BLOG POST | Hey Deacon!

What is virtue?

It is a simple question but can be difficult to explain. We might mistakenly think that virtues are academic categories reserved for philosophers and theologians. However, virtues are woven into our Christian DNA. The Catechism defines virtue as a “habitual and firm disposition to do good.” (CCC 1833)

Virtues are gifts from God that lead us to live in a close relationship with him. Virtues are like habits. They need to be practiced; they can be lost if they are neglected. They are the building blocks for Christian moral living.

Catholic tradition recognizes four cardinal virtues which are also known as human, natural, or moral virtues. They are referred to as moral virtues because they help us live within the moral parameters set forth by scripture. Chief among these are prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude, also known as cardinal virtues, derived from the Latin cardo, meaning hinge, because on these hinge our ability to master virtues.

Prudence is the grace to form correct judgments. Justice assists us in dealing fairly with others. Fortitude gives us the courage to do the right thing, even in times of difficulty. Temperance helps us to control our desire for pleasure and material things.

In addition to the four cardinal virtues, there are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love (charity). These virtues are theological because they are gifts that are given to us by God at Baptism, and their purpose is to lead us back to God. These virtues are infused into us and help us to live in relationship with the Holy Trinity and recognize our identity as beloved children of God.

Faith is the grace of believing in God’s love for us and his revealed truth. Hope is the grace of trusting God in all of the good that he has promised. Charity is a two-fold grace: loving God above all things and caring for our neighbor as ourselves.

God is the beginning, end, and motivation of all virtues. Our understanding and practice of these depend upon God’s grace. Because these virtues exist in us solely through the goodness of God’s grace, the only way for them to increase is by grace. We cannot earn more faith, hope, or love by our good deeds; we must ask God for these in prayer and frequent the sacraments which are instruments of His grace. Like grace itself, virtues are pure gifts from the Lord.

The virtues are not simply philosophical ideas, but rather the habits and dispositions that help us reach eternal union with God.




Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn