Last week I was on leave. It was good to stop, catch my breath and reflect with thankfulness on what had been a very busy—but also very fruitful—third quarter of the year.
God gives good things to be received with gratitude, enjoyed with freedom and shared with generosity.
Christian freedom is not the right to please ourselves; it is the freedom to enjoy God’s gifts in ways governed by his glory and our neighbour’s good.
Grace does more than forgive disordered desire: it trains us to say no to its mastery and yes to a new way of life.
A roving appetite always promises satisfaction in the next pleasure; wisdom receives God’s present gifts without asking them to do what they cannot.
Created pleasures are gifts from God: received with gratitude, enjoyed in their proper place and directed back to his praise.
Last week I suggested four films to accompany the first four pairings in our series: The Greatest Showman, Amadeus, Groundhog Day and The Mission. If you managed to watch all four, congratulations—you have spent approximately nine hours contemplating the moral life while sitting on the sofa. I am not entirely sure whether that counts as diligence or sloth. This week, we come to the final three vices and virtues.
Contentment trusts the God who provides; mercy makes us rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share.