OUR THREE BASIC VIRTUES
Our meditation today has the theme: Our Three Basic Virtues. A virtue, which is often called a goodness, refers to the fundamental values of goodness that guides our lives. As Christians, we have three basic virtues, namely faith, love and hope.
In today's first reading, Saint Paul is described as he expressed his joy and gratitude for the growth in the faith of the Thessalonians. This congregation or Church had received baptism in the Holy Spirit, therefore, they had received also the sanctifying grace with three basic gifts, namely "your works of faith, your efforts of love and perseverance of your hope before our God and Father". We have already received these three virtues through each of our baptisms.
Our lives as true believers should be guided in the light and power of these three virtues. The way of faith makes us believe in the greatness and glory of God, who makes everything possible to happen from what was impossible or difficult. Through faith we ensure that God is always with us and in control of our lives in every time and place.
The path of love really shows us the ability to be an extension of God's hand who does every good in the world. This act of love can remove the sins we have committed. Therefore love never fails in its works. Through hope, we are able to endure in the face of various challenges, difficulties, suffering and there is a willingness to repent. Living with hope means we look far ahead for the goal of happiness and perfection.
The Lord Jesus, our king and teacher is the standard and the main source for the outpouring of these three gifts. We come and ask Him, when our faith starts to show signs of drying up. If our love does not bear fruits because it is just empty words, we must ask Jesus for its reinforcement. And if we are weak in hope, giving up and helpless, we must ask the Lord Jesus the strength and endurance.
If we grow well in these three virtues, then we can avoid hypocritical or oppressive behavior and the mentality like the Pharisees and scribes. We do not want to be scolded by Jesus with a strong reproach: woe to you! On the other hand, by always being strengthened by these three special gifts, we will not stop looking for the fullness of this life until we come to be with God Himself, because in Him we find the fullness of our faith, love and hope.
Let's pray. In the name of the Father... O Lord Jesus Christ, in You we find how strong faith is, love that is fully expressed and hope that never fades. We ask for Your blessing so that our lives are always a life of faith, empowered by love and towards true hope. Hail Mary full of grace... In the name of the Father...