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."
"A person who rails at God in adversity, suffers without merit; moreover by his lack of resignation he adds to his punishment in the next life and experiences greater disquietude of mind in this life."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
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"A tree that is cultivated and guarded through the care of its owner produces its fruit at the expected time.
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St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church
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"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP
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