A Father and his twelve-year old son are taking a leisurely walk through a wooded park in the early evening hours. Suddenly the father stops, looks intently into the eyes of his son and says: “Son, right now I must tell you that I have a wolf within me—an angry, vicious, wily, crafty, malicious, highly intelligent wolf.” As they continue their walk, the boy tries to make sense out of the reality of his father having a wolf within.
After walking for awhile in silent reflection, the father stops again, and looking intently into the eyes of his son says: “Son, not only do I have a wolf within me, but I also have within me a lamb—a gentle, kind, loving, friendly, affable lamb.
They continue walking in silence. By now the son is totally bewildered and confused, longing for some type of explanation from his father, who has admitted that he has a wolf and a lamb living within him. Unable to bear it any longer, the son stops and grabs the sleeve of his father imploring: “Dad, which one is going to win, the wolf or the lamb? Gazing into the eyes of his son, the father responds: “Who is going to win? Whichever one I feed the most! If I feed the wolf the most, then he will win. If I feed the lamb the most, then he will prove the victor.”
THE SEVEN WOLVES AND LAMBS WITHIN US: THE SEVEN CAPITAL SINS.
As a result of the Original Sin of our first parents, Adam and Eve, a moral tsunami was set in motion, like a huge stone pushed in motion from the top of the highest mountain. In the human person, created in the image and likeness of God and essentially good by nature, there is a constant tension within. Even after the reception of the Sacrament of Baptism, which washes away the stain of Original Sin, human nature is impaired, damaged, and inclines toward evil. Indeed, if that evil tendency or proclivity is not halted, but given free reign, then the wolf will conquer the lamb; slavery will reign over true liberty, and addictions become commonplace in such a person.
This being the present state of affairs, let us point out the seven wolves that are lurking within, and the seven lambs that must be fed, cultivated, and bred to reign as the ultimate victors in the battle. These are the SEVEN CAPITAL SINS and the SEVEN OPPOSING VIRTUES. (Catechetical Note: Though they are called the Capital Sins they are not actual sins until we knowingly and willingly give into them.)
For clarity, simplicity, and ease in explanation, we will first present the Seven Capital Sins and the Opposing Virtues, and then give a brief explanation on how the capital sin can be conquered in your soul; meaning the lamb will conquer the pernicious and vicious wolf always ready and on the prowl to attack!
1. GLUTTONY VS. TEMPERANCE.
2. LUST VS. CHASTITY.
3. AVARICE (GREED) VS. GENEROSITY.
4. SLOTH (LAZINESS) VS. DILIGENCE.
5. ENVY (JEALOUSY) VS ADMIRATION/GRATITUDE.
6. ANGER VS. MEEKNESS.
7. PRIDE VS. HUMILITY.
Now categorically and in an orderly fashion, we will give a brief explanation of the Capital Sin—the wolf that is lurking within; then the opposing Virtue to be practiced—the Lamb within. The whole purpose or thrust of this brief essay is to enhance our self-knowledge, that we honestly come to know and come to terms with our primary weakness—the wolf within, so that we can conquer the wolf, and allow the lamb within to dominate. If you like, a heightened self-knowledge and self-awareness will prove a huge advantage in our battle for purity, liberty, and in the long run, the salvation of our immortal soul.
Many of the classical writers in ascetical and mystical theology insist upon the indispensable need for self-knowledge. The Historians assert: “He who does not know history is condemned to repeat the same errors.” Socrates stated: “A life that is not examined is a life that is not worthy living.” The Desert Fathers have a famous two-word axiom: KNOW THYSELF! Even athletes, baseball players, boxers, etc., study their opponents so as not to make the same mistakes that cost them the previous game.
