 |
Virtues for 2009-2010 |
 |
| |
- September: Friendship
- October: Order
- November: Diligence
- December: Simplicity
- January: Courage
- February: Generosity
- March: Obedience
- April: Patience
- May: Charity
- June: Joy
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Weekly Themes |
 |
WEEK 1
Who Is An Authority?
The virtue in obeying exists when one does something because one recognizes the authority of the person who gives the command (David Isaacs, Character Building). In order to be obedient one must recognize and respect authority. But who is an authority? There are some obvious examples such as parents and teachers—they have authority over the children whose care is entrusted to them. Many people have limited spheres of authority; for example, you can look to a meteorologist to forecast the weather, but you wouldn’t expect him to give you spiritual advice! Unfortunately, some people have been given positions of authority, yet don’t make use of their position to be a good influence on others. Then, there are those who don’t hold a position of authority, but try to exert their influence anyway. Ideally, the one who has authority will exercise it for the good of others. And, this person’s commands will be based on good values—those that truly benefit the family, community, country, etc. This week, to help us recognize the authorities in our lives—for example, parents, teachers, and school staff—when you are asked to do something do it without complaining. The authority figure who is asking you to do it has a good reason for what they ask!
|
MARCH BREAK
More than the Minimum
Obedience doesn’t mean blind submission, or merely following routine without thinking about what you are being asked to do. Thinking about why we are being asked to do something helps us to make our actions and decisions our own. Once children have reached the age of about ten they can be asked to think about the “why” of obeying. For younger children, learning to listen well and follow instructions are the keys to building obedience. An older child, however, can be asked to think about what the intention is of the person who is asking her to do something—the “why” of a command. At some point, we should be able to understand that the reason to obey an authority figure is because he or she has been given that authority in order to guard and strengthen good values in those they have authority over. Think of a police officer who guards order and safety in the community—it is for our benefit! When we don’t have a proper appreciation of authority we may have a tendency to do the minimum just so we don’t get in trouble or look bad. Obeying generously, however, develops the virtue of obedience and shows respect for authority. In order to develop the virtue of obedience during March Break pick one chore that you have been asked to do, and do it well—do more than the minimum required to get the job done.
|
WEEK 3
The Ultimate Motivation
The virtue of obedience does not go against our freedom; this is a mistaken idea. Adolescents, who at times may rebel against authority as they question and test, may have this mistaken idea (adults too!) As discussed earlier, obedience does not mean blind submission. Rather, it means using our freedom well. Specifically, obedience frees us from merely following our own whims and delights. The latter sounds, well, delightful, but it’s not. Always following our own desires actually enslaves us. True freedom and happiness is found when we give ourselves through making sacrifices for others, that is, when we love. Obedience is part of this grand gesture—this good use of our freedom. This week, as we move into the latter part of Lent, let’s focus on our Lenten sacrifices and remember the ultimate motivation for obedience, service and sacrifice: love!
|
|
