To know
“The strong people they create their events; the weak “They suffer what destiny imposes on them.” This phrase from the writer Alfred de Vigny (1797-1863) invites us to be protagonists of our life and not get carried away by situations. About the fortress he reflected Pope Francisco. He recalled that the Catechism defines it as the moral virtue that, in difficulties, ensures firmness and perseverance in the pursuit of good. This virtue has an active aspect, necessary to undertake the trials of life, the difficulties that we did not expect, so as not to become scared or discouraged.
To think
One of the most surprising examples of knowing how to overcome adversity was the famous Helen Keller (1880-1968). She became blind and deaf and mute shortly after birth. However, thanks to the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she managed to learn to read and write with the Braille method. With great efforts she was able to make herself understood. She entered university passing the exams with several A’s. She was so determined to study that she read with her fingers until they bled. She graduated at age twenty-four. She continued her studies and learned German, French, Latin and Greek, in addition to the English language. She read classical and modern writers. And if that were not enough, she learned to ride a horse, swim and play chess. And all while being blind and without hearing.
Therefore, he says Pope Francisco, The Fortress takes seriously the challenge of evil in the world. Undaunted, she faces him. Let’s think about our attitude in the face of adversity.
To live
Cultivating the virtue of fortitude helps us to be people who are not afraid or discouraged in the face of trials, rejecting evil and indifference. We must discover in the Gospel the strength of Jesus to always say yes to good and fight for it. Furthermore, strength is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, in addition to making an effort, we can ask God for that gift. And what seemed unattainable, with his help we will achieve it.
More from the same author:
- Virtues and vices (15). True to the given word
- Virtues and vices (14). Eye for an eye?
- Virtues and vices (13). Better than perfect
#Virtues #vices #surprising #person
