Sacrament Of ConfirmationНамуна

Fortitude

“The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Christians are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.” (CCC1845)

The gift of fortitude is also commonly called the gift of courage.  The Catechism says, “Fortitude ensures firmness in difficulties and constancy in the pursuit of the good.” (CCC1837)  To have fortitude, or to be courageous, enables us to really live a life of radical faith.  Fortitude gives us the courage to do what we know to be right no matter the cost.  It is the liberating, extreme sport equivalent, of the confirmation gifts.

Standing up for what you know to be right, speaking up for the excluded, the poor, the unpopular, can be exhilarating  - but it can also cost you friendships and popularity in school and in the workplace.  Being the prophetic voice is a brave answer to God’s call and it takes this gift of the Holy Spirit to truly live it out and have the strength to deal with the consequences.  The disciple who fully lives out of the strength of this gift is a world changer and a saint in the making.

As you pray today consider where you need to be more courageous.  Where have you seen things happening that are wrong that you could speak out about or act in a way that they will change?  Pray that the Holy Spirit will be your courageous companion and give you all you need to build the kingdom.