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Virtue


Iona, 2005


The Lent photo-a-day word is virtue.

Thinking of the seven virtues, (chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, patience, kindness and humility), brings to mind this quote from Wuthering Heights:

 Catherine says to Nellie: "...My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary…"

 Virtues, like Catherine's love for Heathcliff, do not bring joy in themselves. It is by having them that we bring joy to others. We do not pursue them for their own sake, but because having the Spirit bring them to bear within us brings us closer to a glimpse of God's kingdom at hand. 

 They are a foundation, but should never be mistaken for architecture in their own right. 


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