A Virtue Scorecard

A LENTEN MOMENT

Throughout the ages, virtue and its importance have continued to be reflected upon. As a young statesman in a new world, Benjamin Franklin thought the best way to cultivate his character was to strive to live a virtuous life, and he expanded the list to 13 virtues. To track his success, he devised a daily report card to grade his progress in his quest for what he called “moral perfection.” How would we do on the Franklin virtue examination:

The list reads as follows: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility.

Of course, there are also the cardinal virtues: prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice.

St. Paul exhorts us to faith, hope, and charity – the theological virtues.

Virtues, unlike values, are measured through our acts. They provide us with a good examination of conscience on this Lenten Friday.