St. Teresa on spiritual vanity…
I found it!
(The passage I was looking for and mentioned in an earlier post.) Naturally, St. Teresa is writing for enclosed nuns; nevertheless, as a Doctor of the Church, her writings are profitable to all.
“It is of the first kind of spiritual love that I would now speak. It is untainted by any sort of passion, for such a thing would completely spoil its harmony. If it leads us to treat virtuous people, especially confessors, with moderation and discretion, it is profitable; but, if the confessor is seen to be tending in any way towards vanity, he should be regarded with grave suspicion, and, in such a case, conversation with him, however edifying, should be avoided, and the sister should make her confession briefly and say nothing more. It would be best for her, indeed, to tell the superior that she does not get on with him and go elsewhere; this is the safest way, providing it can be done without injuring his reputation.” - Way of Perfection
Likewise, a good confessor is alert to the same indiscretion on the part of his penitent. But what has this to do with blogging and bloggers and blogs you ask?
It may have nothing to do with it. Then again, it is always good to read webblogs with your eyes wide open.
That’s all.
September 4th, 2007 at 5:42 pm
I almost always leave here chuckling, and always, liking you even more — even if I am now and then one or another culprit.
September 5th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Vanity in bloggers, you suggest??? Isn’t that the whole POINT of blogging? LOL
Hehehe
But seriously, I know of what you speak, and have stopped reading the vainglorious blogs long ago. I think many (most)folks eventually recognize the vanity/pride and go on to reading the many others out there. Same can be said of several Catholic journals.
September 7th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Very edifying post Terry. I do learn a great deal from your blog and I appreciate your sharing your strong Catholic faith with us. There is indeed a difference in confessing to a priest and opening one’s soul to a priest which must be done with great caution.