Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 5 Gift of Fortitude ( courage).

Come Holy Spirit Series

Come Holy Spirit

 Come Holy Spirit Series: Week 5 — The Gift of Fortitude  “The Strength to Stand, the Grace to Endure”

Welcome back to our Come Holy Spirit series. This week, we meet a gift that some of us know more intimately than others. She’s the steady one. The fire in the bones. The calm in the storm. She doesn’t always make headlines, but when life gets hard, she’s the one who stays.  This is the Gift of Fortitude—also called Courage.

And personally? I’ve always felt that I received a triple dose at Confirmation.

This girl doesn’t often let me down. She has rarely failed me, and even in the one moment where I felt her flicker, a wise priest reminded me that maybe the Spirit was helping me lean into other gifts.

But this week, I come home to her again. And maybe you need her too.

 What Does the Catechism Say About Fortitude?

Q. 389. What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. They are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

(CCC 1830–1831)

 What Is the Gift of Fortitude?

Fortitude is the supernatural courage to do what is right, especially when it's difficult, unpopular, frightening, or exhausting. 

• It is not bravado. 
• It is not recklessness.
• It is not natural toughness or sheer willpower.

Fortitude is:

• Grace to stand firm in faith under trial.
• Courage to speak the truth with love, even when it costs.
• Strength to persevere through long seasons of suffering or silence.
• Steadiness to keep going when others give up.

 Why Do We Need Fortitude?

Our life is full of hills that feel too steep. We need fortitude because truth is often inconvenient, because love is demanding and because discipleship is not always applauded.

Fortitude helps us:

• Push through fear and spiritual fatigue.
• Stay faithful in the face of opposition or temptation.
• Endure with hope when we want to give up.
• Choose Christ again and again—even when it’s hard.

It doesn’t always feel dramatic. Often, it looks like just showing up—to prayer, to Mass, to your vocation—when you could so easily walk away.

 

How Can We Strengthen and Use the Gift of Fortitude?

1. Recall where you’ve already stood strong.

Your past victories in God’s grace are proof He’ll strengthen you again.

2. Pray when you’re weak.

Fortitude grows in the furnace. Pray: “Holy Spirit, I’m scared. Help me take the next step.”

3. Let others strengthen you.

The Spirit often speaks through encouraging words, supportive friends, or even a line in Scripture at just the right moment.

4. Act in small brave ways.

Say the hard thing kindly. Try again. Admit weakness. Ask for help. Stay when it’s easier to run.

5. Don’t confuse weariness with failure.

Fortitude is not never feeling tired. It’s pressing on anyway.

 Scriptures That Speak to Fortitude

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.”

— Deuteronomy 31:6

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

— Philippians 4:13

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not give up.”

— Galatians 6:9

“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.”

— Romans 8:26

 Reflection Question for the Week

Where in my life am I being called to keep going, keep speaking, or keep trusting—when everything in me wants to stop?

 Daily Soul Moments: Fortitude Week

• Sunday: Remember a moment when God gave you unexpected strength. Give thanks.
• Monday: Ask: Where do I feel resistance or fear right now? Offer it to the Spirit.
• Tuesday: Read Deuteronomy 31:6. Let it settle deep into your bones.
• Wednesday: Do one small brave thing today.
• Thursday: Encourage someone else in their battle. Let Fortitude flow through you.
• Friday: Let yourself rest—Fortitude is not about burnout, but rooted strength.
• Saturday: Look back on the week: Where did Fortitude quietly carry you?

 

Closing Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, Gift of Fortitude,

Be my courage when I falter,

My strength when I’m weak,

My resolve when I want to run.

Help me to stand in love, speak with truth, and persevere in hope.

Let me rise again when I fall, and walk with quiet strength wherever You lead.