Growing in Virtue and
Self-Sacrifice

Introduction to Virtue

The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines virtue as "a habitual and firm disposition to do the good" (CCC 1803). Virtues are the building blocks of the moral life, enabling a person to act according to reason and faith in all circumstances. Through the practice of virtues, we are formed in the likeness of Christ and prepared for eternal life.

Key Virtues:

1. Theological Virtues:

   • Faith: Belief in God and all He has revealed.

   • Hope: Trust in God’s promises and eternal life.

   • Charity: Love of God above all things and love of neighbor as oneself.

2. Cardinal Virtues:

   • Prudence: The ability to judge rightly and choose the correct means to achieve the good.

   • Justice: The constant and firm will to give God and neighbor their due.

   • Fortitude: Courage to endure difficulties and persevere in the good.

   • Temperance: Moderation in the use of created goods and restraint of the passions.

Scriptural Foundations:

• Faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

• Hope: “Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

• Charity: “So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

• Prudence: “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way” (Proverbs 14:8).

• Justice: “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).

• Fortitude: “Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).

• Temperance: “Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Daily Devotions for Growing in Virtue

To grow in virtue, it’s important to practice daily devotion and intentional acts aimed at cultivating each virtue. Here are some practices, with suggestions on how to implement them into daily life.

1. Examination of Conscience: Every evening, spend 5-10 minutes reflecting on how you lived out each of the virtues. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you regarding any failures and to help you persevere in striving toward virtue.
   Prayer:
   "Holy Spirit, illuminate my mind and heart, so that I may see where I have grown in virtue and where I have fallen. Help me to correct my failings and to trust in Your grace to strengthen me for tomorrow. Amen."

2. Morning Offering with a Virtue Focus: Offer your day to God with a focus on practicing a particular virtue, such as temperance or fortitude.
   Prayer:
   "Lord, I offer you this day, all my works, joys, and sufferings. Grant me the grace to grow in [virtue of choice], that I may do Your will and become more like Your Son, Jesus Christ."

3. Spiritual Reading: Choose a spiritual book that focuses on virtues, such as "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas à Kempis or "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales. These works offer concrete advice on growing in virtue and leading a holy life.

The Role of Self-Sacrifice in Growing Virtue

Self-sacrifice, or mortification, is an essential aspect of the Christian life and a key element in developing virtue. Through the sacrifice of personal desires and comforts, we grow in self-discipline and imitate Christ, who sacrificed His life for our salvation.

Why Mortification is Necessary: Mortification helps us detach from worldly desires, making room for a deeper love of God and neighbor. As St. Paul teaches, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27). Through acts of self-denial, we purify our souls and strengthen our will.

Practical Ways to Practice Mortification:

1. Fasting and Abstinence: Beyond the Church’s prescribed days, practice voluntary fasting or giving up something simple, like your favorite snack or a comfort, for the love of God.
   Note: Fasting must be done with prudence. The Catechism states, "The Church obliges the faithful to practice fasting and abstinence at certain times as penance, but it is recommended as a voluntary form of self-denial to help grow in virtue" (CCC 1434).

2. Offering Suffering: Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, offering up suffering for the sake of souls or other intentions is a powerful way to unite yourself to Christ. As St. Paul says, "I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the Church" (Colossians 1:24).

3. Small Daily Sacrifices: Deliberately choose small acts of self-denial, such as giving up your favorite comfort, being patient in a difficult conversation, or doing a task without seeking recognition.

The Example of the Saints

Many saints are extraordinary examples of living lives of heroic virtue and mortification. Their lives serve as inspiration and a model for how we can grow in holiness.

• St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Known for her “Little Way,” St. Thérèse practiced extraordinary virtue in the ordinary things of daily life, offering every small action as a sacrifice to God. She teaches us that virtue can be cultivated in the small, seemingly insignificant moments.
  Quote: "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."

• St. Francis of Assisi: Through radical poverty and detachment, St. Francis lived a life of total sacrifice. He teaches us how virtue can flourish when we free ourselves from attachments to material goods and worldly honors.
  Quote: "Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to His beloved is that of overcoming self."

Prayers for Growth in Virtue and Strength in Sacrifice

1. Litany of Humility (Partial Indulgence Attached)
   "O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, hear me. From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus..."

2. Prayer to Grow in the Virtues of the Holy Family
   "Lord Jesus, help me to follow the example of Your Holy Family. May I grow in the virtues of obedience, humility, and charity, following the path that leads to eternal life. Amen."

3. Act of Self-Denial
   "Lord, today I offer you my suffering and sacrifice, great or small, for the love of You and for the sake of Your Church. Strengthen my resolve and help me carry my cross as You carried Yours. Amen."

Conclusion: The Road to Sanctity Through Virtue and Self-Sacrifice

The path to holiness requires daily dedication to growing in virtue and practicing self-sacrifice. As the saints and Scripture teach, these practices strengthen us in the battle against sin and draw us closer to God. By consciously seeking to live virtuously and offering small acts of mortification, we unite ourselves to Christ and His Church, participating in the salvation of souls and becoming who we were created to be.

References

1. Catechism of the Catholic Church. Available at Vatican.va.

2. Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ.

3. St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life.

4. Holy Bible, various translations (RSVCE, Douay-Rheims, etc.).

5. Fr. Garrigou-Lagrange, The Three Ages of the Interior Life.

6. St. John Paul II, Fides et Ratio.