- The virtues of diligence and zeal are opposed to sloth.
From the days of Adam work has been an obligation for man.
- God said to Adam: "In the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread, until thou return to the earth out of which thou wast taken" (Gen. 3:19)
- "If any man will not work, neither let him eat." (2 Thess. 3:10).
- Jesus Christ worked all His life, and chose working people to be His Mother and foster-father.
- What is dilegence?
- Diligence in labor is a shield against temptation; thieves do not break into a house full of busy people.
- What is zeal?
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Zeal is fervor for our salvation and for that of others, out of love of God. It manifests itself in the propagation of the faith, the sanctification of souls, and making God better known.
The zealous man talks to God as often as he can in prayer; he does not forget his religious duties. He loses no opportunity in doing good works, and cheerfully makes sacrifices for the love of God. All his works and sufferings he offers to God, for his own salvation as well as for that of others. He works hard, remembering that "The kingdom of heaven has been enduring violent assault, and the violent have been seizing it by force" (Matt. 11: 12).
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