The Virtues Series: Explaining the Virtues Part 2

The Virtues Series: 

Explaining the Virtues Part 2

Developing faith in Christ: The Virtue Series Icon.

 Welcome to my Faith nurturing series:' The Virtues.'

As mentioned in my first post last week, this weekly series has a twofold focus, exploring in depth

·                     What are the moral and theological virtues?

·                     How are these virtues may be practised in our lives?

In my first post of this series, I addressed the first of these questions above, and in this second post, I wish to address the second question, with a focus on Scripture to support us in this journey of discovery.

DEFINING VIRTUE

Let us first refresh our memories on how do we define virtue.  As stated in last week's post, The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines virtue as

' habitual and firm disposition to do good'. (Para 1833). 

Catholic tradition identifies the virtues in two categories:

·                     The 4 cardinal virtues (also referred to as the human, natural and moral virtues.):  prudence (wisdom) justice, fortitude (courage) and temperance (self-control).

·                     The theological virtues: faith, hope and love.

Knowing the definition of virtue and the both categories of virtue is an essential first step.  However, the second step is now required, which is to

·                     Learn to love the virtues.

·                     Practice the virtues in our lives.

According to Wisdom 8:7, the practice of the cardinal virtues is the profitable work of those who love righteousness. Practising the cardinal virtues increases the love of righteousness.

Jesus of course is our model for virtuous behaviour. In Luke 1:30-35 and 2:4-7, Jesus' humility is exemplified by:

·                     His birth in a stable and yet He, Jesus, is God the Son.

·                     Teaching the necessity of detachment from earthly things and their pleasures.

In John 4: 14, Jesus is obedient to God the Father. He recognised that His fulfilment was in doing His Father's will. The implication for us is to know that our happiness and fulfilment is to be found in obedience to God's will for our lives and doing His work here on earth.

However, in Matthew 12:36-40, Jesus explained to the Pharisees that the greatest commandments were in love of God and love of neighbour. Our focus therefore needs to be to love like Jesus because love is the greatest of all the virtues.

SCRIPTURE AND THE VIRTUES

The practice of the virtues is the centre of the moral life. The Bible is clear on their importance and the following passages explain the importance of living virtuous lives. Why not reflect on these during the week.

·                     2 Corinthians 7:1

·                     1 Thessalonians 5:8-10

·                     2 Timothy 4:7-8

·                     Titus 2:11-14

  

Next week we will examine the negative impact on our lives when the virtues are not practised.

May your life demonstrate the 'habitual and firm disposition to do good'