AVOID EXTREMES

Sometimes the devil inspires souls with an inordinate zeal for a certain virtue or some special pious exercise, so that they will be motivated by their passion to practice it more and more. This temptation is more to pride rather than virtue.

Sometimes, on the other hand, the devil coaches souls to do less than they can really do. This temptation is more to false humility.

In both cases, the devil's goal is to make the soul discouraged when the virtue is found to be unattainable; and to be wearied and disgusted if his efforts are below his abilities. The soul ends up neglecting everything. It is necessary to overcome the one snare as the other.

St. Catherine of Bologna

(11-05-02)