We all admire people , who in some way,, exhibit the virtue of fortitude, better known as courage. Sometimes we envy them to the point of aspiring to imitate their actions. This is one desire that all of us have in common.
encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage. We can apply this definition to the 87 year old Mother Teresa, who after suffering from heart problems, still managed to care for the poor of Calcutta. John F. Kennedy Jr. said of Mother Teresa in his comments which appeared under the headline, "A Mother Like No Other": "Mother's hands with thick arthritic knuckles, looked as if they were made of clumps of wood, and were disproportionately large for her tiny body. They were restless like a young persons. I remember wondering how much suffering must have seeped into those fingers."
The new Catechism of the Catholic Church states first of all that fortitude is the moral virtue that ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good. An example that comes to mind here would be Father Damien who persevered in treating the lepers of Molokai. Secondly, fortitude also strengthens the resolution to resist temptations and to overcome obstacles. Anyone, who has attended an AA Meeting has realized the courage it takes for those individuals to stay in control. Thirdly, this virtue helps to conquer fear even the fear of death, and to face trials and persecutions. We certainly can remember Bishop Romero who was assassinated while saying Mass because of his fight for peace and justice. Finally, the Catechism teaches us that fortitude disposes one even to renounce and sacrifice his life in defense of a just cause. Pro-Lifers who demonstrate their concern at an Abortion Clinic really exemplify courage. The following passages from the Bible will describe the motive behind all those brave deeds. "The Lord is my strength and my salvation" from Psalm II 8: 14 and "In the world you have trouble, but take courage, I have overcome the world" from John 16:33.
Father Groeschel refers to fortitude as the ability to endure. He says that people who take God seriously are required to have courage especially in today's world. "Don't be afraid to be one of the few, he tells us, for great changes are brought about by the few." Some of us are involved in jail ministry. It can be very frustrating at times. Yet, we continue to do it knowing that God is the only one who can work miracles. The virtue of fortitude is helping us in our work. We hope we are bringing the inmates some comfort by showing them that we care. "All things are possible in Him who strengthens me."
In the Bible, there are numerous examples of fortitude. One is the Roman centurion who approached Jesus and asked Him to cure his servant. Another one is the woman suffering from hemorrhage who made her way through the crowd in order to touch the hem of Jesus 'garment trusting that she would be cured. Then, there's John the Baptist who dared to tell Herod that he had no right to be living with his brother's wife. We are reminded in John 15: 18 that "If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first."
There are also many people whose actions spell out courage in their everyday life. They may not be well known, outstanding or in the news, nevertheless, they deserve some recognition, Such are the following: a father who works hard every day to provide for his family, a single mother who over-exerts herself for her children in order to make ends meet, someone with a terminal sickness who still has hope and even encourages others, a pastor who is over worked and continues to shepherd his flock. parents who never stop loving their children in spite of their violent behavior and their constant dependence for financial support. All those ordinary people are living proofs of determination, and perseverance but above all courage that comes from God.
Life is a constant struggle with good and evil as St. Paul explains in his letter to the Romans 7:19, " For I do not do the good I want but I do the evil I do not want." Even a saint and leader of the Church like Peter, struggled to conquer sin in his life. He abandoned Jesus in his time of trial, denying Him three times. But Peter, unlike Judas who also betrayed his Master, did not give up the struggle. Like Peter, we can be victorious, never allowing sin to have a permanent hold on us, because we can call upon the spirit of God who dwells within us to fill us with fortitude.
The following prayer, written by Father Benedict Groeschel, calls upon the spirit of
God for help.
0 Holy Spirit, come upon us now in this difficult and dark time. Open our hearts and minds to your truth.. Strengthen our wills to resist evil and to do good. Give us eyes to see your presence even where evil seems to triumph. Heal our wounds and undo the efforts of our sinfulness. Then your Church, your temple of living stones, will be seen as a safe refuge in the storms that break over the world.
Paula LeBlanc & Cecile Gauthier
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