Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do. (Psalm 1:1,3 -The Catholic Children's Bible by saint mary's press)
Read:
Click here to watch short videos of other teens who have had to face adversity and how they handled it.
Learn:
A virtue is an interior disposition, a positive habit, a passion that has been placed at the service of the good. They take practice. The first cardinal virtue is Prudence. Prudence is recognizing what is good and knowing how to achieve it. The second cardinal virtue is Justice. Justice is giving God and neighbor what is due to them. The third cardinal virtue is Fortitude. Fortitude is the courage to stand firm and fearless in face of trials in doing good. Fortitude is having courage and strength in the midst of adversity. Fortitude is choosing to take control of your circumstances. It is not only determining to not let the hard things affect you, but determining that the hard things will make you stronger and better. The fourth cardinal virtue is Temperance. Temperance is living with moderation in regard to pleasures and the world's goods.
Respond:
Imagine you have a very important test coming up. What are some ways to pass it? Which ones are good ways? Which are wrong? Which one would you choose and why? What might some of the consequences or benefits be from your choice? The next time you are in a situation like this, try to practice the virtue of prudence to recognize and do the right thing. Treating others justly is not the same as treating others equally. Treating someone justly means to give to them what they need. A rich man doesn't need $20, but that might make all the difference in the world to a poor man. In the same way, someone with cancer will have needs that someone without cancer doesn't have. Identify someone in our school, church, or neighborhood who may have a special need. How can you fill that need? Act on it. Remember, virtues take practice!