We reflected on “Steadfast Love” as our theme in 2023. Our theme for Reflection in 2024 is “Forbearance.” We want to let “Forbearance” define our character and let it become our way of being, of living and of acting. Forbearance is “Temperance,” one of the four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance. Forbearance is a healthy and sound “spiritual discipline” that is essential to our spiritual growth.  It is the discipline that helps us develop our spiritual muscles that will enable us to gain control of our emotions, desires and cravings so that we can take charge of them and they don’t take charge of us.

God has created many desirable goods. Sometimes our priorities get disordered and our desires get out of hand and we begin to pursue them as our most important goal. Forbearance moderates our appetite for these goods, ensuring balance in our lives, enabling us to control our desire rather than our desire controlling us. Forbearance is balance, moderation, patience, endurance, restraint, self-control, tolerance, avoidance of extremes, etc. that support and sustain personal integrity and maturity. Join me in striving to understand this virtue and let it form and shape our character as disciples of Jesus.