Fortitude – which is considered as one of the four cardinal virtues – is part of the basic equipment of a soldier. If he does not become courageous, he cannot be counted on in the toughest battles, for fear would take hold of him, so that the situation would become dangerous for all his comrades.
Showing all posts in Reflexion
The virtue of fortitude (Part I)
The readings of the last few days presented us with impressive examples of faith, faithfulness and fortitude. I have therefore decided to dedicate some meditations to the cardinal virtue of fortitude. In these times of turmoil, it is particularly important to aspire to and practice this virtue, in order to be able to resist the various temptations that are presented to us. Let us take as our model those people we met in the readings of the last days, who showed us that obedience and faithfulness to God are above all earthly values and that, with God’s help, it is even possible to overcome fear.
A true conversion
It is with great joy that we look today at St. Augustine, whose conversion brought so much blessing to the Church. We can be sure that the prayer of his mother, St. Monica, and her struggle for him played an important role in Augustine’s finally finding the way to God. He himself wrote down his struggle in his so-called “Confessions”, a book that is always worth reading. He began to write it after the light of faith had shone on him; after he had understood how to live the following of Christ. Read More
MARIAN MEDITATIONS (3/3) – Mary: Bride of the Holy Spirit
Beloved Virgin, how many manifestations of love shine forth in you!
In relation to the Father, we see you as a loving daughter; to the Son you are mother and disciple; to the Holy Spirit you are united in a spousal love.
If already here, in our earthly reality, we are moved by the tender love of a human spouse, and can observe how she blossoms and turns her whole heart and attention to her husband, how much more so is it with you, since your Bridegroom is the Holy Spirit Himself!
MARIAN MEDITATIONS (2/3) – Mary: Mother of the Son
How exalted is the election granted to you, beloved Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ!
With astonishment we note that not only the Son of God Himself was entrusted to you, but also all those who belong to Him and sing the song of the redeemed (cf. Rev 14:3). And even more: you are the Mother of all men, and you become light and consolation for those who return home.
Many people come to you full of trust and appeal to your motherly heart, because they understand that your divine Son hears your pleas. Read More
MARIAN MEDITATIONS (1/3) – Mary: Daughter of the Father
Could one imagine a daughter of the Heavenly Father more enchanting than you, beloved Virgin Mary?
A daughter who so enraptures her Father that He entrusts to her the most precious thing: His beloved Son.
No, there can be no equal to you.
You are the one whom the Lord has chosen. Only God, the Holy One, knows all your beauty, with which He Himself adorned you; and He knows with what joy and tenderness you filled His Heart, seeing you in the splendour of His grace.
NOVENA TO GOD THE FATHER – Day 9: A gift for You, Father!
We are already on the doorstep of the date You proposed for the liturgical Feast in Your honour: the 7th of August or the first Sunday of the same month.
Father, we are always abundantly blessed by You… At some point, we, Your children – in all our weakness – want to give something back to You. We know that the most beautiful thing we can give You is our heart! It must belong to You totally and unreservedly! Read More
NOVENA TO GOD THE FATHER – Day 8: “Whom Shall You Send?”
As You give us to understand, Beloved Father, You are not far away, but very close to us, and You will come even closer, to the extent that we allow You and open our hearts to You.
Since this is so and You call us to infinite trust, knowing that You are watching over all that happens to Your children, we come to You also at this hour of history, to ask You what is currently happening on earth. Read More
NOVENA TO GOD THE FATHER – Day 7: The Anticipation of Heavenly Joy
Dear Father, it is true that only in eternity, as we contemplate You from face to face, will we experience the fullness of happiness, towards which we are heading. There is no doubt about it!
However, it is not that You want us to experience only tribulation until then, even if this sometimes helps us not to enjoy a false happiness. If this were so, Beloved Father, You would not have told us through our friend St. Paul that we should always rejoice (Phil 4:4). Read More
NOVENA TO GOD THE FATHER – Day 6: Your Name Drives Away Darkness
Dear Father, we are often confronted with evil, both within and without us. Sometimes it might even seem that evil triumphs. It appears powerful and tries to obscure our vision and determine our feelings.
To Mother Eugenia You said:
“Do you wish to gain victory over your enemy? Call upon Me and you will triumph over him.” Read More