Our Wednesday Bible study has moved from First to Second Peter as we approach Advent. Verses 5-11 of the first chapter form an interesting “ladder” describing growth in the spiritual life.
The text begins, of course, in verse 5 with faith to which we are to add virtue. To virtue, we are to add knowledge. In turn, St. Peter admonishes that we add temperance to knowledge, patience to temperance and Godliness to patience.
This progression allows the believer to break through to “brotherly kindness”, and, finally to charity.
Keeping to this pattern leads to growth, particularly in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Finally, as knowledge enhanced by the cardinal virtues grows, we return to the “everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
The Cathedral Close 
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