Little Virtues

by Antony Kolencherry MSFS

ISBN: 81-8581-2-41-1

Little virtues are often considered ‘ordinary’ by a large majority of people. The little virtues, however, have tremendous power. The practice of the little or ordinary virtues with extraordinary devotion will lead not only to the greater virtues but even enhance the practice of all other virtues. While the practice of spectacular virtues may make one more popular, those little ones render their practitioner humble and more amiable.

Opportunities to practice little virtues abound in life, and the performance of ordinary things with extraordinary perfection is the Salesian hallmark of the roadmap to holiness. Our natural tendency always is to choose the easy way. But Francis suggests the right approach: “We should prefer the one most comfortable to our duties rather than the one more agreeable to our tastes.”

Salesian spirituality is predominantly one of hope and of the joy of living. Everyone, irrespective of sinner or saint, is loved by God. Jesus gives grace to everyone to love him. And it is God’s will that we should love Him in return. It demands a strong will but any sacrifice offered to God becomes a pleasing and loving offering. It enables a person to die to himself and live solely for God. And such undivided, sacrificial love leads to perfection in holiness, the hallmark of Salesian spirituality.

St. Francis’ practical insights into virtues led to his discovery that the practice of the little virtues is more difficult than the heroic ones. Look at this example from his writings: Just as flies annoy us more by their number than by their strength, so little affairs trouble us more by their number than larger and rarer ones ever do. They can annoy us, but never hurt us as long as we have our hearts given to God. Small trials are our daily lot, great opportunities to serve Him are rare, but little ones are a daily occurrence. ‘A resolute person may live in a tainted world without being tainted by it.’ What is required is fidelity at all times, as Jesus explained (Mt 25:21). The Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:1-12) contains spiritual gems to make life stress-free, happy and meaningful. The practice of virtues is the practical guide to happiness. It involves a lifetime of patience, humility, gentleness and the like. Let our attitude and approach to virtues deepen our joy of living, and empower us to face the challenges posited by the trials of our life and times.