Abbey-Roads2

Courage

Courage is related to the virtue of fortitude.  As Garrigou-Lagrange writes; “Fortitude is the moral virtue which strengthens the soul in the pursuit of the difficult good so that it does not allow itself to be shaken by the greatest obstacles.  It should dominate the fear of danger, fatigue, criticism, and all that would paralyze our efforts toward the good.  It prevents a man from capitulating in a cowardly manner when he should fight - it also moderates audacity and untimely exaltation which would drive him to temerity.”-  III Ages 

As one considers the meaning of these terms on a deeper spiritual level, keeping in mind that what is most important in life is our sanctification and the salvation of souls, a person may more easily put into perspective some of the moral struggles each of us face in our pilgrimage.  While recognizing the need for divine grace; through perseverance in prayer, penance, and above all, the sacraments.

“The principle act of fortitude is endurance…” - St. Thomas

“Fortitude has two principal acts: to undertake courageously and to endure difficult things.  The Christian should endure them for the love of God; it is more difficult to endure for a long time than, in  moments of enthusiasm (fervor), to undertake something difficult.” - III Ages

This is often the case when one is required to live chastely and celibately, especially if one is inclined to habits  of auto-eroticism, or temptations associated with same sex attraction, and/or fantasizes or acts out homosexually.  Such a battle can be long and difficult for the young, and requires patient endurance, even if in one’s first fervor one was initially confident he had overcome these tendencies.  Nevertheless, as the philosopher says, if a man is overcome in his battle(s), “he is to be pardoned if he struggles against them.”

“Fortitude is accompanied by patience to endure the sorrows of life without being disturbed and without murmuring (without self-pity), by longanimity which endures trials for a long time, and by constancy in good, which is opposed to obduracy in evil.”- III Ages 

The vice of effeminacy and perseverance.

It is very difficult for the effeminate to endure the long struggle against inordinate affection and avoid sins against chastity.  I believe the primary cause of failure can be attributed to the degree of attachment to the pleasures derived from sinful sexual and/or emotional gratification, as well as the lack of courage to persevere in the struggle against it.  I found the following from St. Thomas Aquinas on the subject:

“…Perseverance is deserving of praise because thereby a man does not forsake a good on account of long endurance of difficulties and toils: and it is directly opposed to this, seemingly, for a man to be ready to forsake a good on account of difficulties which he cannot endure. This is what we understand by effeminacy, because a thing is said to be “soft” if it readily yields to the touch. Now a thing is not declared to be soft through yielding to a heavy blow, for walls yield to the battering-ram. Wherefore a man is not said to be effeminate if he yields to heavy blows. Hence the Philosopher says (Ethic. vii, 7) that “it is no wonder, if a person is overcome by strong and overwhelming pleasures or sorrows; but he is to be pardoned if he struggles against them.” Now it is evident that fear of danger is more impelling than the desire of pleasure: wherefore Tully says (De Offic. i) under the heading “True magnanimity consists of two things: It is inconsistent for one who is not cast down by fear, to be defeated by lust, or who has proved himself unbeaten by toil, to yield to pleasure.” Moreover, pleasure itself is a stronger motive of attraction than sorrow, for the lack of pleasure is a motive of withdrawal, since lack of pleasure is a pure privation. Wherefore, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. vii, 7), properly speaking an effeminate man is one who withdraws from good on account of sorrow caused by lack of pleasure, yielding as it were to a weak motion. - St. Thomas  

“When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials.” 

From this exposition, it seems to me we might more easily understand why a man would abandon the struggle and give into homosexual inclination, or even return to such a lifestyle.  Many do not realize the cost, much less the long duration the struggle sometimes requires, and they succumb to the erroneous belief it (gay life) is God’s will.  “Do not then surrender your confidence; it will have great reward.  You need patience to do God’s will and receive what he has promised.” - Hebrews 10: 35-36 

(Please understand, I’m using the word effeminate in more philosophical/theological terms.  Effeminacy is a vice opposed to manliness, as cowardice is to courage.  Although I do reference it in connection with homosexuality, I do so only to show how it is opposed to the virtue of fortitude and magnanimity.  It is not to be confused with, or limited to, modern definitions associated with outward feminine mannerisms or behavior.)

Art:  St. Sebastian, Martyr.  If Sebastian is to be a patron for people who suffer homosexual tendencies - then he ought to represent the virtue of fortitude and perseverance needed to give testimony to a truth of faith and the grandeur of Christian virtue, lived in opposition to transitory worldly values.