The Virtue Series: Courage Part 1

The Virtue Series: Courage Part 1

So far in this series called the Virtues, we have first explored as an overview what the virtues are and how they are important to our lives. Then we have explored wisdom and justice over 4 weeks. If you have missed these posts, why not have a look.

Let us continue the journey of exploration on the virtue of Courage.

Courage is the virtue that enables us to know and confront our fear and do good for the sake of doing good.  When we are courageous, we feel fear and yet do not allow ourselves to be mastered by it.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:

' Courage not only helps us withstand temptations, but it also "strengthens the resolve" to resist then and pursue holiness' (para 1808).

Courage, in its ultimate test, is readiness to die rather than to deny Christ or commit a mortal sin. The martyrs in both the Old and New Testament were asked to make the ultimate test and accepted willingly.  We too have to use the virtue of courage in our daily lives and be prepared to take the ultimate test, albeit in the small and tedious ways of our lives. On a personal note, this virtue is one I use on a regular basis as I care for my elderly mother, as I learn to cope with the new challenges caring for her presents each day.  I certainly feel the fear, and yet with God's help do not allow myself to be mastered by it.

What does Scripture add to our understanding of this virtue?  

·                     Proverbs 28.1: The righteous are as bold as lions.

·                     Philippians 1:27-28: We are not frightened by our opponents.

·                     2 Timothy 1:7: God does not give a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power, love and self-control.

As Catholics, we need to exercise all the virtues- not only a few as each of them build and rely on one another. In order to be courageous, we need above all the virtue of wisdom, since this is the prerequisite of courage.  It is important to know the good for which one is willing to suffer which is revealed and known through the virtue of wisdom.  

In 2 Timothy 3:10-15, St Paul encouraged his disciple Timothy to endure suffering with the reminder of what he had been taught by word and example.    We too must know the good for which we are willing to suffer through the virtue of wisdom and carried out through the virtue of courage. The virtue of courage enables us to patiently endure hardships for the sake of the good.  Courage, however, is not exercised when one suffers for the sake of suffering or is reckless with life.

In this season of Lent we need to use the virtue of courage as we make our inner journey of repentance.  It takes courage for us to face our sins and weaknesses. God is inviting us personally to demonstrate greater courage in our spiritual lives. This might be achieved by:

·                     Making a thorough examination of conscience, taking note of the patterns of strengths and weaknesses.

·                     Developing a practical plan and having the support and accountability of a spiritual director to address our weaknesses.

·                     Putting the plan into action supported by the grace acquired through the sacraments ( Holy Mass and the Sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation and personal and communal prayer).

If you need the virtue of courage to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, then why not explore this sacrament further.  In my own preparations for World Youth Day in 2008, I decided to explore this sacrament as if I was receiving it for the first time.  This personal faith development plan bore fruit and it released me of my unnecessary fear and anxiety around this sacrament.  I have found these two resources most helpful and have continued to benefit from it.

Next week we will continue to explore further the virtue of courage.  May you find ways to practice and develop this virtue in your life this week