Honesty and the Works of Mercy

Welcome back to school! This school planner’s theme is the Works of Mercy, and each week, we will focus on a different virtue. Living the works of mercy is a concrete way to respond to Jesus’ teaching, “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do to me” (Mt 25:40).  

Learning the Works of Mercy makes us more attuned to the opportunities that arise each day. We all strive to live more boldly the Christian life, which happens as we look to the life of Christ. He shows us what it “looks like” and “sounds like” to live in truth and honesty. Admittedly, it can take time and prayer to understand the parallels between our life and His. But they are present in the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit does enlighten us.  

As we begin by focusing on the virtue of honesty, let me frame it as St. Thomas Aquinas taught this virtue. Honesty means goodness; in fact, honesty can be understood as a general term for virtue. It is also the same as beauty. The person who lives in honesty possesses beauty of soul and beauty of character.

So, as we start the new academic year, may we all strive to achieve truth of life. This is the aim of living the virtues, the aim of living in imitation of Christ. Let this be our goal.