cardinal virtue: fortitude: ss

re: "the golden image" (dan 3:1-18)
vv1618 "shadrach, meshach, and abednego answered the king, 'o nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter/ [17] if our god whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of our hand, o king, let him deliver us. [18] but if not, be it known to you, o king, that we will not werve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.'"

cardinal virtue: prudence: example of daniel

Re: Virtues, Prudence; Example: Daniel
Fr: Daniel 1 (“Four Young Israelites at the Babylonian Court”)

v. 8, 11-12 “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the royal rations of food and wine; so he asked the palace master to allow him not to defile himself. [11] Then Daniel asked the guard …: [12] ‘Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.’”

Commentary:
“Daniel resists the king’s command, his food, his lifestyle, and his dominion. He offers a test so that he and his companions can prove that they will not only survive but will thrive on their obedience to their God who is God alone. They become known for their knowledge and wisdom and prudence (knowing when to be public and when to lie low in the face of evil and persecution). We have much to learn from these young men who know how to be faithful to their covenant with God and the people, yet know how to survive in a climate of slavery, oppression, and being conquered.”
- McKeena, M. (2007). Bible diary. QC: Claretian, Monday, 34th Week in Ordinary Time.

my personal reflection:
we have this saying, "choose the battles you fight."

justice: human and divine: ss

re: "the last days of antiochus epiphanes" (1 mac 6:1-17)

v8,11-13 "when the king [antiochus epiphanes] heard this news [his armies destroyed in judah, and previous to that also in persia], he was astounded and badly shaken. he took to his bed and became sick from disappointment, because things had not turned out for him as he had planned. [11] i said to myslef, 'to waht distress i have come! and into what a great flood i now am plunged! for i was kind and beloved in my power.' [12] but now i remember the the wrong i did in jerusalem. i seized all its vessels of silver and gold, and i sent to destroy the inhabitants of judah without good reason. [13] i know this is because of this that these MISFORTUNES have come upon me; here i am, perishing of bitter disappointment in a strange land.'"

7 capital sins: gluttony: ss

re: "concerning moderation" (sir 37:27-31)
vv29-31 "do not be greedy for every delicacy, and do not eat without restraint; [30] for overating brings sickness, and GLUTTONY leads to nausea. [31] many have died of GLUTTONY, but the one who guards against it prolongs his life."

cardinal virtue: temperance: ss

re: "concerning moderation" (sir 37:27-31)
"my child, test yourserlf while you life; see what is bad for you and do not give in to it. [28] for not everything is good for everyone, and no one enjoys everything. [29] do not be greedy for every delicacy, and do not eat without restraint; [30] for overeating brings sickness, and gluttony leads to nausea. [31] many have died of gluttony, but the one who guards against it prolongs his life."

sins: enumeration: ss

re: "good stewards of god's grace" (1 pt 4:1-11)
v3 "you have already spent enough time in doing what the gentiles like to do, living in
- licentiousness,
- passions,
- drunkenness,
- revels,
- carousing, and
- lawless idolatry."

human cardinal virtues: questionnaire: ccc

Re: Virtues, Human; Cardinal: Questionnaire
Fr: Extracted and expanded from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) # 1805-1811.

I. Questionnaire

Rate each of the statements below using the following scale:
1 = strongly disagree
2 = disagree
3 = somewhat disagree & somewhat agree
4 = agree
5 = strongly agree

A. Prudence (# 1806)

___ 1. I use practical reason to discern my true good and to guide the judgment
of my conscience in every circumstance.
___ 2. I choose the right means of achieving what I discern to be good.
___ 3. I pause and look where I’m heading to before I act. (Prov 14:15)
___ 4. I am serious and disciplined in my actions. (1 Pt 4:7)
___ 5. I am careful in discerning things, so as not to be deceived or tricked. (St.
Agustine, De moribus eccl.)
___ 6. I apply moral principles to particular cases to ensure that I achieve
what is good and avoid what is evil.

B. Justice (# 1807)

___ 1. I constantly and firmly give what is due to God.
2. I constantly and firmly give what is due to others, i.e.,
___ a. … my spouse.
___ b. … my child/ren.
___ c. … my relatives.
___ d. … my neighbors.
___ e. … my friends.
___ f. … my officemates.
___ g. … my community.
___ h. … my country.
___ i. … the environment.
___ 3. I respect the rights of each person, regardless of race, gender, or
Religion.
___ 4. I establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes fairness
with regard to persons and to the common good.
___ 5. I judge my neighbor in righteousness and am not partial to the poor or
defer to the great. (Lev 19:15)
___ 6. I treat my subordinates (househelps, fellow employees) justly and
fairly, knowing that I also have a Master in heaven. (Col 4:1)

C. Fortitude (# 1808)

___ 1. I am firm and constant in the pursuit of the good even in the midst of
Difficulties.
___ 2. I am resolved to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the
moral life.
___ 3. I am not unduly disturbed by misfortune. (St. Agustine, De moribus eccl.)
___ 4. I am ready to face trials and persecutions for the sake of righteousness.
___ 5. I am able to face my fears in life with the knowledge that God is always
on my side.
___ 6. I am disposed even to renounce and sacrifice my life in defense of a just
cause.

