I has it.

Labels: morality, Virtue

It is interesting to note that when Jesus tells his great parable of judgment we call the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Mt 25:31-46), the big dividing line between sheep and goats is not their views on justification by faith alone, their sacramental theology, their opinions on the papacy, their thoughts on just war and gun control or even their visible membership in the Catholic Church. It is how they treated “the least of these.”

I've not been paying enough attention to the least lately. Time for some Lentan manning up. Mr. Shea does a quick overview of the corporal works of mercy, and some ideas for how to actually do each of them. Can you hit them all in the next month?

So what are the corporal works of mercy and where do they come from? They are: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, harbor the harborless, visit the sick, ransom the captive and bury the dead. As you can see, they are rooted in the Bible itself (half of them come from the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, and the rest are virtuous acts we see attributed to various heroes of the Bible such as Moses or Tobit). The corporal works of mercy are addressed primarily (though not exclusively) to bodily needs since we are embodied creatures. However, they are also charged with sacramental significance too, as we shall see. The works are the response of love to the fact that the Word became flesh and, in the least of these, still dwells among us. Let’s take a quick look at each.

Labels: charity, Virtue

I have been working on trying to be grateful lately. It seems that there are many wonderful things that will happen if I can accomplish my goal of not being a Debbie downer.

Those who count their blessings have less likelihood for depression, anxiety, or envy, while possessing stronger social connections, greater relationship satisfaction, and a real leg up in the workplace.

It also has the advantage of being the opposite of envy, which is kinda sorta on the list of deadly sins.

Labels: personal, Virtue

My pal Dave M pointed me to this recently released report on the social costs of pornography. Quite important to view, imho. I'll let his words summarize how I feel - note that this is especially convenient, given that we share a first name:

Forgive me if you've already seen this, but it's an important study on a
topic that is incredibly serious and not given much, if any, attention. I
strongly encourage you all to read it. It's sad that we need research to
tell us what is utterly common sense, but such are the times we live in.
Please read this and help get the word out.

Best,

--
-Dave

Labels: pornography, Virtue

Saint Jean Baptiste de la Salle, beginning comments in a meditation on vigilance:

Vigilance is the virtue which makes us diligent and painstaking in
fulfilling all our duties.A teacher needs this virtue both for himself and
for his pupils.

In other words, eyes in the back of your head, and plan your lessons thoroughly! Otherwise it is both your demise and your students'. One of my great sins in teaching last year was laziness, although it was usually a product of exhaustion. One can never plan enough, and one can never be vigilant enough in the classroom.

Labels: teaching, Virtue

Introductory paragraph from a meditation on wisdom by Saint Jean Baptiste de la Salle:

Wisdom is a virtue which gives us knowledge of the most exalted things
through the most excellent principles so that we may act accordingly.
It differs from prudence for the latter merely presupposes a praiseworthy
end, whatever it may be. Whereas, wisdom considers directly its object,
and does so not only as good and praiseworthy but also as being very great
and important.

I have begun reading meditations on virtues of a good teacher by Saint Jean (he enumerates twelve virtues) and have come to the humbling conclusion that I am sorely lacking in most of these. It is a bit of a frightening revelation. Reserve, prudence, wisdom, these are not terms I would use to describe myself. Moreover, my education in science leaves me poorly educated in the areas of philosophy and morals. I don't have a good understanding of virtue in either the classical or Christian sense. I think I need to do more reading and meditating in this area.

I once more lament my poor catechism. I am so far behind! I only hope that someday I will have the luxury of taking a long break from this busy world and can afford to contemplate such things

Labels: Virtue