Inner Strength

by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

"Prudence is defined as the virtue which disposes us to form right judgments as to what we must do or must not do under all circumstances." Some people have it, and use it. Others acquire it. Still others do not have it, but they desire it. Prudence is an important virtue. Prudence came as a grace with Baptism. This "supernatural" prudence makes us do the right thing, make the right judgments on the basis of what is pleasing to the God whom we love.

Prudence is an important virtue. If we do not have it, we leave ourselves wide open to distraction that seeks to get us away from God. People who are prudent ask themselves, in any situation, what would God have me do. Of course we need to be scrupulously honest in answering this challenge within ourselves.

We will not have inner strength nor real peace of mind unless we have respect for ourselves, especially when we are a person who makes compromises with prudence. If we are married, we know it is foolish to visit the ex-girlfriend at night and alone. It is not wise to laugh at an obscene joke or to join in with other people who are mocking Jesus Christ. Yet we do. And, just because everyone else deems something to be OK, we must make up our own minds without compromising good prudence.

We are imprudent if we do not respect or show equal dignity to everyone we meet, regardless of color or position in life. Be humble, do not imagine you are someone whom you are not.

I am strong when I am prudent, humble, patient and serene. I am not prudent when I am sloppy in these principles. Don't get discouraged at first. Believe strongly in the Lord, and do what you promise. Don't live life half-way. Be a person of principle, inner strength and personal worth.

Allow the Lord to inspire your Inner Strength and to keep you strong! Keep out of trouble.

Fred Schaeffer, OFS 7/20/2020

Based on Chapter IV of "More than Many Sparrows". 1958 Leo J. Trese. © Fides Publishers Association, Chicago IL

 Home