Defining Moments

M

Magnanimity: The virtue enabling one to perform outstanding, morally good actions not for recognition but for love of God and neighbor. Prudence directs magnanimity, which supports the cardinal virtue of fortitude.

Meditation: Prayer that employs reflection, enabling one to grow in sanctity. Meditation connects mind, heart and soul in communicating with God. Contemplation is the highest level of meditation.

Meekness: A virtue related to temperance, controlling anger and keeping one from losing one’s temper on account of insignificant or trivial matters. This virtue enables one to accept and tolerate the ordinary adversities of life with equanimity, balance, and good humor.

Mercy, Spiritual and Corporal: Works of charity done out of compassion or concern for those in distress and suffering. The corporal works are feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and imprisoned, ransoming the captive and burying the dead. The spiritual works are instructing the ignorant, correcting the sinner, advising the doubtful, showing patience to sinners and those in error, forgiving others, comforting the afflicted and praying for the living and dead.

Miracle: The transcending of a law of nature, resulting in an unexplained occurrence that glorifies God. A miracle communicates God’s will (“prophetic”) and His desire to save humanity (“salvific”).

Mission: The spreading of the Gospel to all nations. To be a Christian compels one to propagate the Faith.

Modesty: The virtue promoting manners and harmony with others, enabling one to control conversations, dress, and external actions. A defect of modesty causes boorishness and coarseness.

Moral Virtues: The good habits that develop in one who has performed morally good acts. Moral virtues incline one to do good with ease, whereas intellectual virtues empower one to know the truth and supernatural virtues (faith, hope, love). The four fundamental cardinal virtues are prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.