“This day the LORD, your God, commands you to observe these statutes and decrees. Be careful, then, to observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. Dt 26:16

St. Thomas Aquinas ( (Prima Secundae Partis) ideas on virtue, gives valuable insights on commandments/ laws and how they lead to perfection or happiness. A virtue, he argued, is a habit which perfects the powers we already have. These powers induce our intellect, will and desire for pleasure and emotions.  

These powers are capable of being determined in a variety of ways and towards a variety of ends.  Some of those are good for us, others are not.  For instance, we can have desires for foods that are healthy, and desires for foods that are unhealthy.  Hence, we need good habits / rules, to dispose us to act in good ways for the sake of ends that are suitable and good for us, including our ultimate end and highest good–genuine happiness.  These good habits are the virtues.* (Shane Drefcinski)

God of all creation, to love you is the highest virtue, give us the grace to trust in your abiding presence no matter what challenge we face.

PS Saint of the day