D. Temperance (“moderation” or ”sobriety” in the New Testament) (# 1809)

___ 1. I moderate the attraction of pleasures and balance the use of created
goods.
___ 2. I am reasonably in control of my instincts and keep my desires within the
limits of what is honorable (ex: avoid gluttony, Sir 37:31).
___ 3. I direct my sensitive appetites toward what is good.
___ 4. I maintain a healthy discretion by not blindly following my inclination and
strength in pursuing the desires of my heart. (Sir 5:2; cf. 37:27-31)
___ 5. As much as possible, I see to it that I do not give in to what is bad for
me. (Sir 37:27)
___ 6. I keep my love for God and neighbor whole and uncorrupted. (St.
Agustine, De moribus eccl.)

II. Reflection

1. What human virtue is my strength? Why?


2. How can I share this strength in the service of my family and community?


3. What human virtue is my weakness? Why?


4. What do I need to do to develop this human virtue?


5. Reflect on this passage:

“It is not easy for man, wounded by sin, to maintain moral balance. Christ’s gift of salvation offers us the grace necessary to persevere in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should always
-- ask for this grace of light and strength,
-- frequent the sacraments,
-- cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and
-- follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil.” (# 1811)

theological virtues: implications: ccc

A. FAITH

1. total self-commitment
2. seeking and doing god's will
3. life of charity (# 1814)

B. HOPE

1. keeps us from discouragement
2. sustains us in times of abandonment (# 1818)
3. affords us joy even under trial (# 1820)
4. helps us persevere to the end (# 1821)

C. CHARITY

1. love of god above all things for his own sake [# 1822] (not out of fear {= slaves} or for wages {= mercenaries}, but out of love for him who commands {= children}, st. basil) [#1828]
2. love of neighbor as ourselves for the love of god [# 1822]
a. tender love (beneficence) [# 1829]
b. tough love (fraternal correction) [# 1829]

virtues: perseverance: ss

re: "signs and persecutions" (lk 21:7-19)
v19 "'by your endurance ["perseverance" - christian community bible - catholid pastoral edition] you will gain your souls.'"

cardinal virtues: ccc

Re: Virtues, Human; Cardinal
Fr: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994) # 1804-1811

“Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our passions and guide our conduct according to reason and faith” (# 1804).

“And if anyone loves righteousness, her labors are virtues; for she teaches
 self-control [temperance] and
 prudence,
 justice and
 courage [fortitude];
nothing in life is more profitable for mortals than these.”
- Wisdom 8:7 (New Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition, 1993) (# 1805)

These virtues are called “cardinal” because all the other virtues are grouped around them (# 1805).

1. 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…. “ It is “‘right reason in action’” (St. Thomas Aquinas, following Aristotle, Summa Theologiae) (# 1806). Being prudent means being “careful in discerning things, so as not to be surprised by deceit or trickery” (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809). Prudence is called the charioteer of the virtues (auriga virtutum) because it guides the other virtues by setting rule and measure (# 1806).

 “The prudent man looks where he is going” (Proverbs 14:15) (# 1806).

2. JUSTICE = “is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor” (# 1807). Justice enables one to obey only God (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809). It involves respect for human rights, the establishment of harmonious interpersonal relationships, the promotion of equity, and the pursuit of the common good (# 1807).

 “You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15) (# 1807)
 “Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven” (Colossians 4:1) (# 1807).

3. FORTITUDE = “is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life (# 1808). It keeps one from being disturbed in times of misfortune (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809). [It] enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause (# 1808).

 “The Lord is my strength and my song.” (Psalm 118:14) (#1808)
 “In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) (# 1808)

4. TEMPERANCE= “is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will’s mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable. The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good, and maintains a healthy discretion.” Temperance keeps love whole and uncorrupted (St. Augustine, De moribus eccl.) (# 1809).

 “Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart.” (Sirach 5:2; cf. 37:27-31) (# 1809)
 “Do not follow your base desires, but restrain your appetites.” (Sirach 18:30) (# 1809)
 “… live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world.” (Titus 2:12)

virtue: definition: ccc

Re: Virtue, Definition
Fr: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994)

Virtue = “a habitual and firm disposition to do the good …. [and] to give the best of himself …. with all his sensory and spiritual powers,” pursuing it and choosing it in concrete acts.

