The gift of Fortitude removes timidity and fear of human of respect. It strengthens the soul to hate sin and to practice virtue. This gift gives us courage to undertake great sacrifices for our salvation and to defend Jesus Christ in word and deed, even unto death. Fortitude gives us the grace to remain steadfast in prayer, especially when sensible consolations cease.
St. John of the Cross states in the Living Flame of Love Stanza 2 #27:And here it ought to be pointed out why so few reach this high state of perfect union with God. It should be known that the reason is not that God wishes only a few of these spirits to be so elevated, he would rather want all to be perfect, but he finds few vessels that will endure so lofty and sublime a work. Since he tries them in little things and finds them so weak that they immediately flee from work, unwilling to be subject to the least discomfort and mortification...they are in need of greater constancy and fortitude than they showed.
Souls who possess the gift of Fortitude pick up their cross and follow Jesus on the narrow road. They imitate the Savior whom they follow. He becomes their strength and their courage. They imitate him who was obedient, even unto death.
The Carmelite, or anyone who is traveling the road of contemplative prayer must struggle courageously against Satan who wishes to deter us from our goal of union with the Holy Trinity. And while we may not be tempted to grave sin, it is the small imperfections and daily dying to our egos that require heroic Fortitude to continue each day to remain faithful to a life of virtue and prayer.
Before canonization the saints are scrutinized to see if they possess ALL the virtues and gifts of the Spirit, for you can not have one without the other. The soul in the Unitive Way (spiritual marriage) possess the Gift and Virtue of Fortitude.
Becoming holy is not for the faint-of-heart. It's back-breaking spiritual work!
A short examen in the light of Fortitude:
*Do I fear criticism or ridicule because of my Catholic faith?
*Have I ceased to pray due to a lack of real effort on my part or because of dryness or lack of sensible consolation?
*Have I failed to respond to the Lord's invitation to a deeper, intimate friendship with him?
*Do I desire to detach myself from sin?
*Am I afraid of self-denial, penance, and mortification?
*Do I pray only when I feel like it?
In order to possess heroic virtue and the gifts of the Spirit we must die to ourselves. Let us pray for each other that we bury our ego six feet under and not grieve the loss. For to die to ourselves is to gain Christ!
Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, ocds
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