My thoughts turn to the importance and need of fidelity precisely at this time when the Church is being tested, both from within and from without.
Fidelity to one’s word, to one’s promises, and to one’s vows to God is not something that can be taken for granted. This should be obvious, for we live in a time of massive infidelity. Contracts are broken, infidelity in marriage is not only practiced but even lauded in magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Playboy (not to mention worse publications), divorce is edging up to almost one for every two marriages. Many religious men and women have abandoned their solemn lifetime commitment to God in order to embrace some kind of social or political work.
Fidelity is a virtue closely allied to truthfulness. Its function is to incline a person to the fulfillment of his promises. Truthfulness inclines one to conform his speech to the judgment of his mind, while fidelity disposes him to conform his deeds to his promises and vows.
Even in the natural order, fidelity is a virtue, since it is truth in action. We are by nature social beings. This means in practice that we are dependent one upon the other. Since we are dependent, we need to trust each other in order to be able to build necessary social units, such as the family, local community, state, church, etc. If individuals are not truthful, not trustworthy, not faithful to what they say and promise, then the whole social system begins to crack. Because of the lack of fidelity in our society, many of our most important institutions are breaking down rapidly. And the breakdown is affecting not only civil society, but also the Church herself. When Catholics are unfaithful in marriage, unfaithful in business, unfaithful in the religious life, unfaithful in the priesthood, then the whole Church suffers. Today, infidelity, rather than being the rare exception that one hears about in some distant place, is our permanent neighbor and, all too often, a visitor in our own home.
In the Old Testament, one of the essential attributes of Yahweh is his faithfulness (cf. Exod. 34:6; Ps. 89). He is called the “rock” ofIsraelbecause of the truth of his words and the solidity of his promises (Deut. 32:4). The fidelity of God surpasses the heavens and the clouds (Ps. 36:5). The fidelity of the Lord contrasts sharply with the infidelity of his chosen people (cf. Ps. 78).
Abraham and Moses are models of fidelity, but even they had their faults. Perfect fidelity on this earth is found only in Jesus Christ, the faithful Servant who remains constant and endures to the very end (2 Tim.2:13).
My thoughts turn to the importance and need of fidelity precisely at this time when the Church is being tested, both from within and from without. Fidelity in the “faithful” cannot be assumed. It demands a constant struggle against the Evil One (“Lead us not into temptation”)—a struggle which requires watchfulness and prayer (Matt. 26:41). Witnessing others fall into sins of infidelity, should not give rise to feelings of superiority. Rather, we should pray for them, humbly thank God for the grace he has given us, and strive, with St. Paul, to work out our “salvation in fear and trembling” lest we too become castaways (Phil. 2:12).
FAQs
Fidelity is the virtue of consistency. It is the basis for reliable thought, reason, morality, trust, and loyalty. It allows us to predict future behavior based on the history of past behavior. Fidelity is most valuable when it is applied to the most worthy ideas, deeds, principles, or affiliations.
What is the virtue of fidelity in the Catholic Church? ›
Fidelity is a virtue closely allied to truthfulness. Its function is to incline a person to the fulfillment of his promises. Truthfulness inclines one to conform his speech to the judgment of his mind, while fidelity disposes him to conform his deeds to his promises and vows.
What virtue is fidelity? ›
Fidelity is the virtue to fulfill a promise. The term comes from the Latin fidelitas and also allows us to refer to the accuracy or punctuality in the execution of an action.
What is the Catholic definition of fidelity? ›
149 2365 Fidelity expresses constancy in keeping one's given word. God is faithful. The Sacrament of Matrimony enables man and woman to enter into Christ's fidelity for his Church. Through conjugal chastity, they bear witness to this mystery before the world.
What is an example of fidelity in ethics? ›
In nursing, the ethical principle of fidelity means to be faithful or loyal, which means that you keep promises to patients. For example, a nurse who told their patient they were coming back in 30 minutes to check on their pain, would either come back, or delegate somebody else to come back if they got tied up.
What is the moral value of fidelity? ›
In almost all theories of ethics, fidelity is seen as a fundamental moral obligation because it is integral to creating trust. For a relationship to be not only morally fulfilling but also practical, it has to be built upon a level of trust.
How do you teach the virtue of fidelity? ›
Teaching your child fidelity means instilling in them the importance of integrity. Completing what you committed to do. Following through with your promises. Living a life of love and kindness towards others, like Jesus did.
What is the basic virtue fidelity? ›
Fidelity. Those who are successful develop fidelity, a psychological virtue characterized by the ability to relate to others and form genuine relationships. 2 This ability plays an important role in the upcoming stage known as intimacy versus isolation.
What are the qualities of fidelity? ›
Fidelity is the quality of faithfulness or loyalty. Its original meaning regarded duty in a broader sense than the related concept of fealty. Both derive from the Latin word fidēlis, meaning "faithful or loyal".
What is fidelity in faith? ›
Fidelity comes from the Latin root fides, which means faith, so fidelity is the state of being faithful. Marital fidelity is faithfulness to your spouse. If you're a journalist, your reports should have fidelity to the facts. Someone without fidelity to a religion or group belief is called an infidel.
At Fidelity, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. As a privately held company with a rich 75-year history, our mission has remained the same since our founding: to strengthen the financial well-being of our clients. We also apply the same level of care to our employees.
What are the principles of fidelity? ›
Principle of Fidelity in Ethics: Definition
Fidelity also means that commitments and promises are fulfilled. Fidelity requires integrity and honesty, but fidelity goes one step further than just honesty in that practicing the principle of fidelity requires one also to fulfill commitments.
What are the 3 main virtues in the Catholic faith? ›
There are three theological virtues: faith, hope, and charity. 1814 Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself.
What are 3 Catholic dogmas? ›
Examples of Dogmas: Papal Infallibility, the divinity of Christ, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption of Mary and the real Presence of the Eucharist.
What is the golden rule in Catholic faith? ›
This Sunday's gospel contains what is perhaps the most well-known moral precept of all time, the “Golden Rule” of ethics: Do to others as you would have them do to you (Lk 6:31). We often think of this as a reminder simply to treat others with kindness. Common courtesy is certainly important.
What is the ethic of fidelity? ›
Fidelity is one of the seven ethics and involves “keeping one's promise” and giving competent and professional care to all patients.
What is the difference between beneficence and fidelity? ›
This article focuses on the ways in which social workers contend with the obligation of acting for the benefit of others (beneficence), while concomitantly feeling an obligation to comply with commitments to uphold agency policies/protocols (fidelity).
What is the code of ethics for fidelity? ›
You have a fiduciary duty to never place your own personal interest ahead of the interests of Fidelity's clients, including shareholders of the Fidelity funds. This means never taking unfair advantage of your relationship to the funds or Fidelity in attempting to benefit yourself or another party.
