The Holy Father held another catechesis this Wednesday (24) during the General Audience in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. It was a continuation of the cycle of reflections on vices and virtueswhere Francis recalled what was discussed in past audiences, about the cardinal virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance.
“These virtues belong to a very ancient wisdom, precedent even to Christianity. Already before Christ, honesty was advised as a civic duty, wisdom as a rule of actionscourage as a fundamental ingredient for a life that tends towards good, and moderation as a necessary measure to avoid being dominated by excesses“said the Pope.
In this teaching, the pontiff emphasizes that in the heart of every man and woman there is the ability to seek the good. The Holy Spirit is given so that those who receive it may clearly distinguish good from evil, have the strength to adhere to good while avoiding evil and, by doing so, achieve full personal fulfillment.
Vatican Media
Faith, hope and charity
Francis emphasized that on this path towards the fullness of life, we have particular assistance from the Spirit of Jesus Christwhich is achieved with the gift of three other virtues, purely Christian, which are often mentioned together in the New Testament writings.
“These fundamental attitudes, which characterize the lives of Christians, They are faith, hope and charity. Christian writers They soon called them ‘theological’, as they are received and lived in the relationship with Godto differentiate them from the others called ‘cardinals’, as they constitute the ‘pivot’ of a good life. These three are received in Baptism and come from the Holy Spirit”.
Virtues that cure personal isolation
Through the existence lived by the Spirit, the Pope guides us that from our experience with Jesus we stop being presumptuous, arrogant and selfish. “A Christian is never alone. Do good not through a titanic effort of personal commitment, but because, as a humble disciple, he walks behind the Master Jesus. He leads the way along the way. The Christian has the theological virtues that are the great antidote against self-sufficiency“.
Open your heart to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Father concluded the catechesis by teaching us that theological virtues are of great help in these painful situationsin moments of fall when we sin, because we all make mistakes in life and intelligence is not always clearthe will is not always firm, passions are not always governed, courage does not always overcome fear.
“But if we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit – the inner Teacher – He revives the theological virtues in us: so, if we lose confidence, God reopens us to faith – with the strength of the Spirit; if we are discouraged, God reopens us to faith, if we are discouraged God awakens hope in us; and if our heart is hardened, God softens him with his love”.
Watch the General Audience with Pope Francis
Source: Vatican News