If you like, these simple analogies can prove quite useful. Superman had incredible strength. However, he had one weakness: KRYPTONITE. If exposed to this element, his energy and strength were drained, sapped from his body, and he would become as weak as anybody else. If you like, Samson’s strength was in his long locks of hair. Achilles’ weakness was in his heel. This essay can help you to name it, claim it and tame it!!! We must name our weakness; claim this self-knowledge as indispensable; and then tame the wolf by inviting the lamb to live within!
1. GLUTTONY AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF TEMPERANCE.
The Capital Sin of Gluttony can be defined as such: “Gluttony is a disordered desire to eat and drink.” The key word is disordered. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, relying on the wisdom of Saint Thomas Aquinas, asserts that sin is against reason and a disorder. Saint Ignatius states that we are called to order the disordered in our lives, so that we can discern the will of God in our lives. Ask yourselves this question: “Do you live to eat, or do you eat to live?” If you live only to eat, then Saint Paul calls this, “The god of the belly.” (Phil. 3:19) We call this the Capital Sin of Gluttony—the wolf within.
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Gluttony is that of Temperance. This virtue can be defined as, “The proper and ordered use of created goods.” Saint Ignatius in Principle and Foundation reminds us that we are called to use created goods and not to abuse them. Therefore, the virtue of temperance is using food as a means to have energy, strength, and stamina in life so as to faithfully carry out one’s obligations and state of life. We must strive to conquer the wolf within—living to eat so as to only satisfy our carnal pleasure; and invite the lamb into our life by eating in such a way as to maintain healthy lives.
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN TEMPERANCE: Leave the table a little hungry.
2. LUST AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF CHASTITY/PURITY.
A concise definition of Lust is the following: “Lust is a disordered desire for sexual pleasure.” As a result of Original Sin, one of the strong disordered tendencies is to view a person as an object, rather than as someone to be valued for his/her innate dignity that comes from being created by God, and even more, from the Sacrament of Baptism. Jesus warns us to go beyond the mere act of Adultery, by warning us to avoid even lusting after a woman in our heart. (Mt. 5:28) The standard is high, but the grace of God is more than sufficient if we correspond to it.
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Lust is that of Chastity or Purity. So as to contemplate God in this life, as well as in the Kingdom of Heaven, one of the key requirements or conditions is that of purity. The words of Jesus exemplify this truth in one of the Eight Beatitudes: “Blessed are the pure of heart; for they will see God.” (Mt. 5:8)
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN PURITY: Contemplate daily a beautiful painting, icon, or picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary with your eyes and the eyes of your soul!
3. AVARICE/GREED AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF GENEROSITY.
A short and to the point definition of Avarice, also defined as Greed, is the following: “Avarice is a disordered desire for material things or possessions.” The philosophical systems or terminology would be that of Materialism and Consumerism. Our life is focused more on what we have, than on who we are. In other words, our possessions can end up possessing us!
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Avarice/Greed is that of Generosity. One is mastered by the art of giving. The proverb of Saint Paul characterizes the thrust of his life: “There is more joy in giving than in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) The saints lived the Gospel of generosity to a point that would shock a person dominated by materialism, as in the case of Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta who coined this pithy maxim: “We must learn to give until it hurts.”
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN GENEROSITY: Every month, check your closet, wardrobe, or garage and give to the poor something that you really don’t need.
4. SLOTH/LAZINESS AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF DILIGENCE.
What is sloth? It is nothing more than laziness, indolence, lack of effort needed to carry out our daily obligations. You might even call it spiritual, mental, and physical inertia in our person, once again, as a result of Original Sin. Sloth can manifest itself in resistance to physical work, mental efforts, and spiritual activity—putting off or neglecting prayer.
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Sloth/Laziness is that of Diligence. A diligent person manifests a readiness and willingness to work hard with their body, their mind, and their soul. Not daunted or overcome by difficulties, they work through the difficulties. One of the best examples is Saint Joseph the Worker.
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN DILIGENCE: Imagine a typical day in the Carpenter Shop with Jesus and Saint Joseph, with you working side-by-side with them for the whole day! No room for laziness there! Rather, there is hard, methodical, systematic work to be done—for the honor and glory of God!
