Cardinal Virtues: a real plan to grow in Holiness

Here is a proposal for a lenten itinerary to grow in holiness by practicing the cardinal virtues. There are forty days to lent and so we can practice one of the cardial virtues for every ten days. The first ten days practice temperance, the second prudence, third fortitude, fourth justice.

TEMPERANCE: the practice of moderation. It is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleasures and provides balance in the use of created goods.

Questions you may ask yourself: Do you find yourself indulging in too many good things, such as food, or TV, or computer games, or even spending to much time doing things that are not so important, even spending too much time with friends or at work or at play? Are you indulging in too many bad things that lead to vices, such as anger (negative attitudes, yelling), lust (such as viewing pornography or indulging in illicit sexual behavior), gluttony (too much food again), gossip (speaking about and criticizing people). Temperance is to put the reigns on these habits, becoming free of them.

PRUDENCE: the act of being careful. It is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it.

FORTITUDE: the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life.

JUSTICE: the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor. Justice towards God is called the “virtue of religion”. Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity (fairness) with regard to persons and to the common good. Practicing justice would entail putting to right what has been wronged, especially in relationships, wether with God or man.