He gives power to the faint, abundant strength to the weak (Isaiah 40:29).
Fortitude, or courage, is often associated with the willingness to face physical danger. Fortitude is especially associated with the willingness to defend those you love. But let’s take this to a higher level. The Christian understanding of fortitude, while including physical courage, is not limited to that. Fortitude strengthens the will so that we make the right choice even when faced with great difficulty. Practicing the Christian virtue of fortitude is often about the far less dramatic task of remaining committed to putting one foot in front of the other, like participating in weekly Sunday Mass, praying regularly, and performing acts of charity. It is not easy. However, fortitude in the face of tedium and weariness will eventually lead to the victory of being in heaven with God. Recall what Jesus tells us, The one who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).
Prayer for Fortitude
Dear Jesus, lay Your hand upon my head, and teach me to have courage in the paths that I must tread. Bless me, and bless those whom I love, and give us grace to see these crosses bravely borne by us will keep us close to You. And if at times a shadow falls in unexpected ways, put Your gentle Hand in mine and guide me through the days. So bless my people, one and all, with Your protecting grace, and impart to them Your wisdom until they meet You face to face. Amen.
David J. Conrad
Fortitude, or courage, is often associated with the willingness to face physical danger. Fortitude is especially associated with the willingness to defend those you love. But let’s take this to a higher level. The Christian understanding of fortitude, while including physical courage, is not limited to that. Fortitude strengthens the will so that we make the right choice even when faced with great difficulty. Practicing the Christian virtue of fortitude is often about the far less dramatic task of remaining committed to putting one foot in front of the other, like participating in weekly Sunday Mass, praying regularly, and performing acts of charity. It is not easy. However, fortitude in the face of tedium and weariness will eventually lead to the victory of being in heaven with God. Recall what Jesus tells us, The one who perseveres to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).
Prayer for Fortitude
Dear Jesus, lay Your hand upon my head, and teach me to have courage in the paths that I must tread. Bless me, and bless those whom I love, and give us grace to see these crosses bravely borne by us will keep us close to You. And if at times a shadow falls in unexpected ways, put Your gentle Hand in mine and guide me through the days. So bless my people, one and all, with Your protecting grace, and impart to them Your wisdom until they meet You face to face. Amen.
David J. Conrad
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