THE VIRTUE OF FORTITUDE

I. Fortitude involves the willingness to be firm and steadfast in the pursuit of a good goal despite difficulties and dangers. CCC 188.

II. One aspect of fortitude involves the balance between the passions of fear and daring. Fear, as St. Thomas says, is based on love; we fear losing what we love. Daring is the desire to take on risks and challenges. Neither is inherently good or evil, but rather, are the passions about which fortitude deals.

III. Fortitude also operates by being consistent in the pursuit of a good goal despite difficulties, delays and struggles.

IV. Fortitude is also a gift of the Holy Spirit.