God, Courage, & COVID: A Thomistic Approach to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic only become exacerbated when these become moral challenges, namely in necessities of discernment, including vaccinations and masking. Theistic courage enables the pursuit of the good by divine intervention of the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to face these challenges guiding them to the best moral outcomes. The individual who both relies on theistic courage and maintains a relationship with God enables for the best possible outcome during COVID-19. This discussion discusses the nature of God and the virtues, namely in regard to how virtues aim the individual towards the good. This discussion recognizes that the highest good is found in God, as the truest form of happiness, and the ultimate form of flourishing is achieved when individuals pursue this love of God. The good, therefore, calls for love of all and this principle allows for patience and understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for resilience and strength in a challenging time. This entire discussion begins with the foundations of God, as well as the structure of the virtues to serve as the underpinnings for discussion pertaining to courage and COVID-19 in a Thomistic approach.