5. ENVY (JEALOUSY) AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF ADMIRATION/FRATERNAL CHARITY
A very dangerous and pernicious Capital Sin is that of Envy (Jealousy), which if not overcome through grace, can bring with it many very serious and noxious consequences. This we see most clearly in the murder of Abel at the hands of his brother Cain, a result of unbridled anger fed and nourished by envy.
Actually, envy is a step worse than jealousy which is sadness in our heart because we recognize that somebody has something that we do not have. Envy descends deeper into the pit of evil in that we rejoice when evil befalls that person who has something that we do not have! Truly ugly!
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Envy (Jealousy) is that of Admiration and Fraternal Charity. Instead of putting down the person you envy, you want to admire and compliment them on their talents, successes, and triumphs! Moved by the good spirit, you come to a keen awareness that the gifts they have come from the author of all good, God Himself. A key Biblical passage to conquer envy in all shapes and forms is from Saint Paul: “Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.” (Rom 12:15)
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN ADMIRATION/FRATERNAL CHARITY: Get in the habit of finding something to compliment people about during your day.
6. ANGER AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF MEEKNESS.
This Capital Sin is a transient impulse of passion that can be brought on by multiple factors. All too often anger is manifested by an attitude of impatience, and this impatience can be played out against others, oneself, and even at times against God. Anger often has as its root cause pride. The angry person wants things done in their time, in their manner, and in their concept of perfection. If not held back or checked, anger can wreak havoc in one’s life and the life of a host of others.
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Anger is Meekness. Once in Sacred Scripture, Jesus actually describes two characteristics of His Sacred Heart—It is both meek and humble. Now meekness is not weakness of character; quite the contrary, meekness is powerful emotion and passion under the control of faith and reason! One of the most famous saints known far and wide for his meekness is Saint Frances de Sales.
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN MEEKNESS: A daily prayer to help us acquire meekness is the following: “Jesus meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto thine.”
7. PRIDE AND THE OPPOSING VIRTUE OF HUMILITY.
At the root of all sin is pride. Pride can be defined in many ways. However, a concise and clear definition of pride might be the following: “Pride is a disordered love for self.” In other words, the proud person places them self at the center of attention. They are number one! They want their ego to shine! They want to be recognized and applauded in what they consider their excellence and greatness! The saying rings so true: Pride comes before a fall! At the center of all of our sinful actions, pride is smearing that action in one way or another.
The opposing virtue to the Capital Sin of Pride is that of Humility. A person imbued with the virtue of humility recognizes the following: all the good that I can carry out physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually, is a result of the presence and work of God in my life. In the words of the Psalmist: “Not to us, not to us, but to Thee, O Lord, the honor, glory and praise.” (Ps. 115:1)
A PRACTICE TO ATTAIN HUMILITY: The Royal Road to Humility is to accept humiliations and unite them to Jesus on the Cross, who died for love of me!
So, my friends in the Lord and His Mother Mary, we have come to the conclusion of our essay on the Capital Sins that we all have rooted deep within our fallen nature. It is incumbent upon us through serious prayer, examination of conscience, as well as adequate spiritual direction to discern which of the Capital Sins is our predominant, and which might be the second most dominant. Then with the help of God’s grace, and our good will and effort, to conquer the Capital Sin so that the opposing virtue might shine forth in our life.
THE WOLF AND THE LAMB. As in the above story, we all have the wolf and the lamb hidden in the inner recesses of our hearts, our minds, and our souls; we must have a humble and clear perception of this dual reality. With God’s grace and our generous effort, we can put to sleep, better yet, conquer the wolf within us so that the Lamb, a symbol of Jesus Himself “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”, might shine forth brilliantly in our lives. May Mary the Mother of the Lamb help us to conquer evil and allow holiness to conquer and reign in our lives!
