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)