Habit Forming

Growing in Virtue

In order to achieve consistency and stability in our lives, we need to develop a system where we can readily discern and freely seek that which is good. Simply put, healthy habits will lead us toward virtue, while bad habits will corrupt us through vice. Our habits are formed by the behaviors and routines we practice. This regular repetition produces tendencies, which over time dispose us to respond promptly, easily, and joyfully to our circumstances.

The purpose of our monthly topics is to direct our daily focus upon one aspect of life that can guide us toward the development of a positive habit. Make an effort to reflect upon the subject a little bit each day. Consider tangible and constructive ways you can improve in this area. In the spirit of the monthly theme, make a daily choice to seek out the greater good as it pertains to your situation. While we are growing in virtue, the right choice might not be the easy choice. But through the grace of God, these choices will eventually become healthy habits–or virtues.

December 2024

Advent

Advent

The season of Advent gives us an opportunity to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ at the end of time, on the anniversary of his birth, and every day in between. “The Lord is coming, always coming,” notes the Reverend Henri Nouwen. “When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.”

“Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

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