Fortitude

In his book The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis provided an interesting insight into fortitude or courage, namely, that it is exercised only at the moment it is put to the test: “It is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the highest point of reality. A chastity or honesty or mercy that yields to danger will be chaste or honest or merciful only on conditions. Pilate was merciful until it became risky.”

President John F. Kennedy, in his Profiles in Courage, wrote, “Stories of past courage can teach, they can offer hope and provide inspiration. But they cannot supply the courage itself. For this, each person must look into his own soul.”

I would add to that observation a remark about the finishing component of fortitude, namely, that each person must look not only into, but also beyond his own soul, trusting in God, who alone can supply the ultimate crucial fortitude found in true heroism, such as that of martyrs facing the burning stake. Paul provides double advice along this line: First, he says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13, emphasis mine). Then, as an ultimate source of fortitude, he prescribes radical faith as reliance on God--trusting in him, not just in our “courage”: “It is God who makes us . . . stand firm in Christ” (2 Cor 1:21, emphasis mine).

This excerpt is from the book Pathways of Trust, by John H. Hampsch,C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.