The life of virtue is a life that molds the inner dispositions of the heart according to the pattern of Christ.
Understanding the Life of Virtue
Living this life means perceiving the conflict between good and evil within ourselves, and striving to gain the victory with Christ and by His power.
It is a great journey that calls us to dedicate ourselves to the restoration of the soul by the power of grace that the disordered faculties, wounded by original sin, may be healed and restored.
Once we have resolved to pursue virtue in our lives we often encounter obstacles that hinder us on the path.
These obstacles are less obvious vices that endanger our souls in several ways. They tempt us due to our natural tendency toward self-love and comfort.
We have difficulty gaining and sustaining virtue when we are faced with the normal frustrations of daily life.
But God does not require what we cannot attain. Obedience to Our Lord’s command to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” comes down to our faithfulness to specific acts of intention infused with God’s grace to bring about real and lasting change.