‘It is not to be believed that the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit can penetrate a person who does not practise virtue ’ (John Tauler).
Moral virtues are those which order our conduct in such a way that it is pleasing to God. All Christian virtues are of this type. The moral virtues are distinguished from the theological virtues mainly in that the immediate object of the former is not God Himself, but our moral behaviour and the fulfilment of the duties which the Divine Law imposes on us, whether these relate directly to God, to our neighbour or to ourselves. We speak of acquired Christian virtues when this supernatural ability to do good has become a good habit, so that we practise it with a certain ease.
This means that, in Holy Baptism, our Heavenly Father has given us the ability to acquire virtues permanently through practice. If we accept this invitation, we fulfil what God has ordained and expects of us. Our life becomes more radiant and stable. We move away from the vices that darken our being and, in their place, a life of good manners, which is prudent, just, temperate, chaste, humble, patient, courageous, etc., is formed. It becomes a life totally in accordance with the will of our Father. Our striving for virtues is then reinforced by the unfolding of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which come to complete our efforts.
Against this background, it is easy to understand that only when we follow the divine invitation to strive with all our strength for the virtues, can the Lord pour out His Spirit in abundance in us and make us sharers in the glory of the divine life.