GTM Part 63

Commentary on frustration cont’d

Plenty of frustration comes from the tension created between knowing what I should do (the path of virtue) and what I actually end up doing (vice).  None other than the great St. Paul complained about this very same experience (see Rm 7:21-24)!  Basically, I’m frustrated because I’m not seeing any progress in my growth as a man, in my projects, in my ambitions…

What are some possible solutions to this frustration?

1. Understand that growth takes time.  We’ve mentioned this before, but have to remind ourselves of this constantly given we’re surrounded by microwaves and Glovo and online banking and live score updates and breaking news…
2. Examine whether your paths or methods are appropriate. It’s best to consult with your mentor (if they concern your manliness) or someone with knowledge/experience in that field (if the frustrations concern that academic/professional field).
3. Especially in your quest to grow in your manliness and in your Christianity, never forget that the Devil and his angels have vested interests that you do not improve or grow at all!  He has centuries of experience that one single manly man naturally ambukizaz others with the same manly zeal.  To stop this from spreading, he does three things:

a.      He quarantines you: keeps you apart from other people and preoccupied with your own projects and ambitions and series and comfort...  He doesn’t mind you being a saintly or manly man, as long as you don’t ambukiza others.  He can handle your manliness if you’re alone.  (A certain holy priest from France observed that the devil would seek to quarantine us first by using human respect – that inordinate concern for what other people will think or say about me if they realise I’m struggling to live virtue; if they realise I don’t make out or have sex with my girlfriend; that I pray every day; that I drink but don’t get drunk, etc.)

b.      About 2000 years ago, the devil’s next move was always to beat the manly aspirations out of you.  Literally.  Violent persecution.  And over the pummelling you could probably hear him snarling and ridiculing you: “Give up, you ding’oing’o!  There’s no way you’re defeating me!  No freaking way!  I’ve been at this for centuries, so sit your a** down!  Learn where you belong kid!”

c.       Nowadays, for reasons we’ll not go in to now, he seems not to prefer beating us into submission.  He prefers rather to seduce us into submission – like Delilah…  He woos and coos us into a certain false sense of peace very similar to that induced by weed and drugs: “Why bother…?  Just relax!  Breathe… Don’t think… don’t talk… don’t struggle… Just surrender to the feeling… Let it take over you…  Let those other guys fight the war…  You rest…  Sleep… Take care of yourself….  You deserve it… After all, if you don’t take care of you, who will?  Just relax…”

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