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exercised in order to be strengthened.  They cannot completely die, even when they are neglected.  However, they can atrophy.

As we practice virtue we use our daily choice to affect who we are becoming.  We talk about habits becoming “second nature” to us, and this is an accurate description.  Our virtues become an integral part of our personality.  Especially when we cooperate with God to strengthen our infused virtues, we become co-creators with God, creating our personality with the help of His grace.

This is also the true meaning of freedom and of sovereignty.  Our choices have long and lasting consequences, even affecting who we become.  We choose whether or not to grow in virtue, and we decide which virtues we will develop.  Finally, who we become – especially whether or not we become people of love – affects our eternal destiny.  Only virtuous people are truly able to love.