299. “Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good.”

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 299

Ave Maria series

What is meant by “virtue”?

A virtue is an interior disposition, a positive habit, a passion that has been placed at the service of the good.  [1803, 1833]

A volunteer Wisconsin State Park camp host teaching children about care of a riding horse. …..299

Virtue in Every Day Life:   In my work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources I was in close contact with state park supervisors who stressed how significant was the service of their summertime volunteer camp hosts (see woman at right of photo).  These people are retired married couples who arrive at the beginning of the camping season and remain in a specific park until the fall closure.  They receive no pay and they live on-site 24/7 in their privately owned camping trailer. They are there to answer all kinds of questions and to encourage appreciation and understanding of the natural wonders of the park.  They keep an eye over the campground and quiet late evening noise.  They often return summer-after-summer seeking the same duties.

“You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).  That means we must change our way to God.  By our human abilities we can do that only in fits and starts.  With his grace God supports the human virtues and gives us, above and beyond that, the so-called supernatural virtues, which help us to come closer to God and live more securely in his light.  293-294. 305

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”  Matthew 5:6

1803, 1833

THE VIRTUES

1803  “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." (Philippians 4:8.)⁶²–Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

A virtue is a 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. --CCC

The goal of a virtuous life is to become like God. (St. Gregory of Nyssa, De beatitudinibus, 1:Patrologia Grae3ca 44,1200D.)⁶³–CCC

IN BRIEF                                         

1833 Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. –CCC

People Helping a camp host