Have you heard people say I don’t understand the situation, I give up! Whether it be dealing with a work situation, family relationship, or a project, do we find ourselves thinking those same thoughts?
As Catholics, we have so much to help us move forward. Number one is the grace of God and the blessings we receive as we live as Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You may be thinking, but why would God present to us situations in which we have to keep going through hard times? The modern world would say this is cruel. No, on the contrary, the modern world misses the point, our lives as Christians are not all about this world alone, it is living our faith at every moment with hope.
A Key Virtue in Catholic Life
The virtue of perseverance is a very important tool that we as Catholics have to stay close to Jesus in times of despair and anxiety. The definition of perseverance in the Catholic dictionary is to remain in the state of grace until the end of life. The Church teaches that it is impossible, without the special help of God, to persevere in the state of grace to the end. Let us be thankful for this special help of God, for His grace to help us, and sustain us. We need to choose each day to ask for His grace, and to act upon it.
To help us along, here are some words of wisdom from Saint Anthony Zaccaria:
Before starting activities, offer Jesus a few words of your choosing. Then during your work often lift up your mind to God. You will benefit much and there will be no detriment to your job. First, watch how anything concerning yourself or others is begun. Direct it first to God with any short prayer with which he may inspire you, mentally or also in words that express your thoughts or wishes.
The Link Between Perseverance and Fortitude
This is possible when we persevere, when we endure obstacles with patience, as we implore the help of God’s grace. Perseverance is linked to the virtue of fortitude which comes from the Latin word fortis, meaning “strong,” and in English, it has always been used primarily to describe strength of mind.
One of my daily prayers is to ask for wisdom, knowledge, and fortitude. Fortitude helps us to move forward with deep faith, with hope as we implore the wisdom to make decisions, or the knowledge in responding to challenges.
Lessons from Caring for a Loved One
My husband, Tom, and I recently adopted my 74-year-old cousin who has stage IV lung cancer: a situation least expected! And yet, it has been a lesson about perseverance, patience, fortitude, and of course wisdom in caring for his various needs. Plus, it has taught me a lot about myself, and how much I need to grow in charity, patience, and in fortitude. Perhaps some of us may have a similar situation; and it can become a source of grace for us to learn, to be encouraged to grow in faith.
The Scriptures should give us the hope to persevere, to remain strong:
So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
God’s Plan: Joy, Happiness, and Making a Difference
It is part of God’s plan for us to have a life of joy and happiness. God extends his mercy and love to the world through those who believe in Him, and that means us. We can make a difference in situation by choosing to pray, implore God’s grace, and remain strong. Grow in the virtue of fortitude!
Allow these words of St. Thomas Aquinas be a part of your daily prayer: Grant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you. Amen.
Originally written by Pilgrim Center of Hope for Today's Catholic newspaper.
Mary Jane Fox, D.C.H.S. is Co-Founder & Co-Director of Pilgrim Center of Hope with her husband, Deacon Tom Fox. The two left their careers after a profound conversion experience and began working full-time in ministry at their parish in 1986. After several years and having impacted tens of thousands of families, the Foxes founded Pilgrim Center of Hope in 1993 as a response to the Church’s call for a New Evangelization. Mary Jane is an invested member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Dame of the Holy Sepulchre.
Answering Christ’s call, Pilgrim Center of Hope guides people to encounter Him so as to live in hope, as pilgrims in daily life. See what’s happening & let us journey with you! Visit PilgrimCenterOfHope.org.
