Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy: Take Courage – Wait for the Lord

By Fr. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap., The Catholic Thing, December 1, 2024

Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, a prolific writer and one of the most prominent living theologians, is a former member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission. His newest book is the third volume of Jesus Becoming Jesus: A Theological Interpretation of the Gospel of John: The Book of Glory and the Passion and Resurrection Narratives.

In the Office of Readings recently, a second-century anonymous author exhorted his readers to “take courage.”  This counsel brought to mind an event from my distant past that still resonates as we begin this Advent season.

I was about to begin my doctrinal studies at King’s College, and it was dark when I arrived at our Capuchin friary in the borough of Peckham in southeast London.  When I was shown my room, I immediately looked out the window to see my view over the next three years.  Across the way, was a pub.  Blazing above its door, in big red neon letters, was the phrase: “Take Courage.”

One of the friars informed me that that pub sold a beer called “Courage,” and so the brewery’s motto, “Take Courage.” I took it as a providential sign as I was about to study for my D. Phil.  I also, over the years, imbibed a pint or two of Courage, though I found that it did not make me more courageous. ….