Grace builds on nature. If we want to grow in supernatural virtue, we must heed this saying. We start by first setting a foundation of natural virtue. Richaél Lucero explains how that’s done, what natural virtue is, and why it’s important in the lives of all people. Plus, what God wants to do with it for our eternal benefit.

SHOW NOTES

Episodes referenced

quotes referenced

The goal of the virtues.

The goal of the virtuous life is to become like God.

St. Gregory of Nyssa, De Beatidudinus

Natural virtue in the Catechism

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

A virtue is an habitual and firm disposition to do the good. It allows the person not only to perform good acts, but to give the best of himself. The virtuous person tends toward the good with all his sensory and spiritual powers; he pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions.

The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1803

Human virtues are firm attitudes, stable dispositions, habitual perfections of intellect and will that govern our actions, order our passions, and guide our conduct according to reason and faith. They make possible ease, self-mastery, and joy in leading a morally good life. The virtuous man is he who freely practices the good.

The moral virtues are acquired by human effort. They are the fruit and seed of morally good acts; they dispose all the powers of the human being for communion with divine love.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1804

Human virtues acquired by education, by deliberate acts and by a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts are purified and elevated by divine grace. With God’s help, they forge character and give facility in the practice of the good. The virtuous man is happy to practice them.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1810