Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Observance, as allied to piety, is asubordinate yet a distinct virtue. By observance,one gives honor and respect to those who are in positions ofdignity. Piety reveres excellence to which gratitude isowed. Observance reveres excellence in itself.
2. Those who occupy positions of dignity have excellenceof office. And they should have excellence in exercisingthe powers of that office. On both scores, they deserve respect andhonor. This respect and honor is shown them by the virtue ofobservance.
3. Piety is a greater virtue than observance is. For pietyreverences those who are in some way akin to us (by creation,blood, or favors conferred), and with these we have stronger bondsthan with others whom we are to revere by way of observance.
"As the flesh is nourished by food, so is man supported by prayers"
St Augustine
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"Whom do you seek, friend, if you seek not God? Seek him, find him, cleave to him; bind your will to his with bands of steel and you will live always at peace in this life and in the next."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"Though the path is plain and smooth for people of good will, those who walk it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty if they do not have good feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit.
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St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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