We often hear of virtuous men and every time we think of such men as people who embody the spirit of justice and the right way. But few people actually know what it means to be virtuous. There are certainly so many virtues that we can manifest, but ten of these have the reputation of bringing us to holiness. Below we see a succinct presentation and analysis of these ten virtues, according to the Christian spirituality of the Desert Fathers.
1. The first virtue
Faith, because, as the Lord said, through faith you get everything you want. Thanks to freedom, our faith grows or shrinks.
2. The second virtue
Sincere love for God and for men. Through love the law is fulfilled and life is perfected for divine service. Love consists in giving your soul to God or to the other and refraining from doing to others what you do not want to be done to you.
3. The third virtue
Fasting. Consider eating little once a day as "fast". When you are not yet full, get up from the table.
4. The fourth virtue
Control over the lower passions. This is the mother of all virtues. The control of the passions means to kill the sin, it means to renounce the evil, it marks the beginning of the spiritual life and the persistent orientation towards the eternal happiness.
5. The fifth virtue
The vigil. Being attentive, awake, being present, along with meditation, purifies the mind and avoids the dispersion of thoughts, makes the mind free and prone to prayer. In the end, this virtue brightens the heart and soul.
6. The sixth virtue
The prayer of Jesus, also called Prayer of the Heart. This is the common work of men and angels; through this prayer, men quickly approach the angelic life and come to live the Divine joy.
7. The seventh virtue
Humility and wise humility. The humility of the heart easily frees the elderly, sick, poor and ignorant man from suffering; thanks to humility all sins are forgiven.
8. The eighth virtue
Silence. Represents separation from worldly unrest and concerns; it also means humble silence when you are around people. He who keeps his tongue in check and refrains from speaking will be able to keep his whole body in check.
9. The ninth virtue
Detachment from material things and the ability to renounce them.
10. The tenth virtue
The just and humble ability to evaluate everything, because without it we orient ourselves towards evil and fail to do good.
Without these ten virtues it is impossible to sanctify yourself.
1. The first virtue
Faith, because, as the Lord said, through faith you get everything you want. Thanks to freedom, our faith grows or shrinks.
2. The second virtue
Sincere love for God and for men. Through love the law is fulfilled and life is perfected for divine service. Love consists in giving your soul to God or to the other and refraining from doing to others what you do not want to be done to you.
3. The third virtue
Fasting. Consider eating little once a day as "fast". When you are not yet full, get up from the table.
4. The fourth virtue
Control over the lower passions. This is the mother of all virtues. The control of the passions means to kill the sin, it means to renounce the evil, it marks the beginning of the spiritual life and the persistent orientation towards the eternal happiness.
5. The fifth virtue
The vigil. Being attentive, awake, being present, along with meditation, purifies the mind and avoids the dispersion of thoughts, makes the mind free and prone to prayer. In the end, this virtue brightens the heart and soul.
6. The sixth virtue
The prayer of Jesus, also called Prayer of the Heart. This is the common work of men and angels; through this prayer, men quickly approach the angelic life and come to live the Divine joy.
7. The seventh virtue
Humility and wise humility. The humility of the heart easily frees the elderly, sick, poor and ignorant man from suffering; thanks to humility all sins are forgiven.
8. The eighth virtue
Silence. Represents separation from worldly unrest and concerns; it also means humble silence when you are around people. He who keeps his tongue in check and refrains from speaking will be able to keep his whole body in check.
9. The ninth virtue
Detachment from material things and the ability to renounce them.
10. The tenth virtue
The just and humble ability to evaluate everything, because without it we orient ourselves towards evil and fail to do good.
Without these ten virtues it is impossible to sanctify yourself.
