Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Gratitude is a virtue. Its direct opposite is thereforea vice. Ingratitude is the vice which stands opposed to the virtueof gratitude.
2. The vice of ingratitude finds expression in sins ofingratitude. Acts or sins of ingratitude are of three types: (a)failure to return a favor received; (b) failure to express thanksfor a favor; (c) failure to notice that one has received a favor atall. These types of ungratefulacts are degrees, andare rated, in the order given, as bad, worse, and worst of all.
3. Conscious ingratitude is always a sin, mortal orvenial, according to the nature of the ungrateful act and theconditions of its doing. When ingratitude is complete, it iscombined with contempt for the duty and obligation imposed bygratitude, and this can make it a mortal sin. Usually, however,human ingratitude is a matter of negligence or carelessness.
4. We are not to refuse a favor to a person who has provedhimself ungrateful. For we are the children of God, who does notcease to shower his gifts on sinners who offend him. We are meantto imitate God.
"What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. "
Thomas á Kempis
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"Shun too great a desire for knowledge, for in it there is much fretting and delusion. Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise. Yet there are many things the knowledge of which does little or no good to the soul, and he who concerns himself about other things than those which lead to salvation is very unwise.
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Thomas á Kempis
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"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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