The principle and source of the virtues is a good disposition of the will, that is to say, an aspiration for goodness and beauty. God is the source and ground of all supernal goodness. Thus the principle of goodness and beauty is faith or, rather, it is Christ, the rock of faith, who is principle and foundation of all the virtues. On this rock we stand and on this foundation we build every good thing (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11).
Christ is the capstone (cf. Ephesians 2:20) uniting us with Himself. He is the pearl of great price (cf. Matthew 13:46): it is this for which the monk seeks when he plunges into the depths of stillness and it is this for which he sells his own desires through obedience to the commandments, so that he may acquire it even in this life.
~St Gregory of Sinai
Prayerful Life 