The ancient practice of fasting is often set aside today, viewed as unimportant. If it is undertaken at all, it is often done for purely physical benefits. As important as that is, more important is the spiritual benefits of fasting as an act of penance, as well as an act of voluntary suffering engaged for the love of God over self.
Virtue
Becoming an Anti-Relativist
In the previous essay, I noted how one aspect found in those who embrace relativism is a propensity to project the wishes and desires of their individual ego onto God. This is often manifested by shaping God into a kind of permissive, “Divine Grandfather of Love,” who is himself a relativist.
The Moral Dimension of The Catholic Vote
Over the years, I’ve often written of the moral weight of voting in America within the context of the plight of the unborn under the gavel of abortion and its intrinsic evil. There is no greater voting issue in America today than the abortion issue.
Christmas and The Theological Virtue of Faith
Contemplating the true meaning of Christmas is only possible through God’s freely bestowed gift of faith. This gift, one to be nourished, guarded and cherished above even temporal life itself, gives to the soul new light, aspirations, and abilities, each ordered toward the attainment of the treasure of infinite value: the beatific vision and everlasting communion with God.
Faithful Observance of the Commandments
In order to pursue the good wholeheartedly, it is necessary to truly love the good, to see it as a highly desirable treasure. The ancient philosopher Plato understood that if we love the good, our emotions and dispositions will move toward it spontaneously and with a sense of delight.