'The Virtues Series.'
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Developing our Faith in Christ: The Virtues Series icon. |
This weekly series has a twofold
focus, exploring in depth
- what are the moral and theological virtues?
- how these virtues may be practised in our
lives.
Let us begin by asking what is virtue
and why is it important in the Christian life?
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY VIRTUES?
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.
Modern confusion of the virtues
is often related to the misunderstanding of what is good. Modern
relativism relates to whatever you think and feel is acceptable
irrespective of the objective norms. In this case, 'the good is an objective
reality'.
WHY ARE VIRTUES IMPORTANT?
The moral virtues are important in our
lives because we are striving not merely to live a good life, but rather
eternal life in Heaven. The moral virtues are practiced through human
effort, but when accompanied by the power of God's grace, meet both goals of
natural good and supernatural end- eternal life.
The theological virtues however are so
called because they are pure gifts that are given to us by God at Baptism,
and their purpose is to lead us back to God. Our understanding and practice of
them depend not on our human effort, but solely on God's grace. We need to
desire an increase of these virtues by asking God for these pure gifts in
prayer and through the sacraments which are vehicles of His grace. The goal of
the theological virtues is our supernatural happiness and union with God.
The virtues, either moral or
theological are a habit of goodness that embraces our entire being. Peter
Krefft, a philosopher described in his book 'Back to Virtue' (pg 64) the
virtues as simply 'health of the the soul'. This is because the
good habits created by virtue preserve the soul from mortal sin (grave sin) and
consequently spiritual death. The habitual practice of the virtues leads one to
God which is the ultimate health of the soul.
In my next post in this series, I will
focus on our model for virtuous behaviour- Jesus. I will examine
some scripture passages to enhance our learning of these virtues and
consider how we might with God's help apply them to our lives.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
So, do not wait until next week's
post. Let's start this journey during this week by:
- Consider your attitude toward these virtues
and how it impacts at this point on your spiritual life.
- Review the virtues that you find difficult to
practice at this point in your life, asking God to change your heart.
- Pray for an increase in all the virtues and a
desire to grow in the practice of them.
As we start this faith nurturing series
on the virtues, let us desire the habitual and firm disposition to do good.
God is never outdone with His
generosity.
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