‘’…for if we do not know it, we cannot fight it; and if we do not fight it, we have no true interior life.’’

– Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

What is a predominant defect (vice)?
It is the defect in us which tends to have a stronger influence on our feelings, judgments, sympathies, intentions, and actions compared to other shortcomings.

What can happen if it is not corrected?
It may ruin the work of grace or the interior life.

”Sin creates a proclivity to sin; it engenders vice by repetition of the same acts. This results in perverse inclinations which cloud conscience and corrupt the concrete judgment of good and evil. Thus sin tends to reproduce itself and reinforce itself, but it cannot destroy the moral sense at its root. (1865 CCC)

How does the predominant defect hide?
It disguises itself as a virtue.
For example: Pride disguises itself as generosity to seek approval and recognition from our neighbor for the good works that we do.

How is a predominant defect identified?
‘‘It easily excites all our passions: it commands them as a master, and they obey instantly. It causes anger and impatience within us. When points this out to us we admit that we have bad habits but we are not guilty of this particular defect. – Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

1. Ask God for light to be able to see it.
2. Ask the help of from Our Lady of Sorrow and your guardian angel to show you.
3. You must make a serious examination of consciousness by asking yourself the following:
a) “What are my main worries in the morning when I wake up or when I am alone?
b) Where do my thoughts and desires spontaneously go?
c) What is the source of my sadness and joy?
d) What is the reason for my actions?
4. Ask your confessor (your priest) or a spiritual friend.
5. Temptations with which you are often confronted.

If this defect is not actively opposed it will result in impenitence. – Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

How can I fight the predominant defect?

1. Prayer: Ask God to give you light and the grace to overcome it.

2. Daily self-examination: Write down or think about and count how many times during the day you have given in.

3. Penance: Choose a form of penalty to impose on yourself after you have given in. It could be fasting, prayer, almsgiving or silence. Through this self-imposed discipline you will gain circumspection which will help you with future temptations.

4. You must overcome slothfulness / a weak will. Do not believe the Enemy’s lie that you can’t overcome it. You can. It requires a willing spirit.

‘’Without this persevering and efficacious struggle we cannot sincerely aspire to Christian perfection’’

‘’Without this struggle, there is no interior joy or peace, for the tranquility of order or peace comes from the spirit of sacrifice. It alone establishes us interiorly in order by putting to death all that is inordinate in us.’’

-Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

5. To love God and neighbor. ‘’I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. – John 13:34.
Loving and serving Christ, in our neighbor, is the way that leads to perfection/holiness in this life so that we can see Him as He is in the next.

+ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. +

Reference:

The Three Ages of the Interior Life by Reginald Garrigou-Lagrange

CCC = Catechism of the Catholic Church