Hey there,
We’ve covered several virtues before and the intention was to cover the Capital Virtue of Diligence.
But what I found was that there are a lot more resources on the vices and sins that Diligence combats than about diligence itself.
The sin takes several forms from acedia (a new term for me) and sloth, to procrastination, laziness, and idleness. The subtleties between these terms are important.
It’s likely that we all find ourselves struggling with at least one of these vices.
I struggle with procrastination. I’ll never forget when my daughter was in the second grade she asked me, “Mom, can we not wait until the last minute to do my science project?”
Talk about a wakeup call!
We did begin that project early, but I’m afraid I still battle procrastination.
In fact, this article on Diligence was originally going to be published several weeks earlier. I began working on it and delayed it for another week. I did that twice. This is my third attempt … and I’m glad to finally get it completed. How’s that for irony?
This week’s issue of Genuflect delves into the Capital Virtue of Diligence and the vices that it helps us overcome, including Acedia, Sloth, Procrastination, Idleness, and Laziness. We look at the differences between each of these and how to overcome them.
I’ve definitely learned a lot this week … that it’s not just about doing nothing, but avoiding doing what you should be doing. And more importantly, strategies to stop procrastinating!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The Vice of Acedia
If you avoid handling a task by doing nothing … or by doing other tasks instead, you may be guilty of the sin of acedia. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re ordering your day, while making time for enjoyable things.
What is Acedia, How do You Pronounce it, And Why Does This Priest Tweet About it | Catholic News Agency
The Noonday Devil
Acedia or sloth is often referred to as the Noonday Devil. Father Mike Schmitz explains, as only he can, what this term means and how to fight off acedia.
What Everyone Gets Wrong About The Sin of Acedia, The Deadly “Noonday Devil” | ChurchPOP
The Sin of Sloth
The word sloth conjures up images of the South American animal that ever so slowly moves. And also someone lying on the sofa all weekend doing nothing. But did you know that the person who is a workaholic, not making time for God and family is also a cultural sloth? Here’s why that is and a three-part plan for overcoming the vice of sloth.
The Sin of Sloth | Catholic.com
A Forgotten Deadly Sin
Sloth encompasses much more than laziness. Jason Liske looks at the despair, depression, and spiritual indifference that often comes with this vice. And the remedies that turning to the Lord provides in overcoming sloth.
The Seven Deadly Sins: Sloth | The Catholic Gentleman
Overcoming Procrastination
At what point does procrastination become a sin? Patti Maguire Armstrong explains it has to do with what we’re avoiding. And she gives us 11 tips for overcoming procrastination.
Is Procrastination a Sin? | National Catholic Register
Avoiding Idleness
You’ve probably heard the saying: The devil finds work for idle hands. Here are 5 strategies to avoid becoming a slave to laziness.
Idleness: the Devil’s Workshop | Catholic Exchange
Fighting Laziness
There are so many things that can distract us, especially the smart phone in our hand. It’s quite easy to fall into laziness, idleness, and procrastination. Check out this slideshow of 9 strategies for fighting laziness and procrastination, based on quotes from the Saints.
9 Strategies From The Saints For Fighting Laziness And Procrastination | Aleteia
The Virtue of Diligence
Acedia, sloth, procrastination, idleness, and laziness can all be defeated by the virtue of diligence. Here’s what you need to know to grow in diligence in your life.
Virtue of the Month of June: Diligence | Holy Cross of Davao College
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