Be Transformed by Christ. Transform the World.
When you think about the virtue of Faith, this iconic infomercial phrase should come to mind. “But wait! There’s more!” Faith is a gift by which we believe in God and believe all that he has revealed to us. When you have the eyes of faith God's revelation is constant. Listen as Richaél Lucero points out how God uses this virtue to reveal how each event in your day is a supernatural one.
Sharing some wisdom from C.S. Lewis, Richaél Lucero explains why God doesn’t want rule followers. Instead he wants people who have a special quality of character. A quality that eggs them on to persevere. Like athletes who train even when they're tired and their muscles fatigued—God is conditioning us to be spiritual athletes.
What is today's formula for happiness? In a word, MORE. Happiness is to have it all, experience it all—and to the nth degree. This sounds nothing like the virtue of temperance. The irony is that when we practice temperance we end up with more. And this more actually satisfies. It's the Christian paradox! Listen as Richaél Lucero reveals how this is possible.
Heroic virtue isn’t just for the martyrs—it’s for all the faithful. The key to living heroic virtue is *holy detachment.* But holy detachment is not about emptiness or nothingness. It's actually about being filled up! Listen to learn more of what holy detachment is, isn't, and why it goes hand-in-hand with heroic virtue. Plus, Richaél Lucero will explain how to practice holy detachment.
Courage. Both a virtue and a gift from the Holy Spirit. Both intended to be inseparable by God. And both masterfully captured through three words in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series; "Courage, dear heart." Richaél Lucero ties Lewis' work with scripture and Church teaching on courage in this episode. Listen as she demonstrates how the gift develops the virtue and their lasting effect.
You can grow in virtue—and thus holiness—with three simple steps. Yes, you read that—only three steps. Listen as Richaél Lucero provides actionable and tactical tips to develop any virtue. Using the oh-so-relatable example of the morning alarm snooze button, she'll walk you through all the elements of each step. Get ready to grow your virtue game.
Justice. Is it about punishment or vengeance? Many would say "yes." Jesus and the Church say "no." Mystic and saint, Bridget of Sweden said, "the source of justice is not vengeance but charity." As in love! And she was right! Richaél Lucero looks at the work of St. Thomas Aquinas to clarify the misunderstood virtue of justice. To show that it is rooted in love and for human flourishing. Plus the gift of the Holy Spirit that helps us to live the virtue of justice, piety.
Vices, bad. Virtues, good. Right? Not according to G.K. Chesterton. He'd say, when compared, "the virtues wander more wildly, and the virtues do more terrible damage." How is that possible?! That's what happens when they become isolated from the other virtues—especially prudence. Listen as Richaél Lucero breaks down how this can happen. And why it has a negative effect on a positive thing like a virtue. Plus why the Church Fathers would agree with Chesterton.
Do you know someone who always seems to know what to do, when to do it, and how to get it done right? They have what we call the virtue of prudence. Richaél Lucero is digging into all things prudence related in this episode. Listen to learn about the daughter virtues of prudence, different types of prudence, the sins against prudence (and how to guard against them), and the gift of the Holy Spirit that corresponds with prudence.
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.
If daily uninterrupted prayer is the ideal, what does that imply about the rest of our daily activities—are they less meaningful? With this practice established by monks of old, even the busy person can elevate their daily work and stay connected to God without missing a beat. Richaél Lucero outlines how you can too.
"The goal of the virtuous life is to become like God," St. Gregory of Nyssa. As a Christian this is your mission—theosis, become like God. Cultivating the virtues is essential for theosis. So, how are you growing in virtue? Do you have a routine, strategy, or even a general approach? Richaél Lucero explains what virtues are, where they come from, how we get them, and God's presence in the process.
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