The Life of Virtue

Life is tough.   On many days, our spiritual lives can feel like a desert (especially if you live in west Tennessee during the summer).   For lengthy periods (hours, days, weeks, months, or even years), we seem to be unable to experience the joy, peace, and consolation of the Lord that we so deeply desire.   Who among us hasn’t felt spiritual dryness at some point in our lives, as teenagers or adults? If we are not prepared for this reality, it is possible that our souls will become permanently parched and petrified.   We become unable to receive any of the living water that God wants to pour out upon us.   I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my soul to become like that. Photo found at KCET.com We can learn a lot about this situation from the history of Israel, God’s chosen people.  Our spiritual lives mirror their story in many ways.  If we can learn the lessons that God desired to teach Israel, then perhaps we will receive the Lo...

This morning, I happened to remember that today is the feast day of St. Justin Martyr, who lived, taught, and died in the second century A.D.  I found my copy of his most notable and commonly-read treatise, First Apology .  As I read that text, I found myself longing to read and ponder more of his rich teaching and devotion.  I want to live up to the example of this courageous Christian of antiquity. Several short passages stood out to me, but I found one that is now my favorite of his.  Of course, it deals with virtuous living.  He states: "And we have been taught, and are convinced, and do believe, that He accepts those only who imitate the excellences which reside in Him, temperance, and justice, and philanthropy, and as many virtues as are peculiar to a God who is called by no proper name." Indeed, God accepts us most fully when we are responding to His grace and cultivating virtue in our lives.  This is especially because they are His virtues....