THEOLOGICAL virtues are virtues associated in Christian theology and philosophy with salvation resulting from the grace of God.
Virtues are traits or qualities which dispose one to conduct oneself in a morally good manner. Traditionally, the theological virtues have been named faith, hope, and charity (love). They are coupled with the four natural or cardinal virtues, and opposed to the seven deadly sins.
Faith, hope, and charity (love) are traditionally represented by three distinct Christian symbols: a cross for faith, an anchor for hope, and a heart for charity.
The medieval Catholic philosopher Thomas Aquinas explained that these virtues are called theological virtues “first, because their object is God, inasmuch as they direct us aright to God: secondly, because they are infused in us by God alone: thirdly, because these virtues are not made known to us, save by Divine revelation, contained in Holy Writ.”
Faith is associated with the cross, symbol of Christianity; to Hope with the anchor, to whom man clings to in his everyday life; Charity is represented by the heart, symbol of love that elapses among Father, Son and Holy Spirit that permits men to realize the Kingdom of God in this world.
Sometimes, we might ask ourselves: What is the sense of doing this and that? What is the meaning of life? I am sure, each and every one of us looks for a good life. Sometimes we are very optimistic. We think it’s easy to always find a good life. Most of the time we are in doubt or we even choose to be unhappy without any reason at all. To wake up in the morning with pessimism and fall asleep at night, dissatisfied and unhappy – yes, that makes life miserable.
Without happiness and satisfaction there is indeed no space for peace in our hearts and minds, therefore no domestic harmony and logically, no peace on earth. The meaning of happiness is trying to manage life even with big problems, difficulties and trials. I learned this from Filipinos since staying in the Philippines as an expatriate. I was really surprised to experience mutual happiness, friendship, love, unity and communal spirit with relatives and in my surroundings.
Of course, I also found myself in very negative situations. I observed people who seem to live an easy go lucky way of life. But they were like actors and actresses on stage, wearing incredible masks and pretending to be what they are not. Hence, in Greek, they are the so-called hypocrites. Maybe you and I belong to them from time to time because of fear of rejection or displeasure of other people. In society, it Is called “good public relations”. Politely greeting and smiling with a set of purpose: to win them their business, William Congreve (1670-1729) wrote in his “Preface to Dryden” – No mask like open truth to cover lies as to go naked is the best disguise.
So, what really counts for us? Success? Power? Strength? Money?
Is it contentment? Is it peace on earth? Is it peace in our homes / zest for life?
Let us go through life’s journey: From the time we have been babies bubbling like a brook on the first blush of spring. We hurried up, unaware of problems and troubles, being unconscious of time, as adults we worried and became conscious of money. Then, suddenly, we looked at our faces, the first wrinkles, and the bald patch on the forehead, the first grey hair. We observed our teeth falling out and our eyeglasses got thicker and our bones crack here and there.
We start the familiar line: “When I was young…” And we realize our mortality. Death could knock at our door any time. We feel humbled. We have mellowed.
Have I done no wrong? Have I been selfless or selfish? Have I been mission-oriented since then? Have I lived a life worthy in God’s eyes?
What really counted for me? Ano ang mahalaga? Paniniwala? Pag-asa? O kaya pagbibigayan at pagtutulungan?
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