Reflection
Moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition or discouragement. It is the conviction that we are to be guided by conscience despite those, no matter their position, who may try to influence our thinking or behavior. This type of courage is needed whenever we confront a difficult or disturbing situation. Moral courage motivates us to do the right thing, to take a stand for some strongly held moral principle or spiritual value despite the personal price or public opinion. It comes from within. It is something without which we can have no real self-esteem. Living in the present time, we desperately need to have moral courage.
Prayer
May I always have the courage to discern and choose what is right.
Action
Where in our present situation do you see moral courage? Where do you see its lack? How do you react? Are you willing to give the expectation of others authority over your own conscience? How do you discern what is the right course of behavior?
Suggested Reading
Why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience?
1 Corinthians 10:2
And keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.
1 Peter 3:16
We must force ourselves to grow into an inclusive and incarnate discernment, which dialogues with the consciences of the faithful — that are to be formed and not replaced in a process of patient and courageous accompaniment.
Pope Francis
Every judgement of conscience, be it right or wrong, be it about things evil in themselves or morally indifferent, is obligatory, in such wise that he who acts against his conscience always sins.
Thomas Aquinas
It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.
Albert Einstein
The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.
Margaret Chase Smith
If there is anything that links the human to the divine, it is the courage to stand by a principle when everybody else rejects it.
Abraham Lincoln
I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashion.
Lillian Hellman
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.
Frederick Douglass
The truth won’t set us free – until we develop the skills and the habit and the talent and the moral courage to use it.
Margaret Heffernan
It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.
Mark Twain