Human Virtues = “are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that
-- govern our actions,
-- order our passions and
-- guide our conduct
according to reason and faith.”
Consequently, “they make possible
-- ease,
-- self-mastery, and
-- joy
in leading a morally good life. (# 1804)

Moral Virtues = are the fruit and seed of morally good acts acquired by human effort that dispose all the powers of the human being for communion with divine love (# 1804).

fraternal correction: ss

re: "some sayings of jesus" (lk 17:1-10)
v3 "'be on your guard! if another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive."

re: "reproving another who sins" (mt 18:15-20)
vv15-17 "'if another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the 2 of you are alone. if the member listens to you, you have regained that one. [16] but if you are not listened to, take 1 or 2 others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of 2 or 3 witnesses. [17] if the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a gentile and a tax collector."

re: "the prayer of faith" (jas 5:13-20)
v19 "my brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and is brought back by another, [20] you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner;s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

conscience: catechism: summary

Re: Conscience
Fr: Catechism of the Catholic Church (1994). Part III, Section 1, Article 6 “Moral Conscience,” # 1776-1802. (underscore mine)

• Definition

Conscience is a law inscribed by God in man’s heart calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounding in his heart at the right moment. (Gaudium et Spes 16 in CCC # 1776). It is a “judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act that he is going to perform, is in the process of performing, or has already completed” (# 1778).

“Conscience includes the:
 perception of the principles of morality (synderesis);
 their application in the given circumstances by practical discernment of reasons and goods; and finally
 judgment about concrete acts yet to be performed or already performed” (# 1780).

• Kinds

(1) Informed Conscience – “is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator” (# 1783). Moral conscience is formed throughout life through prudent education (# 1784) and the assimilation of the Word of God in faith and prayer, and putting it into practice (# 1802).
(2) Conscience in Ignorance -- can make erroneous judgments, i.e., one that departs from reason and divine law (# 1786), which can be imputed to personal responsibility (# 1791) due to:
(a) ignorance (of truth & goodness, Christ and his Gospel)
(b) habitual sin
(c) bad example of others
(d) enslavement of one’s passions
(e) mistaken notion of autonomy of conscience
(f) rejection of the Church’s authority and teaching
(g) lack of conversion
(h) lack of charity (# 1791-1792)

• Importance

-- “The dignity of the human person implies and requires uprightness of moral conscience” (# 1780).
-- “Man has the right to act in conscience and in freedom so as personally to make moral decisions” (# 1872).
-- “… charity proceeds at the same time ‘from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith’ (Pt 3:21; Acts 24:16).” (# 1794).

• Teaching

 Prerequisite:

Interiority – being present to oneself through such means as “reflection, self-examination or introspection” (# 1779).

 Prescription:

-- “In all he says and does, man is obliged to follow faithfully what he knows to be just and right” (# 1778).
-- “A human being must always obey the certain judgment of his conscience. If he were deliberately to act against it, he would condemn himself” (# 1790).
-- “Man is sometimes confronted by situations that make moral judgments less assured and decision difficult. But he must always seriously seek what is right and good and discern the will of God expressed in divine law” (# 1787).
-- Some rules apply in every case:
(1) never do evil even for a good cause
(2) follow the golden rule: do to others what you wish them to do unto you (Mt 7:12; cf. Lk 6:31; Tob 4:15)
(3) respect others’ conscience and avoid scandalizing them (# 1789)

 Factors in Discernment:

1. data of experience
2. signs of the times assisted by the virtue of prudence
3. advice of competent people
4. help of the Holy Spirit and his gifts (# 1788)

 Effect:

“Conscience enables one to assume responsibility for the acts performed.”
(1) negatively: it witnesses to “the evil of his particular choice”
(2) positively: it witnesses to the “universal truth of the good” and calls to mind the forgiveness to be asked, the good that must be practiced, and the virtue that must be cultivated with the grace of God (# 1781).

basic principle: ss

re: "marks of the true christian" (rom 12:9-21)
vv9-10,21 "let LOVE be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; [10] love one another with mutual affection; outdo onw another in showing honor.
"[21] do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

re: "raphael's exhortation" (tob 12:6-10)
v7b "do good and evil will not overtake you."

reflection: the angel raphael says this to tobit and tobias after he had carried out god's orders for him to heal tobit of his blindness and sarah of her depression (due to the demon who caused her husbands to die at their honeymoon night) in response to their prayers. this is also divine justice because they were good people and deserved to be blest. so, the lesson of raphael is to continue to do good no matter what unfortunate events befall us.
(2007 dec 13)