fortitude

Today’s Christian needs the virtue of fortitude in a special way. This virtue, as well as being humanly so attractive, is indispensable given the materialistic mentality of so many people today; it is a mentality that prizes comfort and has a horror of anything that smacks of mortification, renunciation or sacrifice. So every act of virtue contains within it an act of courage, of fortitude; without it we cannot remain faithful to God.

Saint Thomas teaches (St Thomas, Summa Theologiae lI-Il, 123, 6) that this virtue is manifested in two types of acts: to do good without wavering at the prospect of the difficulties and dangers it may entail, and to resist evils and difficulties in such a way that they do not lead us into despondency. In the first case courage and audacity find their true radius of action; in the second case patience and perseverance are called for. Each day presents us with many opportunities for practising these virtues. Overcoming our moods is one of them. Avoiding useless complaints is another. So too is persevering in our work when we feel tired. Smiling when we find it difficult to do so, correcting people when necessary, starting each job at the right time - none of these is easy. Being constant in the apostolate with our relatives and friends even this requires a kind of bravery as well as determination.