HOW TO ADMONISH THE SLOTHFUL AND THE HASTY

The slothful must be told that they can lose so much good by postponing doing good; the hasty can lose so much good by doing them ahead of time.

The slothful, because he postpones doing good, is unable and unwilling to do good when the need arises. The soul that does not direct its efforts to spiritual things, will eventually run after lowly desires: "The slothful man is given utterly to desires."

The slothful tend to imagine made-up difficulties and fears and use these to justify its inactiveness. The fear of persecution from evil men prevents him from doing good.

The hasty tend to do good too hastily or before the good should be done, ending up in doing evil instead. After having done it, they realize they should take counsel, taking great care as they go forward. 

St. Gregory the Great: Pastoral Care, Chapter 15

(01-15-04)

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                                                                                        - Teresa of Avila

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