Beyond Human Means: The Gifts Of The Holy Spirit | Fr. John Corbett, OP
Apr 26, 2019
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Fr. John Corbett, OP, discusses the distinction between acquired and infused virtues, reflecting the Kingdom of God through actions, and the relationship between the gifts of the Holy Spirit and virtues. The podcast explores how virtues shape character, the challenges in harmonizing natural and supernatural aspects, and the importance of receptivity to divine revelation.
Habitus responds to reasons, unlike habits, integrating virtues with appropriated reasons in a divergent manner.
Infused virtues align with divine operation, exceeding human reason, while acquired virtues function within human limitations.
Aquinas contrasts with St. Augustine on the gifts' approach, emphasizing their integration with virtues for spirituality and morality.
Infused virtues reveal the kingdom of God, while acquired virtues serve the earthly city's common good, essential for human nature.
Deep dives
The Distinction Between Habitus and Habits
Habitus and habits were discussed, highlighting that habits involve mechanical behavior, while habitus responds to reasons as causes. Habitus, like virtues, interacts with appropriated reasons in a divergent manner compared to habits' mechanical nature.
Acquired and Infused Moral Virtues Comparison
The discussion delved into the differences between infused and acquired moral virtues. The analysis emphasized that infused virtues align with a higher mode of divine operation, surpassing the limitations of human reason, while acquired virtues function within the confines of human action and reason.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit According to Aquinas
Aquinas' treatment of the gifts of the Holy Spirit was explored, starting from contrasting Aquinas' approach with that of St. Augustine. The integration of spirituality and morality through the gifts, elucidating their relationship with virtues, was a central focus in Aquinas' perspective.
Merging Infused and Acquired Virtues
The episode concluded by analyzing the coexistence of infused and acquired virtues in human nature. It was suggested that both virtue types are essential, with infused virtues revealing the presence of the kingdom of God, while acquired virtues serve the earthly city's common good.
Discussion on Gender Stereotypes and Receptivity to Virtues
The podcast also touched on gender-based receptivity to virtues, portraying how men and women exhibit distinct modes of receptivity to divine virtues. Special emphasis was given to the archetype of Our Lady as a model of receptivity and the balance between infused and acquired virtues in human behavior.
Facing the Ellipsis of Holiness: Mary and the Gifts of the Spirit
The intersection of Mary's holiness, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and her unique role were scrutinized. While Mary symbolizes supreme holiness and divine favor, discerning the full extent of her possession of the gifts remains ambiguous, reflecting complexity beyond human understanding.
Coordination Between Present and Future Virtues
The dual pursuit of virtues corresponding to the present and future kingdom highlighted a need for a coordinating principle. The concept of the kingdom's simultaneous presence and absence necessitates virtues aligned with both realms, echoing divine intention for the present and future manifestation of the kingdom.
The Perfection Dynamics Through Absolute and Relative Principles
The episode also explored the dynamics of perfection through absolute and relative principles. Concepts of original integrity, singularity, and simplicity in holiness were discussed, cautioning against misconstruing theological simplicity with psychological traits, emphasizing the nuance of perfect holiness and virtues.
