Premeditatio Malorum

"Exile, war, torture, shipwreck. All the terms of our human lot should be before our eyes."

The Premeditation of Evils

In light of the current scourge upon Holy Mother Church, that of the homosexual abuse and systematic cover-ups perpetrated by clergy and Church hierarchy, this particularly stoic exercise should be well-versed in the hearts of all despairing Catholics.

This practice of being aware of the constant evils that could afflict us in an instant is a fruitful exercise in strengthening our resolve even amongst this most hideous crisis. The practice is popularly attributed to Seneca, who wrote:

“What is quite unlooked for is more crushing in its effect, and unexpectedness adds to the weight of a disaster. This is a reason for ensuring that nothing ever takes us by surprise. We should project our thoughts ahead of us at every turn and have in mind every possible eventuality instead of only the usual course of events... "

The Daily Stoic has this to say about this particular practice:

"Premeditatio malorum (“the pre-meditation of evils”) is a Stoic exercise of imagining things that could go wrong or be taken away from us. It helps us prepare for life’s inevitable setbacks and develop resilience in the face of uncertainty. . We don’t always get what is rightfully ours, even if we’ve earned it. Not everything is as clean and straightforward as we think they may be. Psychologically, we must prepare ourselves for this to happen."

By doing this exercise, we will always be prepared for difficulty and prepared to meet any fate. Which is a good thing - because we are in a time of great trials and tribulations. The Catholic faithful must face each and every assault on God's kingdom with bravery, strength and understanding. With this in mind, we ought to always work that disruption (of evil) into our plans. We must be fitted for defeat or victory. Because we have a firm conviction, unlike the stoics of the past, that no matter what the outcome, Almighty God is in ultimate control.

Applying Catholic Stoicism Today

Translate this exercise into a Catholic sentiment. This might be hard to imagine, but what if this scandal is just the beginning? A somewhat graphic analogy would be a wound that has been festering, untreated, for far too long. We thought we cured this ailment back in 2002, but in reality only put a band aid over a wound that required cauterizing. The recent reports from the Grand Jury of Pennsylvania are ripping that rotted band aid off, to reveal a much more putrid infection that has made its way deep into the Body of Christ. How many lukewarm Catholics will run from this nightmare of a sight. How many potential converts are now so far from us because of the stench emanating from this wound? Going to Mass every Sunday, living a respectable life, helping others, is simply not enough now. We are forced to look into this pit of evil, infested with the most abominable sins, and to run like hell - either away from the Body of Christ, or enter more fully into it. We know the head will never rot, and victory is assured in the end, but it is our job as Catholic laity to enter into this mess, and clean it up. Imitate Christ, who entered into humanity, with all its filth and grime, in order to cleanse and purify it. For the sake of the countless souls hanging in the balance.

In his recent address, Archbishop Sample states:

"In the face of this spiritual and moral crisis, we must all look to our own spiritual life and commitment. In the history of the Church, whenever there was a moral or spiritual crisis, God has raised up saints who became agents of reform. This is a time for saints...

I urge priests to rededicate themselves to prayer and penance

for the good of the people entrusted to our care. I remind priests of their solemn obligation to pray, especially the Liturgy of the Hours, faithfully every day. I urge them to a daily holy hour in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. I urge them to pray daily the Holy Rosary of our Blessed Mother. I urge them to do penance and reparation for these sins, even those who live chastely and in a manner

worthy of their calling in Christ. This is a responsibility we all share."

We must not be shocked into paralysis by this scandal. this scandal should inspire in us to strengthen our resolve to Holy Mother Church. She is burning, and we cannot stand around idly. Now is the time for action. Keep with you this mindset of premeditatio malorum and remember - no amount of evil is more than God's infinite goodness and power.

Conclusion

I would like to leave you with this, an article about how to remain calm in the face of death, according to an ER doctor. He emphasizes educating yourself, to become skilled in basic procedures that could save lives.

Learn the spiritual first aid that can be employed to stop the bleeding in the Body of Christ. Say the rosary, go to Mass, daily if need be. Study the truths of our faith. Understand the Catechism. Beg your parish priests and bishops to take charge, as they are more trained physicians of the soul than we are. Also take to heart the last point the doctor makes in his article:

" In a hospital, 'if the doctor is calm and relaxed, the whole [ER] is calm and relaxed and everyone does their job.' Be the calm one in any life-threatening situation you encounter, and you'll do just fine. "

We may not be the doctors of parishes or dioceses, but we all are doctors of something, be it of a family, community, friends, or just your own soul. Stay calm, trust in the Lord, pray for strength, and victory is assured.