Passage
"I consider one day of self-knowledge a greater favor from the Lord, even though the day may cost us numerous afflictions and trials, than many days of prayer"
St Teresa of Jesus Foundations
Today's Meditation
Have you ever heard about temperaments?
Temperaments refer to the innate, characteristic ways in which individuals tend to react and interact. They are not learned behaviors; rather, we are naturally born with those traits. Once we discover our own temperaments, we must examine the weaknesses that come with them, and ask God for the virtues and graces necessary to shape and overcome the drawbacks.
What does this have to do with your spouse and Lent?
Well, knowing your and your spouse's temperaments brings clarity to marital conflicts. In this Lenten journey, we want you to truly learn about each other. You cannot love what you don’t know. To be able to love your spouse with the sacrificial love of Christ, it is necessary to learn and embrace everything about each other, including their temperaments.
Our marriage can definitely testify to this.
For a long time, we struggled with constant conflict over simple things. Until one day, we took a test and discovered our temperaments. In our case, we both showed to have a choleric temperament, also known as authoritarian. When we found out, it felt like a veil was removed. Now everything made sense, and we could truly see what was a pitfall in our relationship. We were both being impulsive and demanding. We both wanted everything done our way. Then, we understood that in order for our relationship to flourish, it was necessary to learn how to slow down and put our heads down to avoid conflicts from escalating.
Today, we want you and your spouse to discover your own temperaments. Together, appreciate the strengths you bring to your marriage, but also examine your temperament's innate weaknesses. St Augustine reminds us to “Know Thyself, and thy faults, and thus live.” So Openly look for the virtues you and your spouse need to work on to combat those weaknesses and flourish your marriage. Remember! You are each other’s best helper.
TEMPERAMENTS
Today's Questions
What weaknesses of your temperaments are greatly affecting your marriage? What virtues can you work on to overcome it?
What strengths of your temperament can help your spouse? How can you better work as a team?
Today's Challenge
Complete the following test and find out with your spouse your temperaments.
Don't Forget
Pray together the HOLY ROSARY every day (sorrowful mysteries only)
Pray OVER EACH other every day
Let's Pray
Dear God, thank you for pouring your love and mercy on us. Forgive us for the times that through our ignorance of our spouses temperaments we misunderstood and hurt each other. Give us the graces necessary to love our spouse with their flaws and virtues. Help us to grow each day towards sainthood.
Holy Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, pray for us
St.Louis and Zellie, pray for us
Dedicate to Jesus one HOLY HOUR of Adoration per week
