By Fr. Glenn Jones:

I was scrolling through the news the other day and came across a story about a princess from a European royal family soon to be married. The article displayed a file photo of the princess in which she was wearing some jewels which royal families have accumulated over the centuries. Yes, very lovely.

But is true royalty in jewels, a crown, power, a title? Might we define a more  humanistic—a more truly human—royalty of moral goodness rather than through power and possession? All too often we become consumed with what the world teaches that we should want, but neglect that which is truly good …. what God wants of us.

In a world often clouded by self-interest and moral ambiguity, the concept of “moral royalty” emerges as an inspiration—not only to the Christian or to religious, but to the world entire. A universal moral royalty is not the wielding of power or privilege, nor is it about a crown of virtue for all to admire. Rather, it represents a commitment to integrity, compassion, and ethical clarity—a pursuit that elevates both the individual and the society they inhabit.

Moral royalty is about aligning one’s actions with a higher standard of ethics and truth, even when inconvenient or costly. It’s quiet resolve to do what is right, not because of external rewards or recognition, but because of an internal compass that prioritizes truth, justice, and the well-being of others. It’s not confined to mere academics; it’s lived practice, accessible to anyone willing to cultivate it.

The hallmark of moral royalty is integrity, the foundation upon which trust and respect are built, both in personal relationships and in society. A person of moral royalty does not bend their principles under pressure or convenience. Think of the whistleblower who risks their career to expose corruption, or the neighbor who returns a lost wallet despite personal financial struggles. The effects of these acts, and even the courage of the acts themselves, though seemingly small in the grand scheme, ripple outward and strengthen society in general. And integrity demands consistency—acting the same way in private as in public, not compromising values for expediency. Having integrity even when not observed is a hallmark of true character.

Compassion, too, is a pillar of moral royalty. Unlike sympathy, which can be passive, compassion is active—an empathetic drive to alleviate suffering. This quality manifests in both large gestures and everyday kindnesses: visiting the sick and the lonely, or even just cutting the grass or changing lights of the elderly neighbor.  Compassion sees the humanity in others, even those who differ in ideology, background, or circumstance.

Courage is a third essential trait of moral royalty. Ethical excellence often requires standing strong against the current—whether in challenging a harmful cultural norm, confronting injustice, or admitting mistakes. Think of Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat sparked a movement, or those who face online harassment to advocate for change. Moral royalty places principle above personal comfort.

Yet, moral royalty is not about perfection. To err is human, and even the most principled among us falter. What sets moral royalty apart is the commitment to accountability and growth. When mistakes are made, a moral royal owns them, seeks to make amends, and strives to do better. Thus, the innate wisdom of Jesus’ constant call to both forgive and to seek forgiveness of others, for humility guards against self-righteousness.

Ultimately, moral royalty is not an exclusive to saints; it’s a calling open to anyone willing to prioritize integrity, compassion, and courage in their daily lives. It’s a parent teaching their child to share, a coworker who refuses to gossip, a citizen who votes with conscience, the friend who helps another friend or even a stranger. Such acts, though often unseen, weave a true and lasting tapestry of trust and goodness that sustains the world.

All these virtues underlie a true Christian faith—integrity, compassion, the necessity of courage. And yet we Christians are called to go even further—like Jesus, sacrificing ourselves for those around us. As St. Paul urges: “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.” (Colossians 3:12-13) And as Jesus declared (and demonstrated by His own example), “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13)—the absolute pinnacle of true royalty.

To aspire to moral royalty is to embrace a lifelong journey full of challenge, but also of fulfillment. It requires discipline, self-awareness, and a willingness to act even when the gate is narrow and the way is hard, for that is the path that leads to life. It’s not about being perfect but about striving for excellence … a timeless ideal to live not for oneself alone, but for the betterment of all. Those choosing this path are crowned not with gold, but with the enduring legacy of a life well-lived—in the eyes of the world, yes, but infinitely more important, in the eyes of God.

Editor’s note: Rev. Glenn Jones is the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and former pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Los Alamos.