The virtue of fortitude, perfected by the gift of the Holy Spirit, allows us to overcome the obstacles that, in one way or another, we will encounter on the path to holiness, but it does not eliminate the weakness inherent in human nature: the fear of danger, the fear of pain, and the fear of fatigue. The strong may be afraid, but they overcome it thanks to love. Precisely because they love, Christians are capable of facing the greatest risks, even if their own sensitivity may feel repugnant not only at the beginning, but throughout the duration of the trial or the attainment of what they love. Fortitude does not always prevent the weaknesses inherent in every created nature.
This virtue leads to the voluntary giving of one's life in witness to the faith, if the Lord so asks. Martyrdom is the supreme act of fortitude, and God has asked it of many faithful throughout the history of the Church. Martyrs have been—and are—the crown of the Church, and further proof of her divine origin and holiness. Every Christian must be willing to give his or her life for Christ if circumstances demand it. The Holy Spirit would then give the strength and courage to face this supreme trial. Normally, however, He will expect from us heroism in small things, in the daily fulfillment of our duties.
Every day we need the gift of fortitude, because every day we must exercise this virtue to overcome our own whims, selfishness, and comfort. We must be steadfast in an environment that will often seem contrary to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, to overcome human respect, to bear a simple but eloquent witness to the Lord, as the Apostles did.
Hablar con Dios