Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. We have considered fortitude as a virtue. We are tospeak of fortitude now as one of the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost.Fortitude as a virtue disposes a person to firmness in good,despite great dangers. Fortitude as a gift of God moves a man tosteadfastness in perils, and gives him confident hope of eternalfife at the last. The gift makes the exercise of the virtue easier,richer, more confident.
2. The gift of fortitude moves man to virtuous living,which is difficult, and gives him a spiritual desire for "theworks of justice" (as virtuous deeds in general are called).This spiritual desire is comparable to the bodily desire of a manfor food and drink. Thus, the gift of fortitude stands incorrespondence with the fourth beatitude (Matt. 5:6): "Blessedare they that hunger and thirst after justice."
"If, devout soul, it is your will to please God and live a life of serenity in this world, unite yourself always and in all things to the divine will. Reflect that all the sins of your past wicked life happened because you wandered from the path of God's will. For the future, embrace God's good pleasure and say to him in every happening: "Yea, Father, for so it hath seemed good in thy sight." "
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"Obedience is the true holocaust which we sacrifice to God on the altar of our hearts."
St Philip Neri
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"Men should often renew their good resolutions, and not lose heart because they are tempted against them."
St Philip Neri
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