Continuing our series on the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, we move on from fear of the Lord to fortitude. Here is the definition of fortitude I gave in my introduction to this series.
Fortitude is connected to counsel, because it gives us the grace to follow through on the counsel we receive. It gives us the strength to do what needs to be done, even if it involves possible suffering.
Counsel allows us to judge what to do in a given circumstance.
Sometimes, what we must do is very difficult. The gift of fortitude gives us the strength to do that, even if what we must do goes beyond the human level.
The gift of fortitude gives us the ability to face things that cause us stress, put us in danger, or even cause our death, if enduring those things is of benefit to our eternal salvation. It allows us to endure trails and difficulties that come from being faithful to the will of God. It even gives us certain gladness in suffering for the faith. The martyrs are great examples of ones who have this grace operative in them to a high degree.
What does this gift do to us, which allows us to do all of the above?
1) It gives us relentless vigor in the practice of virtue. Living virtuously as we know in today's world is difficult, requiring strength. This gift gives us that strength.
2) It helps us overcome lukewarmness in living our faith.
3) It tempers our fears, whatever they may be of.
4) It enables our souls to suffer with patience and joy, and it gives the soul the quality of heroism in great and in small things.
To dispose us to receive this gift, we can:
1) Engage in prayer and recollection (like we did with fear of the Lord.)
2) Recognize that our strength comes from God, not ourselves.
3) Practice fortitude in circumstances of our lives by performing our duties as we are supposed to do them, when we need to do them. This way, when duties call for something even more heroic, we will be more disposed to do it.
4) Do not ask for crosses to be removed from our life. Rather, embrace them.
5) Make purposeful small sacrifices on a regular basis for a special intention, like the souls in purgatory. This will dispose us more to be ready when the time comes to make larger sacrifices.
The gift of the Holy Spirit that is fortitude perfects the cardinal virtue of fortitude. They are similar, but distinct, in that the virtue of fortitude is a disposition to be firm and constant in the pursuit of good whereas the gift gives us the grace to do extraordinary things like suffer martyrdom or some other severe punishment (i.e. torture) for the sake of Christ. This gift allows us to do supernatural things. It gives energy, enthusiasm, and vitality to the virtue of fortitude.
Life is hard. Christian life is especially hard. How, then, can we make sense of the words of Our Lord when he says, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matthew 11:30).
The answer to that hard question is actually pretty simple. It is this gift of fortitude. It allows to ensure all kinds of suffering with an ease and a tranquility, and even a joy, that may or may not surprise us (depending on how far along the spiritual path we are), but will definitely surprise our adversaries, both the devils within, and the devils without.
Joseph most strong, pray for us.
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