Defining Moments August 2007

H

Habit: 1. An acquired function of the body or mind that, through repetition, enables certain performances to be done more easily and efficiently. A good habit is a virtue, and a bad habit is a vice. 2. Also, the special garb worn by religious.

 Happiness: The fulfillment toward which all are impelled. For Christians, true contentment is attainable only in heaven by virtue of the beatific vision. Even on earth, happiness is possible to some degree by accepting God’s will and living continually in sanctifying grace.

 Hedonism: The belief that one is only truly fulfilled when he possesses as many sensual and material pleasures as possible, regardless of their morality. The Church has always taught that this system excludes the necessary virtues of self-denial, charity and patience.

 Holiness: Sanctity attained by self-dedication to God, separation from worldly values and conformity to Christ, bringing about a profound transformation.

 Hope: The supernaturally infused virtue, having God as its object and motive, which gives assurance of salvation based on the merits of Jesus Christ. Hope enables one to carry the cross of Christ and to battle amid the world’s temptations, confident that those who remain faithful will live forever with God. In the past, hope was thought to be oriented only to the next life; however, now it is viewed as also having significance for this world and encourages those who possess it to care for the disadvantaged, thereby giving them assuredness in their struggles.

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Definitions from Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic Dictionary, Revised by Rev. Peter M.J. Stravinskas.  Click here to order.