There is no courage without fear.
Courage doesn’t mean we aren’t afraid. In fact, an action isn’t truly courageous unless fear is present. The courageous person does the right thing because it’s right — even while afraid to do it.
In a similar way, we might assume that living a holy, virtuous life means eventually outgrowing temptation. That if we just grow enough spiritually, temptation fades away. That’s not true either. Spiritual growth only happens in the face of resistance. The saints are a testament to this — the holier they became, the fiercer the battle.
We will be tempted every day. We will be tempted until our final breath. The question is what we do when temptation comes. Do we strike back with a virtuous act — courageously, even when it’s hard? Or do we give in to the vices that poke and prod us?
Let us pray. Lord, give us courage — not the absence of fear, but the strength to do what is right in spite of it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Keep fighting the good fight. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
