amen.