Prudence

A quote from Catherine...

"No virtue is perfect without prudence."

Often when working with children in school, we do a series, usually during Lent on virtues.
It's so interesting to see how full-hearted they go about doing the "virtue of the week"and so wanting to please. Little do they understand that letting everyone know about what they did is not being prudent. They just have to tell; it's bursting from them! They're children and working on the virtues is one way for them to be aware of ways they can improve and live a life closer to God's way.

As adults we know that a virtue well-practiced becomes part of your very self. We know, as the saying goes, 'When you have arrived you don't need to shout about it." It is indeed a good idea to take stock of what virtues we have and which we still need some work. For me the gifts of the Spirit from Galatians 5 comes to mind. If we could but practice them, we would certainly bring about joy in our lives and in the lives of others. Another is the very book we use in schools, William Bennett's book, The Book of Virtues.

So today, take stock of your virtues. Are you prudent with them or are they so exaggerated that they become more of a fault? Are they lacking in being lived consistently? Have you thanked God for the grace to continue the virtue and ask for perseverance for those on which you still need some work?