1. A Virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good.
Human Virtues
A Virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. 1

2. Philippians 4:8 Think about these things” “Whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
whatever is just,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely or gracious, if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise,
Think about these things” 2

3. 3

4. Discernment recognize right from wrong
Philippians emphasizes discernment and wisdom in living out the Christian life.
“…your love may abound more & more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure & blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness…” Philippians 1:19-11 4

5. Virtues to Practice Holiness of life
The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God. St. Gregory of Nyssa (ccc 1803)
A disciple is one who attaches himself personally to Christ to learn:
both from his doctrine ( words)
and from his example (deeds)
Every baptized Christian is called to be a disciple of Christ 5

6. Baptism: a new creation
Baptism makes one “a new creation”
an adopted son of God, who has become a “partaker of the divine nature” 2 Cor 5:17, 2 Pet 1:4, Gal 4:5-7
The Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification:
enabling them to believe in God (faith)
to (hope) in him
to (love) him through the theological virtues 6

7. Effects of Sanctifying Grace
Allows Christians to believe, hope, & love God using the theological virtues
Gives them power to act & live under the prompting of the Holy Spirit using:
The gifts of the Holy Spirit infused at Baptism
Allowing Christians to grow in goodness through the practice of the moral virtues ccc 1266 7

8. Supernatural life has its roots in Baptism
In Baptism Christ enters us & remains in us as long as we desire His presence.
Christ said :
“I am the vine and you are the branches”
“Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing” John 15:5 8

9. Virtues & Grace
Vir: Comes from the latin “vir” which means “man”, virtue refers to strength and power to act rightly
Theological virtues:
1) Faith 2) Hope 3) Love
Cardinal Virtues:
1) Prudence 2) Justice 3) Fortitude 4) Temperance
Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Understanding, Fear of the Lord, Piety, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Wisdom 9

10. Virtues & Grace cont. Theological virtues
Supernatural Gifts infused by God at Baptism which help us relate to God & live in relationship with Him
Cardinal Virtues are: human virtues that help with
habits of right thinking
ordering of the passions
moral conduct
With the aim to “Perfect” human living 10

11. Life in Christ Life in Christ is rooted in the virtues
We permit Christ to transform us from within
Human virtues acquired by:
education, deliberate acts, and perseverance & grow by “Divine Grace”
Virtues create character and performs good acts with apparent ease. ccc1810 11

12. Happiness & Charity Happiness comes from being good
thus happiness is living a virtuous life
The practice of all the virtues is animated & inspired by charity :
which “binds everything together in perfect harmony” Col 3:14, ccc1827 12

13. Theological Virtues
Faith - is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said & revealed to us in the deposit of faith within the Church.
In short, Faith enables one to know God & all that He has revealed. 13

14. Theological Virtues cont.
Hope - is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven & eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises & relying not on our own strength, but grace from the Holy Spirit.
In short, Hope enables one to desire God above all things and to trust Him for our salvation. 14

15. Theological Virtues cont.
Charity - is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, & our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.
In short, Charity enables one to love God above all & to love our neighbor as ourselves. 15

16. What is a virtue?
A virtue is an habitual & firm disposition to do the good
It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself.
The goal of the virtuous life is to become like God. 16

17. (Human) Cardinal Virtues
The Cardinal virtues are acquired by human effort.
They make possible self-mastery, and give joy in leading a morally good life
The four virtues play a pivotal role (hinge) & accordingly are called “cardinal”
These virtues are praised under other names in Scripture 17

18. Prudence (sound judgment)
Prudence - is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it;
Prudence is exercising practical wisdom & knowledge to accomplish what is good
enables one to reason & to act rightly in any given situation 18

19. Justice (fairness)
Justice - is the moral virtue that consists in the constant & firm will to give their due to God & neighbor.
Justice toward God - “virtue of religion”
Justice is the quality of giving each person what they are due (honoring each one’s rights) 19

20. Fortitude (courage)
Fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties & constancy in the pursuit of the good.
It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations & overcome obstacles in the moral life.
It disposes one to renounce & sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause.
In short, Fortitude enables one to endure difficulties & pain for the sake of what is good. 20

21. Temperance (self-control)
Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures & provides balance in the use of created goods. ( food, entertainment)
Temperance enables one to be moderate and disciplined in the use or enjoyment of good things. 21