Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Perseverance is the virtue which disposes a person tohold steadily to a good purpose, keeping the end steadily in view,despite delays, fatigue, and temptations to indifference.
2. Perseverance is a part of the virtue offortitude.
3. Constancy and perseverance agree in point ofsteadfastness. But these are not identical virtues. Constancystands firm against stresses external to the virtue practiced;perseverance stands firm under the weariness that comes from theeffort of the virtue itself.
4. Perseverance as a supernatural virtue requires grace.And as the act of "persevering unto the end in Christ,"perseverance is a special and freely bestowed gift of God.
"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
* * *
"The supreme perfection of man in this life is to be so united to God that all his soul with all its faculties and powers are so gathered into the Lord God that he becomes one spirit with him, and remembers nothing except God, is aware of and recognises nothing but God, but with all his desires unified by the joy of love, he rests contentedly in the enjoyment of his Maker alone."
St Albert the Great
* * *
"To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.
"
Thomas á Kempis
* * *