THE VIRTUE DRIVEN LIFE

by Father Benedict

 J. Groeschel

OSV, 2006

160 pages, $12.95

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Forget the cynical reactions the notion of “virtuous living” elicits in all corners of the popular culture. Mention the phrase even in polite company and don’t be surprised when someone swiftly changes the subject. That’s too bad because, if our society ever needed to hear the virtues preached and promoted, its need has never been greater than right now.

That’s one reason this latest breezy read from the most popular American Franciscan of our day, Father Benedict J. Groeschel, a Capuchin Friar of the Renewal, arrives as a well-timed dose of reality. It’s medicine that tastes good and goes down easy even though it possesses potent anti-toxin properties.

Not only does the priest offer a practical primer on the qualities that constitute the three theological virtues (faith, hope and charity) and the four cardinal ones (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance), but he also seriously challenges the reader to cultivate those qualities, little by little, in everyday living.

To illustrate the virtues, Father Groeschel draws on real-life examples that span from familiar events that changed the course of history to the small, unnoticed personal decisions each of us makes daily. 

In one chapter, he draws out a lesson on prudence by looking at the conflict between the Nazis and the Catholic Church during World War II. In another, he contrasts theological hope (a gift God gives so our soul can be saved) with natural hope (essentially, wishful thinking) by relaying a moving story of a street-smart Hispanic teen. I won’t give the story away here; suffice it to say that, if you read Father Groeschel’s telling of it, you won’t soon forget the teen or the lesson in hope.

Incidents from Father Groeschel’s own life account for some of the most unforgettable stories of virtue in action. He recounts how the “unseen” charitable act of his second-grade teacher, a nun, was directly responsible for his becoming a priest. It’s a perfect example of the ripples the virtues send out to others — in ways often hidden yet always life-changing — whenever we live them out. 

Recurring sources for further examples and teachings include Popes John Paul and Benedict, Cardinal John Henry Newman and, of course, the Gospels.

Anyone familiar with Father Groeschel’s communications style will find it impossible not to hear his speaking voice even in his written words. His wry observations and pointed commentary are here. Somehow you can even hear his Jersey City accent. Some may find this a tad off-putting. But few will be able to refute his arguments.

“It is important to know that you cannot live in this very wealthy nation and not participate in some injustice,” he writes before explaining how the cost of bananas, is low only because poor workers pick them for miniscule wages. “Don’t stop buying bananas, because the harvesters need work, but realize that you may be participating in an injustice when you eat them.”

“We can make a habit,” he goes on to say, “of showing generosity toward those who work at menial jobs and who are often not treated well.”

The afterword, titled “How to Grow in Virtue,” might have us wishing for more concrete suggestions on applying the virtues in real-life, day-to-day situations. But, by the time we get there, Father Groeschel has already gone far in enlightening us on how to live a virtue-driven life. We ought to be able to take it from there.

Staff writer Joseph Pronechen

writes from Trumbull, Connecticut.