Monday, December 14, 2020 –
Now that we have finished each of our Four Cardinal Virtues, let’s take a super quick look at other moral virtues. I am not going to lie: today is going to be one giant quote because why restate something that has already been said so well.
Our New Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism #2 has a stellar list of other moral virtues:
135. Which are some of the other moral virtues?
Some of the other moral virtues are:
Filial piety and patriotism, which dispose us to honor, love, and respect our parents and our country.
Obedience, which disposes us to do the will of our superiors.
Veracity, which disposes us to tell the truth.
Liberality, which disposes us rightly to use worldly goods.
Patience, which disposes us to bear up under trials and difficulties.
Humility, which disposes us to acknowledge our limitations.
Chastity, or purity, which disposes us to be pure in soul and body.
Besides these, there are many other moral virtues.
Bishop Morrow agrees, and expounds on these a touch:
43. Moral Virtues
Which are some of the other moral virtues? —Filial piety and patriotism, which dispose us to honor, love, and respect our parents and our country. It is, however, no virtue but a sin if we are so prejudiced in favor of our parents that we find no good in others; or if we are so “patriotic” that we see no good in other nations.
The division and mutual antagonisms of nations and peoples in which certain ones profess to find themselves as “superior” can certainly not please God; from them come war and revenge. God is Father of all nations and peoples, without exception.
1. Obedience, which disposes us to do the will of our superiors. Obedience consists not only in doing what is commanded by our superior, but in being willing to do what is commanded. One who grumbles and murmurs while doing what his mother asks him to do is not obedient.
Obedience is a virtue only when one subjects his will to that of another for God’s sake, not for material or natural motives. Christ is the model of obedience, for He obeyed completely and lovingly, even to the death of the Cross. “An obedient man shall speak of victory” (Prov. 21:28).
2. Veracity, which disposes us to tell the truth.
We should always be truthful, as children of God, Who is Truth itself. Veracity, however, does not require us to reveal secrets, or to reply to questions about which the questioner has no right to ask.
In cases such as these, we should either remain silent, or return an evasive answer. “Wherefore, put away lying, and speak truth each one with his neighbor, because we are members of one another” (Eph. 4:25).
3. Patience, which disposes us to bear up under trials and difficulties.
In sickness and ill fortune, in the difficulties of our occupations, in our weaknesses, let us have serenity of mind, for the love of God: “And bear fruit in patience” (Luke 8:15). “Be patient in tribulation, persevering in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).
Besides these, there are many other moral virtues. Religion is the highest moral virtue, since it disposes us to offer to God the worship that is due Him.
Religion is classed under the virtue of justice. (Bishop Morrow, My Catholic Faith, p. 87) Sancti Ioannes et Paule, orate pro nobis!
