Daily Thought For February 9, 2022

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 The Power of Virtue

We must not make the mistake of thinking that this 'bad temper' of ours, which bursts out in very definite circumstances and times, depends on the character of the people around us. The peace of our spirit does not depend on the good nature and kindness of other people. Our neighbors' good nature and kindness are in no way subject to our control or opinion. That would be absurd. The tranquillity of our heart depends on ourselves. The ability to avoid anger, with all its ridiculous effects, has to come from within ourselves and not be dependent on the nature of other people. The power to overcome the evil in our character must not depend on some perfection outside us, but on our own virtue.

St. John Cassian Constitutions, 8

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