Devotion of the day: correct your temper

Temperament is often a fault. Each person brings from nature a disposition of spirit, or heart, or blood, called temperament. It is fiery or apathetic, quick-tempered or peaceful, gloomy or playful: what is yours? Get to know yourself. But temperament is not a virtue, it is very often a burden to us, and a source of suffering for others. If it is not repressed it cannot lead you to! Don't you hear the reproaches of your bad temper?

Correct your temperament. It is very difficult thing; but with good will, with fighting, with God's help, it is not impossible; St. Francis de Sales, S, Augustine, didn't they succeed? It will take a long time, a lot of exams and patience; but have you at least begun to discipline him? In so many years, what progress have you made on yourself? It is not a question of annihilating, but of directing your temperament to goodness, turning your ardor to love of God, your irascibility, to hatred of sin, etc.

It bears the temperament of others. In contact with so many, varied and strange temperaments, do you know how to make credit by tolerating them, by pitying them, by enduring them? True, they are a stumbling block for our pride, and for our scant virtue; yet, reason tells us to put up with others because they are men and not angels; charity advises to turn a blind eye to maintain peace and unity; justice requires you to do to others what you expect for yourself; one's own interest says: Tolerate and you will be tolerated. What a subject for serious scrutiny and vigilance!

PRACTICE. - Recite three Angele Dei, and ask others to warn you when you are wrong by temperament