VIRTUOUS LIVING - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

demonstrated in the transformation of the individual and enhancement of the virtuesfor service. Because Christ transcends human reason, He is able to inform, correct,and transform human moral thinking. Moreover, He is the origin dispenser and judgeof our use of virtues.Secondly, Jesus becomes a human being and individual – umuntu. But he has to gofurther to qualify this umuntu. This is the moral transformation of the new Adam.Christ Jesus overcomes human depravity, typified in Adam’s fall. Jesus is umuntuwith ubuntu as demonstrated in his virtuous life. What is more, in Jesus, theindividual’s identity is renewed, from being a slave to sin and the law, to being afriend with God. This is the anticipated moral transformation. It is achieved throughand by imitating Jesus Christ, our moral prototype, we achieve moral transformationand development. He also introduces us into a fellowship of virtuous individuals thenew community of the wise.Thirdly, Jesus Christ is worshipped. This suggests a body of believers - the church. Ofthis church, Christ is the head. Those who have embraced Jesus Christ’s virtuesbecome his body. They are the new community of hope, where goodness, justice, andwisdom are manifested. Jesus Christ, by his wisdom and power, through the enablingof the Holy Spirit, supplies virtues to His body – the new community. By means ofthe Holy Spirit, the body of Christ, the community of character (the good, just, andwise), is constantly reminded of its virtuous vocation. It is also renewed andtransformed to meet the challenges of a changing world, by means of Christ’swisdom, to the glory of God our Father. Amen.329