On Living A Virtuous Life, And Teaching Moments
Our present culture is in a great debate on the topic of the dignity of the human person. The written word of God and the teachings of Jesus provide all the knowledge we need. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1803) provides a section on the virtues, which collectively involves a habitual and firm disposition to do good; so, why all the confusion? The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God; if this is practiced, there should be no misunderstanding about what is honorable or extreme.
So much is at stake; from everyday occurrences in our personal lives to world events, there are many opportunities for teaching moments. All that our Heavenly Father created and all the protected freedoms designed by our Founding Fathers are in trouble. There are discussions using words like immigration, profiling, refugees, pro life, pro choice, women’s rights, radicalism, political correctness and social media, but here is one word you don’t hear much about or see put in to practice – prudence!
The teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas remind us that prudenceis one of the four cardinal virtues. Prudence gives us practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance, and to choose the right means of achieving it. Prudence is “right reason in action,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle.
It is not to be confused with timidity or fear, nor with duplicity or dissimulation. It is called auriga virtutum the charioteer of virtues; it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure. It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs the conduct in accordance with this judgment. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubts about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid.” (CCC 1806)
“Justiceis the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give due to God and neighbor. Justice toward God is called the ‘virtue of religion.’ Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each person. Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods.” (CCC 1807-1809)
Our Founding Fathers understood the importance of justice for all and living an honorable life. In 1787, our country was establishing a strong central government when it stumbled upon obstacles. Many desired to see the proposed Constitution defeated. Some viewed it as a plot to install a tyrannical government much like that of the British system from which they had fled. The concern was generated not by what they saw, but by what they didn't see; then came the Bill of Rights!
The First Ten Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America have guided the country for more than 200 years. For more than 2,000 years, the Ten Commandments have directed Christian people to lead better lives. There will always be teaching moments.
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral society. Pray for the strengthening of all institutions that enhance life with dignity and prudence.
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” –Phil 4:8 Amen!
