Sem. Renzel Joseph T. Baroña Rev. Fr. Castulo Aaron L.

Quilaneta
AB II - St. Maximilian Kolbe Life in Christ

“VIRTUES IN A NUTSHELL”

When we speak about virtues, it is an interior disposition, a positive habit, and a passion
placed at the service of the good. With the practice of the virtues, we can freely, joyfully, and
easily accomplish what is right. To have a better understanding, we must particularly know the
human virtues, the theological virtues, and the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Human virtues are firm attitudes of our intellect and will that govern our actions, order
our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. It composes of four cardinal
virtues, namely: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Prudence is the virtue that disposes
of the practical reason to help us discern what is good and to set the right goals and choose the
best means of attaining them. Justice is the virtue that helps us act justly by always making sure
to give to God and one’s neighbor what is due to them. Fortitude is the virtue that helps us
persevere in our commitment to good, even in times of extreme cases. Temperance is the virtue
that helps us overcome immoderate behavior, a destructive force in all areas of life.
Theological virtues have their foundation in God, are causally related to God, and for us
the way by which we can reach God directly. It comprises of three supernatural virtues, namely:
faith, hope, and charity. Faith is the virtue by which we assent to God, acknowledge his truth,
and commit ourselves personally to Him. Hope is the virtue by which we firmly long for what
we do, we praise and serve God, and we attain true happiness in fulfillment with Him. Charity,
as the greatest among them, is the virtue by which we, who have been loved first by God, can
give ourselves to Him to be united and can accept our neighbor for God’s sake as
unconditionally and sincerely as we learn to accept ourselves.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit grants special powers to humanity that go beyond our natural
aptitudes and allow us to become God’s instruments in this world. It composes of seven, namely:
wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. The Fruits of
the Holy Spirit show that God plays a role in the life of Christians, wherein we are adopted, led,
and formed by Him. It comprises of twelve, namely: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. To conclude,
as Saint Augustine would beautifully quote, “Virtue is what one does passionately.”