From the Modern Catholic Dictionary by Fr. John Hardon:
FORTITUDE. Firmness of spirit. As a virtue, it is a steadiness of will in doing good in spite of difficulties faced in the performance of one’s duty.
There are two levels to the practice of fortitude: one is the suppression of inordinate fear and the other is the curbing of recklessness. The control of fear is the main role of fortitude. Hence the primary effect of fortitude is to keep unreasonable fears under control and not allow them to prevent one from doing what one’s mind says should be done. But fortitude or courage also moderates rashness, which tends to lead the headstrong to excess in the face of difficulties and dangers. It is the special virtue of pioneers in any endeavor.As a human virtue, fortitude is essentially different from what has come to be called animal courage. Animals attack either from pain, as when they are wounded, or from fear of pain, as when they go after humans because they are angered, whom they would leave alone if they were unmolested. They are not virtuously brave, for they face danger from pain or rage or some other sense instinct, not from choice, as do those who act with foresight. True courage is from deliberate choice, not mere emotion. (Etym. Latin fortitudo, strength; firmness of soul; courage of soul.)
To get us started in keeping track of points for our conquest game, below I completed a list of things we could do in our daily lives that might help us to grow in fortitude. I'm sure you will think of other things you could do as well. We should always keep in mind that any strength we have comes from God, not ourselves. Since fortitude is one of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost, we should ask for growth in this glorious virtue.
1. To continue on a project you have been given that is not going well, or that you don't like.
2. To get out of bed at the first sound of your alarm when you want to keep sleeping.
3. To go to bed before it gets late at night, even though you would like to continue surfing the internet.
4. To not complain or try to get out of a difficult project.
5. To finish a project on time even when it requires extra focus and dedication.
6. To finish what you start.
7. To learn a new skill that will help you perform better at your job.
8. To follow the teachings of the Catholic Church, even when it's tough, and others stand in your way.
9. To respond with true charity and meekness when ridiculed by others.
10. To stand for truth when it might cost you.
11. To defend someone else even though it may hurt how you look in others' eyes.
12. To have the courage to look at your own shortcomings when you are tempted to be critical of others.
13. To smile and say hi to those you don't want to smile at.
14. To spend time with those you find difficult, while trying to see Christ in them.
15. To help someone with something when you don't want to help them.
16. To resist the urge to treat others disrespectfully.
17. To resist the urge to participate in gossip.
18. To resist despair or thoughts that may cause you to give up what you should continue.
19. To resist the temptation to worry about things.
20. To resist the urge to become angry at someone
21. To overcome the fear of going to confession.
22. To overcome the fear of seeking counsel.
23. To overcome the fear the fear of being incompetent.
24. To do or learn something new, knowing that it will take you out of your comfort zone.
25. To make short prayers of trust when you are lacking in trust or doubting our Lord's help.
26. To see your crosses as blessings and to thank the Lord for them, uniting them to His cross for the salvation of souls.
27. To fight against temptations from the devil.
28. To say your daily prayers and to spend time in mental prayer even when you don't feel like it.
29. To resist the urge to stop doing something that is tough, when you know it is God's will for you.
30. To keep promises, commitments, and resolutions you have made, and to resist any temptations to back out.
31. To fight against any type of evil in the world knowing the cross will come because of it.
32. To make a prayer of resignation to God's will when you are enduring any kind of suffering.
33. To continue to make acts of love in mental prayer even though you are experiencing dryness.
34. To resist temptations to stop mental prayer early or allow your mind to wander during mental prayer.
35. To ask God or His saints to help you to grow in fortitude.
Death of Judas Maccabeus by José Teófilo de Jesus (1758–1847)
2 Machabees 6:31
Thus did this man die, leaving not only to young men, but also to the whole nation, the memory of his death for an example of virtue and fortitude.
Thus did this man die, leaving not only to young men, but also to the whole nation, the memory of his death for an example of virtue and fortitude.
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