The Predominant Fault: The Hidden Root of Many Struggles
One of the most important discoveries in the spiritual life is recognizing what the saints call the predominant fault . Many of us fight scattered battles. One day it is impatience. Another day it is discouragement. On another day it is fear, anger, or envy. But experienced spiritual masters—from St. Ignatius of Loyola to St. Francis de Sales —teach that beneath these many struggles there is often one root weakness that quietly feeds the others. If that root is not addressed, we may spend years fighting symptoms while the cause continues to grow underneath. Recognizing our predominant fault is therefore not an exercise in self-condemnation. It is the beginning of clarity . Once the root is identified, real growth becomes possible. What Is the Predominant Fault? The predominant fault is the deep tendency of the heart that most often pulls us away from God . For many people this may appear as pride, anger, vanity, or sensuality. But for others it may take a quieter form—something that ...