Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. He is like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1:1,3-New American Bible, Revised Edition)
Read:
Here is a link to a Bible study for men on the transforming power of virtue. (You will need to set up an account with FORMED.org, instructions on the FF Resources page.)
Learn:
A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. The first cardinal virtue is Prudence. Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it...It is prudence that immediately guides the judgment of conscience. The prudent man determines and directs his conduct in accordance with this judgement. With the help of this virtue we apply moral principles to particular cases without error and overcome doubt about the good to achieve and the evil to avoid. -CCC 1806 Prudence is "right reason in action"- St. Thomas Aquinas Video on the virtue of Prudence
The second cardinal virtue isJustice. Justice consists in the firm and constant will to give God and neighbor their due. Justice toward 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 with regard to persons and to the common good. The just man, often referred to in the Sacred Scriptures, is distinguished by habitual right thinking and the uprightness of his conduct toward his neighbor. CCC 1807 Video on the virtue of justice.
The third cardinal virtue is Fortitude. Fortitude is the courage to stand firm and fearless in face of trials in doing good.
It is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. It strengthens the resolve to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles in the moral life. The virtue of fortitude enables one to conquer fear, even fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. It disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. CCC 1808
The fourth cardinal virtue is Temperance. Temperance is living with moderation in regard to pleasures and the world's goods. Temperance is the moral virtue that moderates the attraction of pleaseure and provides balance in the use of created goods. It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable.The temperate person directs the sensitive appetites toward what is good and maintains a healthy discretion: "Do not follow your inclination and strength, walking according to the desires of your heart."-CCC 1809
Respond:
Pay attention to the decisions you make this week. Are you making decisions rashly or are you taking time to practice the virtue of prudence? It takes practice to lead a life of virtue. Take every chance available to you to use right judgement. After watching Fr. Jonathan's video, is treating everyone justly the same as treating everyone equally? Why or why not? Identify someone around you that has special needs that you can meet. Practice the virtue of justice in your circles this week. In what ways are you treating God justly (according to His due)? In what ways can you improve? Remember, virtues take practice!